NRL Great Andrew Johns Reveals He Wishes Newcastle Pulled Him Into Line During His Playing Days – Issues Warning to Troubled South Sydney Star Latrell Mitchell
Andrew Johns, one of the NRL’s most celebrated players, has opened up about his playing career, expressing regret that the Newcastle Knights didn’t intervene more during his younger years. Reflecting on his storied career, Johns admitted that his discipline at times could have been better, and he believes that had he been “pulled into line,” he could have achieved even greater success. In a candid interview, the rugby league legend has also issued a stern warning to South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell, urging the young fullback to heed the lessons of his own career.
**A Call for Better Discipline**
Johns, widely regarded as one of the best players to ever play the game, was no stranger to controversy throughout his career. While his skills on the field were unmatched, there were moments off the field when his behavior could have cost him dearly. Looking back, Johns feels that stronger leadership within the Knights organization during his early years might have kept him on a more disciplined path, potentially avoiding some of the pitfalls that affected both his career and personal life.
“I wasn’t the perfect role model in my younger years,” Johns said. “I was young, and I made mistakes. There were times when I think the club could have pulled me into line, given me the guidance I needed. I didn’t always make the best decisions, and I certainly didn’t always understand the responsibility that came with being a high-profile player.”
While Johns admits to making mistakes, he also acknowledges that his career would have likely benefited from having more accountability around him. “It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, and sometimes, you don’t realize the damage that can come with it until much later.”
**Johns’ Warning to Latrell Mitchell**
Johns’ comments have now turned to the current NRL star, Latrell Mitchell, who has recently faced criticism for off-field behavior and inconsistency in his performances. Mitchell, who possesses immense talent, has at times struggled with discipline and focus, leading to concerns about his future in the game.
“I see a lot of myself in Latrell,” Johns said. “He’s got all the talent in the world, but there’s so much more to being a great player than just talent. He needs to take responsibility for his actions, both on and off the field, because the game will pass you by if you don’t.”
Johns has urged Mitchell to surround himself with the right people, saying that having a strong support network can make all the difference. “It’s crucial to have the right people around you, people who will pull you into line when you need it. I didn’t always have that in my younger years, and it certainly hurt me. Latrell needs to listen to the people who care about him and take their advice seriously. It could be the difference between him being remembered as one of the game’s greats or as just another wasted talent.”
**A Hard-Earned Lesson**
Johns’ message to Mitchell comes from hard-earned experience. While he ultimately became a legend of the game, his journey wasn’t without struggles. The mistakes he made along the way were pivotal learning experiences, and Johns believes that Mitchell has the opportunity to avoid those same pitfalls — if he’s willing to listen and grow.
“I’ve learned a lot through the years, and now I just want to pass those lessons on to players like Latrell,” Johns said. “The talent is there, but it’s up to him how far he wants to go. I wish I had someone around to give me that guidance earlier in my career.”
In conclusion, Andrew Johns’ reflections on his own career and the lessons he learned serve as a cautionary tale for today’s players. As he issues a warning to Latrell Mitchell, Johns hopes the young star takes heed of the advice that he himself wished he had received — understanding that success in the NRL goes far beyond talent and that discipline, responsibility, and the right support system are essential to long-term success.
Be the first to comment