NRL great Andrew Johns gets his license back following ban
NRL legend Andrew Johns has won an appeal against road authorities to have his driver license reinstated. PLUS read about Joey’s plans for a joint project with cricketer Shane Warne.
NSW
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Andrew “Joey” Johns is a free man. The rugby league Immortal has won an appeal to have his NSW driver licence reinstated after he was banned from driving because of his history of seizures caused by epilepsy.
The 45-year-old has relied on limousines, Ubers, taxis, public transport, friends and girlfriend Kate Kendall to ferry him around in recent months. However the Channel 9 commentator was told this week he can officially get back behind the wheel.
“I’ve got my freedom back and it’s unreal,” Johns said.
“There are no restrictions and I can drive whenever I want.
“The old Opal card has been shoved to the back part of my wallet.”
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But regaining his licence didn’t come easily.
There were numerous doctors’ appointments, trips to the neurosurgeon and other specialists in the field, who were all called upon to test Johns’ cognitive ability.
The Sunday Telegraph revealed that Johns collapsed in a Yamba coffee shop in December last year, which prompted the epilepsy diagnosis.
Under NSW law, someone suffering an epileptic seizure must report the incident to Roads and Maritime Services and an automatic licence ban of at least six months is enforced.
At the time Johns worked with leading neurologist Chris Levi in a bid to have his licence reinstated, however it was rejected.
Six months without a seizure, and proof of proper medication and medical supervision, can see a licence reinstated.
Johns has since recalled that his first seizure happened while TV commentating late in 2016.
“I can understand why they make it such a long process (to get a licence back),” Johns said.
“You’ve got to protect other motorists.
“Once I had the support of my neuro specialist and a solicitor from Brydens Lawyers, we got it done. It’s a huge relief for my family.”
The Sunday Telegraph can also reveal the league Immortal and cricketing great Shane Warne are set to join the podcast craze.
The idea reportedly stemmed from league great Paul ‘‘Chief’’ Harragon and Warne, who spent time with each other on Ten’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in South Africa.
Harragon insisted Warney and Joey should consider their own radio show or podcast and the idea was born.