Monday Buzz: SEN radio boss steps in to end Matty Johns v Andrew Johns feud
The rift between NRL brothers Matty and Andrew Johns is worse than many think and their boss will step in to solve it, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
NRL
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The boss of radio network SEN will attempt to solve the Johns brothers dispute over a lunch – but not until after State of Origin.
Craig Hutchison, the station’s managing director, spoke over the weekend of the disagreement between Matty and Joey from an on-air flare-up three weeks ago.
Joey has not returned to the studios since, despite being under contract with the network to appear on 20 of Matty’s shows during the footy season.
An SEN source said Joey had stood himself down “for the foreseeable future.”
On Thursday last week Hutchison rang Joey to try to persuade him to return to the show.
He had no luck.
It appears the rift between the brothers is more serious than many first believed.
“People think it’s theatre but it’s not,” said one source close to the Johns brothers.
“Joey has made it clear that he’s not going back, at least not until after Origin. It’s pretty testy.”
Hutchison however is determined to get it sorted.
He’s been dealing with media personality blow ups for years.
“We love Joey and we love Matt,” he said. “They’ve been a fantastic part of SEN 1170 on Friday mornings.
“We respect Joey’s wishes to concentrate on Origin at the moment. We understand he’s got a fair bit on his plate. And I probably underestimated how worked up he is.
“We look forward to sitting down with him after Origin and welcoming him back with open arms.
“I’ll get them both together for a bite to eat and go from there.”
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360 VIEW
Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League this evening after the Parramatta Eels v Bulldogs game with Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis, Brent Read, Cooper Cronk and Mick Ennis to discuss all the latest State of Origin issues and the big stories from the weekend round.
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Originally published as Monday Buzz: SEN radio boss steps in to end Matty Johns v Andrew Johns feud
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