In the storied world of rugby league, few names carry as much weight, expectation, and magic as “Johns.” For decades, the surname has been synonymous with the Newcastle Knights and the blue-and-gold of the NSW Blues. However, in a move that has sent shockwaves from the Hunter Valley to Bondi, the Sydney Roosters have officially secured the signature of Louis Johns, the son of eighth Immortal and legendary playmaker Andrew “Joey” Johns.
The 16-year-old halfback has reportedly signed a pathways development contract with the Tricolours, effectively anchoring his future in the Eastern Suburbs rather than the coalfields of Newcastle. For the Roosters, it is a significant recruitment coup; for Louis, it is the first step toward carving out his own identity in the shadow of the greatest player of the modern era.
A Blue-Ribbon Pedigree Stays in Sydney
While Newcastle fans might find it bittersweet to see a Johns wearing the red, white, and blue, the geography of the move makes perfect sense. Andrew Johns has lived in Sydney for nearly two decades, deeply entrenched in his media career with Channel 9 and his specialized coaching roles. Louis, a standout for the Paddington Colts in the local junior competitions, has grown up in the Roosters’ heartland.
By signing with the Roosters, Louis enters one of the most sophisticated development systems in professional sports. He is slated to feature in the 2026 Harold Matthews Cup (Under-17s) competition. Like his father, Louis is a natural halfback, noted by scouts for his high “football IQ” and a burgeoning kicking game that suggests the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. While comparisons to an Immortal are inevitable, the Roosters’ staff are reportedly focused on allowing the teenager to develop his craft without the burden of his father’s 249-game, two-premiership legacy.
Sam Large: The Other Piece of the Puzzle
The signing of Johns wasn’t the only “statement” move made by the Roosters’ recruitment team this week. The club has also confirmed the acquisition of Sam Large, a highly-touted five-eighth who recently dominated the headlines at the Under-15s ASSRL National Championships.
A student at the prestigious Scots College, Large was the standout performer for the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) side. His ability to break a game open was on full display in the tournament semi-final, where he crossed for two tries and was ultimately named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the championships.
The pairing of Johns and Large in the junior halves provides the Roosters with a mouth-watering glimpse into the future. It is a classic “Bondi” recruitment strategy: identifying elite local talent while simultaneously out-hustling rivals for the best schoolboy prospects in the country.
Forging a New Legacy
As the 2026 season approaches, the focus in the junior ranks will undoubtedly be on the young man wearing the #7 jersey. Andrew Johns redefined the halfback position with his vision and unmatched competitive fire. Whether Louis can replicate that success remains to be seen, but by choosing the Roosters, he has chosen a path that is uniquely his.
In the high-pressure environment of the NRL pathways, the Johns name will get him noticed, but his performance in the Harold Matthews Cup will be what defines him. For now, the Roosters have ensured that the next chapter of rugby league royalty starts in Bondi.