Andrew Johns has rated captaining NSW to a State of Origin series victory as a higher honour than representing Australia on his long list of Rugby League achievements.
His passion and love for NSW is unquestionable, which is one of the reasons he was so dominant in the State of Origin arena.
The NSWRL have therefore named a meeting room in his honour at the new Centre of Excellence given the blood, sweat and tears he has put into his state over the years.
Johns was one of 12 people to have a part of the building named in their honour alongside others who have made a great contribution to Rugby League in NSW.
As one of the greatest ever players to play for his state, Johns was on hand at the official opening of the Centre of Excellence where a toast was made the first time he stepped into the room.
“It’s an honour to have this room named after me,” Johns said, as his room was unveiled.
“Representing NSW for me was a higher honour than Australia, and getting to captain NSW to a series win is right up there with the things that I’ve done in the game.
“Well done to everyone involved who have made this project go ahead, I think this Centre of Excellence will make everyone the best they can be, whether it’s male or female.”
The Centre of Excellence will give the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues every opportunity for sustained success in the future with world class facilities matched by no other Rugby League organisation across the globe.
Johns was a part of Fittler’s staff that won the 2018 State of Origin series, and has full faith that the shield will remain in NSW for many years to come.
“Moving forward I think it’s going to be a golden era for NSW,” Johns said.
“I was lucky to be a part of it last year and a series win with these two guys [Danny Buderus and Brad Fittler] and we’ve got a really great crop of young players coming through.
“With the help of this facility they can be the best players they can, I’m sure they’ll thrive to do that.”
