Photo courtesy of the Parramatta Eels.
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur believes Andrew 'Joey' Johns is having a big impact on young Eels playmakers Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown.
Arguably the sharpest playmaking mind in rugby league, Johns is hired at the Eels as a specialist development coach and Arthur believes he is having an increased influence on the pair in 2021.
In 2020 Johns was forced to coach from afar due to COVID protocols, but this year his ability to provide direction in person has benefitted the young duo.
“Joey Johns for instance had to coach from over the fence last season, but now he’s back and hands on,” Arthur said on SEN 1170 Mornings with Matty White.
“That is a big help, Joey was great last season, but now he has that one-on-one interaction with the halves and as a group… the face-to-face time with them is great.”
Arthur explained how Johns is nurturing the dynamic pair twice a week, as well as developing a raft of other young Eels.
“He’s been here twice a week, spending a lot of time with those guys (Moses and Brown) and developing the younger guys as well,” he added.
“Hopefully that continues for the season.”
Coming into their prime, it is hoped that Brown and Moses will form the most lethal halves pairing in the NRL – particularly under the tutelage of Johns.
Parramatta open up their 2021 season against the Brisbane Broncos on Friday March 12.
Listen to Arthur’s full chat with Matty White in the audio player below.
