A NEW CHAPTER WRITTEN IN KNIGHTS: Joey John’s Son Louis Takes His First NRL Step With Newcastle…..

The Newcastle Knights have turned a fresh page in their proud history, one that blends legacy with promise, as Louis Johns — son of club legend Andrew “Joey” Johns — officially takes his first step into the NRL system.

For Knights fans, the Johns surname carries enormous weight. Andrew Johns is widely regarded as one of the greatest players rugby league has ever seen, a two-time premiership winner whose vision, toughness, and leadership helped define an era at Newcastle. Now, years after Joey last pulled on the red and blue, his son Louis is beginning a journey of his own under the same famous badge.

Louis Johns’ entry into the Knights’ pathways system is not about reliving the past, but about building something new. Those close to the club describe him as a composed and hardworking young footballer, determined to earn his opportunities on merit rather than reputation. Coaches have highlighted his football intelligence and willingness to learn — traits that echo his father, while still allowing Louis to carve out his own identity.

The Knights have been careful to manage expectations, aware of the spotlight that naturally follows a player with such a famous surname. Development staff are focused on giving Louis time, support, and space to grow, emphasizing fundamentals, consistency, and confidence over comparisons or hype.

For Andrew Johns, the moment is a proud one, but also a grounded one. He has spoken in the past about the importance of letting his children find their own paths, and those close to the family say he is keen to remain a supportive father rather than a guiding coach. The responsibility now rests with Louis to learn, compete, and progress like any other young player chasing the NRL dream.

For Newcastle supporters, the story is a special one. It reconnects the club with a golden chapter of its history while pointing toward the future. The Knights know better than anyone that greatness is not inherited — it is earned — but seeing the Johns name return to the training paddock stirs a sense of nostalgia and hope in equal measure.

Louis Johns’ first step may be a small one in the long road to the NRL, but it is a meaningful beginning. A new chapter has been written in Knights colors, not as a continuation of a legend, but as the start of a new story waiting to be told.