Johns junior links with Newcastle Knights

A day after Penrith legend John Cartwright's son signed with the Panthers, Matthew Johns' son has put pen to paper with NRL club Newcastle.

Jack Johns, a five-eighth or fullback, will link with the Knights' under-20s squad for 2017.

The 19-year-old wasn't even born when his father at five-eighth and uncle Andrew at halfback steered Newcastle to their first premiership in 1997.

Jack grew up in Sydney, but has always supported the club where his dad played 176 games and also represented NSW and Australia.

"It's pretty surreal," Jack told News Corp Australia.

Jack isn't fazed by the expectations that are on his shoulders, given his family's revered status at the Knights, and added his dad didn't push him at all towards pursuing a rugby league career.

"I don't feel any added pressure to be honest," he said.

"Dad never wanted me to play footy ever. He's always wanted me to do something else."