NEWCASTLE’s Matty Johns ends fued with brother

In a touching turn of events, Newcastle Knights legend Matthew Johns has revealed how a family intervention, led by his eldest son Jack, brought an end to a year-long feud with his brother, fellow rugby league icon Andrew “Joey” Johns.

The feud, which began during the 2023 State of Origin series, saw the brothers at odds over Matthew’s public praise for Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater. This praise did not sit well with Andrew, a staunch New South Wales Blues supporter and former player. The disagreement played out on SEN radio’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns, where Andrew sharply criticised his brother, leading to a significant strain in their relationship.

For months, the brothers did not speak, with Andrew even quitting the radio show. Many believed the rift would eventually blow over, but it took a more profound emotional moment to prompt reconciliation.

While hosting the Matty & The Missile podcast from the Paris Olympics, Matthew shared how the success of Olympic gold-medal-winning sisters Jess and Noemie Fox made him reflect on his own family. Seeing the Fox sisters embrace each other after their victories struck a chord with Matthew, prompting thoughts about his fractured relationship with Andrew.

Matthew recounted how his son Jack, a former player for the Rabbitohs and the Knights, orchestrated a meeting between the two brothers. One Sunday afternoon, Jack asked his father to go for a drive. Initially reluctant, Matthew agreed and soon realised where they were headed as they crossed the Harbour Bridge.

“So I’m sitting at the front of Andrew’s home, and I say, ‘Mate, C’mon’. And Jack said, ‘Get the f*** up there,'” Matthew recalled. Encouraged by his son’s determination, Matthew went to his brother’s door, and the two embraced, marking the beginning of their reconciliation.

Matthew acknowledged that while there is still some ground to cover, the bond of brotherhood remains strong. “Since then, me and Joey, there’s still a little bit of ground to make up, but you’re always brothers, that’s the thing,” he said.

The Newcastle Knights’ first premiership in 1997 saw both Matthew and Andrew as key players, and their story continues to captivate fans. The emotional reunion highlights the importance of family and the unbreakable bond between siblings, no matter the obstacles.

This heartfelt moment not only mended their relationship but also reminded everyone of the power of family and the enduring nature of brotherly love.