Rugby league immortal Andrew Johns is set to return to the playing field at the NRL Nines tournament in Auckland next month, the Sydney Morning Herald reported today.
Johns will turn out in a charity touch football match between Australian and New Zealand media teams, which will be played prior to the final of the Nines tournament at Eden Park on February 16.
Johns will face off against former Kiwis and Warriors halfback Stacey Jones, joining a host of big name retired players that are now involved in the media on both sides of the Tasman.
Monty Betham, Richie Barnett, and Brett Finch have been confirmed as starters, while Nines organisers are hoping to include Gorden Tallis, Danny Buderus, Wendell Sailor, Ryan Girdler and Nathan Fien.
All Blacks loose-forward Liam Messam is in negotiations to join the Kiwi team, while ONE Sport reporter Jenny-May Coffin has confirmed she will be the sole female member of the New Zealand side.
While former Australian captain Brad Fittler is coming out of retirement to join his old Roosters side at the Nines, Johns will not be pulling on the boots for his beloved Knights.
Radio competitions in both countries are set to award a fan a place in a side, while
another position will be made available at a charity auction.
The two-day NRL Nines tournament starts on February 15.
