Matthew Johns
Inducted 2023
Born in July 1971 the eldest of three children, Matthew’s birth was followed 3 years later by a brother, christened Andrew (known as Joey) and finally a sister Kate a few years later. Matthew was a talented footballer who learnt his craft over the years starting at St Patrick Primary school where he was also school vice-captain. Schoolboy football was followed by under 16 and under 18 football for Cessnock as well as grade football for the Goannas. Along with his brother Joey he learnt how to tackle properly, where to put your head whilst tackling, to watch your opposition - all on the grounds of Cessnock Tech College and then Cessnock Sports Ground, both within spitting distance of home. He put his whole body and soul into rugby league growing up, spending many hours working on his game.
Between the 1992-1994 NRL seasons, a formative period of his rugby league training Matthew and his brother accompanied another Cessnock Hall of Famer, Don Schofield to Sydney on many weekends to watch Balmain and other NRL teams. He was privileged enough to be able to visit the team sheds and meet with such players as Stephen “Blocker” Roach. This no doubt fuelled his desire to play NRL himself one day.
The opportunity to play first grade for the Newcastle Knights came in 1992. During his time with the Knights Matthew played 197 games, he was a member of the 1997 Premiership winning team, in fact he alongside brother Andrew were integral in that victory. Matthew represented NSW in four State of Origin games, debuting in 1995. He played a total of nine tests for Australia the first in 1999, he played in four world cup games, two tri-nations and a total of 14 NRL final games.
Matthew was selected to be in the Cessnock Rugby League team of the Century. The team comprised players who had played junior football at Cessnock. He departed the Knights because of alleged salary cap restrictions in 2000. He then went on to lead English Club Wigan in its Super League grand final loss to Bradford in 2001, before returning to the NRL with Cronulla Sharks in 2002. Injury forced his retirement from Rugby League at the end 2002.
Since retiring from playing football Matthew has forged a media career currently contracted to Fox Media controlling three podcasts and three football shows weekly. He has a weekly column published in the Daily Telegraph. Matthew's early television shows were a must-watch for viewers featuring Reg Regan, Trent the flight steward and others.
Matthew and wife Trish have two sons, Cooper and Jack, both of whom play at the top level of rugby league. During his whole career both on and off the rugby league field, Matthew has championed his home town of Cessnock giving it much valued publicity.
Plaque location
Cessnock Sportsground – Baddeley Park, 276 Vincent Street, Cessnock