What’s the Buzz: Channel 9 sidelines Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns

Channel 9’s decision to demote NRL Immortal Andrew Johns has fuelled speculation of a poaching raid from Fox Sports that could unite him with brother Matthew.

Could brothers Matthew and Andrew Johns reunite on Fox Sports?

After 15 years at the Nine Network, rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns is struggling to accept a demotion from the commentary box to sideline duties.

Johns would not comment when contacted on Friday about his situation.

“Leave me out of that,” he said.

Joey’s relegation for a number of games has coincided with Nine moving its Head of NRL Simon Fordham sideways to a new role on Stan sport.

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Andrew Johns has fallen down the pecking order at Channel 9. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Fordham has been replaced by Andrew Rodgers, who has mostly been using Cameron Smith, Billy Slater or Phil Gould in the commentary box.

Gould was even used ahead of Johns on Friday afternoon in the game between the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs, for whom he is employed.

Outside of Gould, Channel 9 seems to be promoting Queenslanders and more recently retired players on its commentary team. You go back to a press release in December when the network announced a new broadcast agreement with the NRL.

It stated, “the coverage will be led by an all-star commentary team featuring modern greats Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston, lending their dedication to the game and analytical expertise”.

There was not one mention of Joey, Paul Gallen or even Brad Fittler.

Could the Johns brothers unite at Fox Sports?

The Sunday Telegraph understands Johns is off contract at the end of the season.

Rival network Fox Sports has a full stable of ex-players but would no doubt be interested. Maybe a Matty and Joey show … could you imagine it!

Unlike some former players who too often sit on the fence, Joey is renowned for his forthright and robust opinions on the form of players and the biggest issues.

He does not hold back.

Fox Sports has a different approach to sideline commentary.

It prefers to use journalists, the likes of James Hooper, Jake Duke and Lara Pitt, who have the contacts and news sense to keep fans up to date with the many breaking stories during games.

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Channel 9 sidelines Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns