Andrew Johns has admitted he still would have played rugby league despite knowing the game’s associated dangers with head knocks and brain injury.
Johns was diagnosed with frontal lobe epilepsy in 2016, and he believes the condition may have been caused by repeated concussions throughout his career.
The former Knights captain is considered one of the sport's greatest ever players, winning the Dally M medal on three occasions and making over 300 appearances in both club and representative games.
The 46-year-old joined his brother Matty on SEN 1170 Morning Glory to discuss the dramas he’s faced since his career came to a close, while touching on his decision to play the sport in hindsight.
“Well, I’ve suffered some dramas since I finished,” the rugby league Immortal said.
“I've developed epilepsy and seizures later in life, which may have contributed from concussion.
“But, if someone lined me up when I was in my early twenties and said look here's what could happen later in life. Mate I would sign the contract.
“I knew the repercussions of playing rugby league.
“I would not hesitate to keep playing and playing on.”
While acknowledging the severity of brain injury, Matty Johns chimed in to credit the NRL for at least being proactive in regard to player safety compared to other high-contact sports.
“What the NRL needs credit for, is that they have recognised that things had to change," he said.
“Compared to the NFL where they just, denied, denied, denied.
“The NRL immediately put protocols in place.
“Which means it’s a lot safer to play the game now than in the 70s, 80s and even our era.”
Listen to the full discussion below:
