Andrew Johns quits Blues Origin camp in row over racist slur
ANDREW Johns has quit as NSW Origin assistant coach in disgrace after a race storm engulfed Blues star Timana Tahu and Maroon Greg Inglis.
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RUGBY league legend Andrew Johns last night quit his post as assistant coach with the NSW State of Origin team in disgrace after sparking a racial storm that engulfed Blues player Timana Tahu and Queensland star Greg Inglis.
Johns is alleged to have called Inglis a ``black (expletive)'' during a Blues team-bonding session, leading to part- Aboriginal, part-Maori winger Tahu walking out on the squad on Friday night.
A devastated Johns last night pledged to personally apologise to a furious Inglis, who has ignited an Origin war by saying Game Two this Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium is now ``personal''.
Johns was last night fighting to save his career in rugby league as he desperately tried to contact Inglis to say sorry.
''Two nights ago while trying to talk up the match I made a disparaging comment about a member of the other team and in the process of that I referred to the colour of his skin,'' Johns said last night.
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''I should have thought more what I was saying about a player whom I have always admired and respected and I hope to speak with Greg soon to explain what happened.
''I only hope that by stepping aside I can show others how seriously I am taking this issue and hopefully others may learn from it as well.''
The rugby league half back of the century is also one of the faces of Channel 9's rugby league coverage and works for several NRL clubs, including Tahu's Parramatta Eels.
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Inglis last night said: ``We (he and Tahu) have known each other from way back since we were 15. This is a shock to me since I found out. If that is the way it was, this is going to be personal.''
The incredible chain of events represents the most controversial chapter in State of Origin's 30-year history.
ueensland legend Tony Currie poured fuel on the inferno last night by declaring the NSW Rugby League had for decades overlooked the cream of Aboriginal talent.
Asked if NRL Aboriginal players feel there are racist elements within NSW, Currie said: ''My God there is a feeling about that, it's not just well known, it's not just a feeling with the Koori down south, it's a fact.
''I thought we'd come a long way in rugby league, but let's face it in the 30 years of Origin history, NSW does not have a good record supporting Aboriginal talent like Queensland does.
''It doesn't matter if there is a black man present or not, it is racial vilification. You can't say sorry after the event, it has to be in you. Unfortunately, it's an issue in the game.
''Queensland embraces the philosophy of selecting Aborigines, unfortunately NSW has not embraced it and they are hamstrung by it. They have people in high places making these comments and it can't be taken away. It is there forever.
''That is abhorrent. I can't believe a person of (Johns') status would say that. I applaud Timana for taking a stand and it is NSW's loss.''
QRL boss Ross Livermore was disgusted by Johns' statement. ''We don't need this in the game,'' he said.
