Brothers break bread to celebrate historic Knights grand final
In just his third podcast appearance, immortal Andrew Johns sat down with his older brother Matty to discuss the Newcastle Knights′ historic march to Sunday’s grand final, drawing striking parallels to their own legendary 1997 premiership victory.
Appearing on a special episode of the Backstage podcast, the brothers reunited on camera to swap career stories and unpack exactly what this unexpected grand final run means to them and the Hunter region. Johns has previously appeared on The Howie Games and Hello Sport but never Backstage.
Matty and Andrew Johns. Backstage Special
Both men were caught shedding tears following the Knights’ preliminary final victory over the Penrith Panthers last weekend, with Joey candidly admitting on the podcast he never thought he’d live to see Newcastle in another decider.
“Reflecting on our time when we won reminds you of that feeling when you see the current groundswell of support, the crowds, and the connection with the fans,” said Johns.
“I suppose that is why I got so emotional after the game.
“I was thinking about the supporters who have been through all sorts of ups and downs - mainly downs over the last 20 years, including wooden spoons.
“For them to continually turn up and sell out the stadium means that now, all of a sudden, they finally have hope.”
Matty believes that if this 2026 side finishes the job on Sunday night against the Sydney Roosters, the ensuing celebrations could easily eclipse the iconic scenes of 1997.
“When they get the job done on Sunday, the resulting celebration in that city will be even bigger than 1997,” echoed Matty.
“Regarding the last 20 years...the organisation was in terrible shape, and there have been numerous moments like that.
“You feel incredibly sorry for the fans who stuck around over the past two decades. For this next generation of supporters who were not around when we won those past competitions, they must have been thinking, ‘is this going to pass us by?’
“With all the talk about the celebrations when the team returned to town in 1997, it is now an opportunity for this era to sample that feeling.”
The conversation also highlighted the coaching parallels between current coach Justin Holbrook and 2001 premiership-winning coach Michael Hagan.
Both are celebrated for their laid-back styles that allow players to find their natural rhythm on the field.
“Between the personalities of Justin Holbrook and Michael Hagan who won it his first year, Hages was so relaxed and laid back and he would never spray us - well he didn’t have to, we were winning all the time,” Joey laughed.
“That always helped. The personalities very similar between Hages and Justin Holbrook. Very similar guys.”
Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of NRL premiership momentum, Joey also opened up about the heartbreak of past campaigns.
“It’s hard to put a finger on where the confidence and where the belief and where all this comes from in the momentum. But when it comes, it’s when the magic happens and it happened in 97, happened in 2001,” he said.
“We had a few (that) still haunt me. I think about it weekly. That’s no exaggeration.
“2002, I thought we were close to winning, I think I broke my back in 2002 (in) the last round and then I hurt my neck in 2003. So, this time of year you need luck with injuries.
Andrew and Matty Johns Getty
“But the Knights are getting it done without their front rowers...this shouldn’t be happening.
“And look, on paper and stats and reputation - the Roosters should beat us by 30 at least. If you look at the teams, they’re fully fit...they should smash us.
“But you cannot measure heart and you can’t win on reputation.”
Rounding out the emotional episode, the brothers touched on the iconic game-winning try from the 1997 decider, revealing the play was “10 years in the making” after a youth spent studying rugby league matches together.
Both brothers tipped the Knights to win in the grand final.
“I don’t think we”ll win, I know we’ll win,” said Joey.
“No doubt in the world, we’ve got everything against us and they (the Roosters) should put 30 on us, but again, the games not played on paper and reputation.
“These Knights boys, they don’t fear anything.”
The Newcastle Knights will take on the Sydney Roosters in the NRL grand final on Sunday afternoon.
