Coaching offer rejected as Andrew, Matthew Johns turned away

Andrew and Matthew Johns have reportedly been turned away after offering their services to a sleeping giant in rugby league.

The Johns brothers reportedly aren’t needed with Samoa.

Samoa has confirmed Matt Parish will lead the side through to this year’s World Cup, ending speculation NRL greats Andrew and Matthew Johns could form a coaching tag-team.

The Johns brothers were interested in coaching Samoa for free, revealing they would even like to bring cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams into the fold to tap into what they see as huge potential within the Pacific nation.

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However, Parish will remain in charge, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting Samoa’s board has backed the team’s long-term coach to keep the top job at this year’s World Cup, which kicks off in October.

“The board and executive of RL Samoa are mindful of the media speculation and subsequent concerns from our fans on issues surrounding our staff,” Rugby League Samoa president Tagaloa Faafouina Su’a said.

“Recent media commentary has speculated on the interest in coaching Toa Samoa by several individuals but, let me be clear, as of now, we have not sought or received any official interest or approaches from any of these parties.

“We are confident in the players and staff we have and urge our nation and our fans to continue to show your support and offer your prayers.”

The Johns brothers have been turned away. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Johns brothers were inspired to register their interest in mentoring Samoa after witnessing the success of Tonga in recent years, who beat more fancied tier one nations like New Zealand in 2017 and Australia in 2018.

Speaking on Fox League’s Sunday Night with Matty Johns last year, Matthew said: “They’ve got a head coach at the moment there. But I spoke to Joey (Andrew) again about it today, and yeah (we are serious), definitely.

“We would do it for nothing. Quite seriously, and Joey is the same, you wouldn’t take a cent. Sonny wouldn’t.

“It would be a bit of three-way coaching. I don’t know how it would work, but in my opinion Samoa should be emulating what Tonga are doing.

“There should be a goal that within a couple of years Samoa should be beating Australia, like Tonga have been doing.

“I want to be respectful because they do have a coach, but if something happens then Joey and I are available.”

Andrew backed up that position as recently as March this year.

“Myself and Matthew have put our hands up to coach Samoa. We will do it for nothing, and we’ve said we will do it for nothing,” he told Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.

“We look at Tonga and what they’ve achieved, we think we can replicate the same thing with Samoa.

“I have no doubt we can get Samoa up and running where they can challenge Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain every time they play.”