Andrew Johns says his coaching role with the Roosters won’t stop him criticising them during match commentary
IMMORTAL Andrew Johns is under pressure as he juggles a commentary role that involves blunt criticism of the club with which he performs coaching duties.
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IMMORTAL Andrew Johns is under pressure as he juggles a commentary role that involves blunt criticism of the club with which he performs coaching duties.
On Anzac Day, Johns was damning of the Roosters’ lacklustre attack against St George Illawarra and the struggles of million-dollar halfback Cooper Cronk to create opportunities.
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During the second half, Johns said: “I keep harping on the left side — Latrell Mitchell. They’ve (Roosters) got a Ferrari in the garage and they never drive it, you never see him with the ball.”
He later commented about the negativity of the attack: “Well it was ‘have a shot, lay a line, have a shot …’ ”
This is not the first time Johns has been publicly critical of the team he coaches, then turned up for training in the following days to work with the players.
“I’ve had the conversation with Trent Robbo,” Johns said.
“He’s very understanding that I’ve got a job to do. I was at the crossroads last year during Origin when I criticised the Blues for not exploiting Johnathan Thurston’s injured shoulder.
“That’s when Mitchell (Pearce) was at the club. Robbo understands there are two hats I have to wear and it can be difficult.
“I can’t stop calling Roosters games. I’m paid to call it as I see it and that’s what I’ve got to do.”
Johns, like fans, is no doubt getting frustrated over the Roosters’ attack.
There have been suggestions the team is getting mixed messages with Robinson as head coach, Jason Taylor in charge of the attack, Joey as a consultant working with the halves and hooker and then Cronk, who is smart enough to coach himself.
“That’s not the case at all,” Robinson said, “It’s the first I’ve heard of it. We’re working together to get the team playing better footy.”
And Robinson said he understood Johns’ role and the demand to be neutral inside the Channel 9 commentary box.
“We speak just about every day,” Robinson said. “He’s got to comment naturally no matter who’s playing. He’d lose credibility if he didn’t call it as he sees it. I get it.”
Channel 9 has given no thought to standing Johns down from Roosters games.
They no longer use Phil Gould, the Penrith general manager, to call Panthers games because of the potential conflict.
Director of sport at Nine, Tom Malone, is fully supportive of Johns.
“I actually texted Joey after the game and said his commentary was outstanding,” he said.
“He reads the game quicker and better than anyone.’’