LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
On the anniversary of Andrew Johns' State of Origin debut, his protege Jesse Southwell led New South Wales (NSW) to a series victory, showcasing striking similarities in their performances.
Both players debuted at the same age, played at the same venue, and exhibited remarkable control in their games.
However, unlike Johns, who lost his first match 2-0, Southwell emerged victorious in Game Two at Allianz Stadium.
The connection between them is further highlighted by their shared achievements as two-time premiership winners with the Newcastle Knights and two-time Origin series winners with the Blues.
The article emphasizes the impact of Southwell's performance, stating, "'Whenever Joey speaks, you listen,'" underlining the respect and influence of Andrew Johns in the sport.