Andrew Johns retires, effective immediately

Andrew Johns, the greatest player in the modern era of Rugby League, has retired, effective immediately.

Johns injured his neck at training last week and today consulted surgeon Dr John Yeo as to the severity of the injury to his neck.

Johns won two premierships with the Newcastle Knights (1997 and 2001), captained Australia, NSW and Newcastle and also had a short stint with Warrington in the English Super League.

Johns played 23 games for NSW, 21 for Australia and 249 games for the Newcastle Knights.

Johns contemplated switching to Rugby Union several years ago but decided to remain in Rugby League until he retired. Now that day has come, it remains unclear what the future holds for Johns but he does have a contract with Channel Nine so he may well move into commentary in the not too distant future.

Regardless of which team you support, Rugby League is poorer for the loss of Johns and his on field heroics and there is no doubt Johns deserved a more fitting finale than a 48-18 loss at the hands of the Canberra Raiders.