Johns brothers set aside long-running feud in stunning mutiny against Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien: ‘When Andrew Johns talks, people listen’

They may have spent the majority of 2023 locked in a bitter feud, but the Johns brothers have found a common enemy in Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien.

Andrew and Matthew Johns are both premiership-winning Newcastle legends and have worked extensively with the club since their playing days ended.

But despite being brothers, they don’t always see eye to eye and a public feud broke out last year when Matthew appeared to show his support for Queensland at State of Origin time.

Matthew praised Maroons coach Billy Slater, which earned the ire of ‘Joey’ Johns.

‘Slater is close to the best coach in the world. You just know how he explains, how he coaches, the intricacies, the players absolutely love him,” Matthew said at the time.

“Queensland knows exactly how they are going to play and who they need to pick to make that happen.”

Joey replied, “Put on your Maroon jersey, you should have that at home. Just because you’ve played four games and lost four doesn’t mean you can’t take NSW.”

Newcastle premiership winner and eighth Immortal Andrew Johns gave his former club some advice after a big loss to the Bulldogs

Knights coach Adam O’Brien dismissed the advice and said England recruit Will Pryce is not ready for first grade

Matthew Johns defended his brother on his podcast despite the brothers being involved in a long-running feud in 2023

That feud lasted well into 2023, when Matthew was blocked from Andrew’s 52nd birthday, while Joey also quit his spot on SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns programme.

However, the Johns brothers are now firmly united, with both lining up to take shots at the Newcastle coach following the Knights’ 32-2 round 13 loss to the Bulldogs.

That lack of attacking power prompted Andrew to call up England recruit Will Pryce for his NRL debut.

“They’ve got to pull the trigger next week… they’ve got to make a decision because Cogger and also Hastings haven’t had any speed in the way they’ve been playing,” Johns said.

‘There is no power or running threat, and all movements and passes have been sideways.

‘Next week they have to bring in Will Pryce. There may be flaws in his game, but they have to do something.”

Jackson Hastings (center) has struggled to lead the Knights around the park at several points this season

Johns wants Will Pryce injected into the side to replace or assist Hastings and halves partner Jack Cogger (pictured)

O’Brien reported he ignored calls from eighth Immortal and still opted for Hastings and Cogger in the club’s loss to Melbourne on Sunday.

He also dismissed Andrew’s suggestions during the post-match press conference following the Bulldogs’ loss.

“Honestly, I think Will is still learning the game here. “I don’t know how many games Joey has seen of the NSW Cup, but he (Pryce) hasn’t had many good games in a row,” he said.

Matthew then rushed in to defend his brother despite their recent long-running feud, saying the Knights should show more respect to a club legend on The Matty Johns Podcast.

‘Let me clarify this. Me and Joey fight about a lot of things. Surprise. Surprise,” Matthew said.

‘He [Joey] said after the match: ‘It’s time to give Will Pryce a try.’ Now Will Pryce is a young player they brought in from England. He is the son of Leon Pryce. His father was a great player.

‘Will is a great football player. He’s raw, but Joey said, ‘It’s time to give him a chance.’

‘He plays in the halves. He can play fullback. I actually think they should give him a shot at number 14 [on the bench]. And just let him have a little taste of it.

England recruit Will Pryce is playing in the reserve grade competition of the NSW Cup

Will is the son of England great Leon Pryce, who played for England seven times and represented Great Britain 17 times

“Listen, like I said before, I can prank Joey just as well as anyone. And that’s okay, because we have the same blood running through our veins,” Matthew continued.

“But Adam, it’s Joey Johns. The name is on the stands. Listen to the advice. There you go.

“When Andrew Johns talks, people listen. I mean, I don’t, but people are listening.”

Matthew Johns confirmed in August that they had still not resolved their issues, but reports suggest their relationship has improved over the summer.