Johns name lives on at Cup
BOTH Jack Johns and dad Matthew will be on top of the world today when the 19-yearold son of the Knights premiership winner is named to make his World Cup debut for Italy.
Despite no NRL experience under his belt, Johns has made an immediate impact with the Azzurri and will be rewarded with the No.7 jersey for Sunday’s World Cup clash against Ireland at Barlow Park.
Cairns’s heat challenged the young gun at training yesterday, but he could still spare a thought for his dad, literally high above him in the stark contrast in conditions that is Mt Everest, where he is helping raise funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
“He just texted me, he said he’s spent. They’ve just hit 5000ft (1524m) so who knows how he’s going,” Johns said.
The Knights under-20s star – who qualifies through his mum Trish’s parents being from Serracapriola, Italy – said just being in the squad was a world away from his 2017 expectations, but he was ready to take his opportunity with both hands against Ireland.
“I’m not sure when Cam (Italy coach Cameron Ciraldo) names the team but hopefully when he does I’ll be able to get a spot and hopefully give me a chance to prove myself in the World Cup,” Johns said.
“I played 20s this year but we played Tonga on Friday and the physicality, it takes you a few tackles to get used to it, so that’s what I’ve got to get used to and get ready for.
“I’m not so much about worrying about the other team, I’m more about our own preparation and not getting too complacent and making sure we’re getting ready for a big game.
“They’re a good bunch of boys, plenty of good characters as well and they make training and being on tour easy.
“Whether I do or don’t get a spot I’m definitely enjoying it and learning a lot from these senior blokes.”
Johns should not be worried about ifs and buts – Italy coach Cameron Ciraldo has all but given him the green light to partner Terry Campese in the halves after a strong trial and slickness at training.
“The way Jack has trained and played the other night, he forced me to pick him,” Ciraldo said. “He was in our top two or three players the other night.
“He took control and wasn’t overawed by anyone. He told people where to go and where to be. He showed some real confidence.”
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