SON OF A GUN GETS DEBUT NOD
COOPER Johns will make his NRL debut for Melbourne Storm on Thursday night.
Johns, 21, was placed on standby after Melbourne’s win over Sydney Roosters when starting halfback Jahrome Hughes pulled up with groin soreness.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy advised Johns early in the week to prepare to play, with Hughes rated only a 50-50 chance to get up in time to face the Eels. Johns will be the club’s third NRL debutant this season.
The son of NRL great Matthew Johns and nephew of Immortal Andrew Johns will partner stand-in five-eighth Ryley Jacks in the halves.
Bellamy spoke glowingly on Wednesday about Johns’ eagerness to learn and attitude.
“He’s a pretty level-headed kid actually, very level-headed on and off the field, which is probably not a Johns’ trait, especially off the field,” Bellamy laughed.
“I hope Matty and Joey don’t mind me saying that.”
Before successful careers on television and radio, the Johns brothers, who both represented NSW and Australia, played 446 NRL games and helped the Knights claim the 1997 premiership.
Young Johns’ older brother Jack has played two games for South Sydney and represented Italy.
“He’s a different shape to both his dad and Joey (Andrew Johns), not quite as solidly built (but) you can certainly see (similarities) especially with the skill aspect,” Bellamy said. “Off the field he acts more like a 40year-old than a 20-year-old but he’s a terrific kid to have around and his education in footy is second to none.”