Johns rips into waves as well as rugby defences (From Warrington Guardian)

Johns rips into waves as well as rugby defences

ANDREW 'Joey' Johns is as comfortable with his feet on a surfboard as he is with a rugby ball in his hands.

And he proves to be just as popular with spectators on the beachfront as he is in EnergyAustralia Stadium, the home of Newcastle Knights.

Johns, the best rugby league player in the world who will be making his debut for Warrington Wolves on Saturday, September 10, has been wowing Knights and worldwide audiences with his dominant rugby skills for the past 11 years.

But it is not as well known outside of Australia that Johns is an outstanding talent in the surf too.

'Joey' can often be seen spending his spare time at Newcastle's Merewether Beach, which is home of the four-times world surfing champion Mark Richards.

Surfing photographer Gary Hill, who runs the website www.surfingzoo.com in Newcastle - Australia's sixth-largest city - said: "He is a great bloke and he loves big waves. He mainly surfs at Merewether Beach and Dixon Park Beach, and everyone just stops and watches him."

It is felt that Johns' surfing qualities - particularly balance and agility - will be of benefit to him in rugby league.

Hill said: "He does surf really well. It is a passion with him and he gets out in the surf with all the locals, and he is well liked and respected.

"Surfing would play a great part in his professional football career as it keeps him very fit."

Hill has no doubt Johns will be an instant hit in Warrington.

He said: "Joey has been hailed as one of the best footballers ever. He is a very popular Newcastle icon and he will do your town proud, as he has done ours. Congratulations on getting him over there, but don't forget to send him back as Newcastle still needs him."