Andrew Johns: The Two of Me

Description

Hailed as the greatest Rugby League player in the history of the game, Andrew Johns is one of the most compelling personalities in Australian sport. Twice winner of the Golden Boot for best player in the world, three-time winner of the Dally M Medal for the best and fairest in the NRL and a driving force behind two premierships for the Newcastle Knights, the bare statistics only hint at the massive impact 'Joey' has had on Rugby League. However, his sporting achievements have masked the overwhelming challenges he has faced off the field. From his teens, Andrew suffered from mood swings and depression that, in 2000, were finally diagnosed as bipolar disorder. For more than a decade, he has also struggled with alcohol problems and recreational drug use. The Two of Me is Andrew Johns' remarkably candid account of his life - from the barnstorming, all-conquering footballer to the emotionally vulnerable kid from Cessnock, battling to cope with fame and the effects of his medical condition.

Andrew Johns was awarded a Centenary Medal by the Australian government for his outstanding service to rugby league and as a role model for youth. He played 21Tests for Australia and made 23 State of Origin appearances for NSW. After retirement from representative rugby league he was captain of the Newcastle Knights. He lives in Newcastle and made headlines in April 2007 with his sudden retirement from the game due to a 'potentially catastrophic' neck injury. Neil Cadigan is a respected rugby league and sports journalist with 30 years' experience. He is the co-author of The Two of Me with Andrew Johns. Neil is based in Sydney.