Is Andrew Johns in 2005 State of Origin Game 2 the Best a Footballer has Ever Looked?
by Rhys Smith
Spoiler alert: Yes.
Its easy for the young punter & dribbler to be lost in the world of the new, metrosexual, ultra-athletes we see on the footy field today. The mind wanders at the thought of the hunky Cam Murray’s of the world. Roger Tuivasa Sheck, Brian Toó and the likes. Well groomed, physical specimens that rival Calvin Klein models.
But with the greatest respect, these blokes have nothing on the eighth immortal, a man who played in a different time. A time when haircuts were basic. Sideburns were long and facial hair was hard to come by. Man buns were years away. Jerseys were baggy, made from heavy materials and had glorious collars. A footballer was more worried about getting shit done than the way he looked.
As we all know, 2005 State of Origin game 2 was the single greatest performance by a player in our great game’s history. If you disagree, you’re either living under a rock or a dirty Queenslander (with the utmost respect) When watching this game, which I recommend going back and reviewing, The hotness radiating off Joey is noticeable from the get-go. He’s just come back after months out with injury. On the line is his own reputation as well as the pride of the state. From the kick-off he’s on a mission. He’s changing angles, inside ball after inside ball. Elusive running. Elusive kicks. QLD are in all sorts.
“How do we contain such a man?” – possible quote from 55-year-old looking Cameron Smith as Minichiello scores a beauty off a Johns kick that hits the goal post. Honestly, at points in the game even Joey’s teammates can’t keep up with what the future immortal is doing. It is a truly magical performance.
His hair is long and shaggy. His hair has no particular style, but that’s what makes him so damn Alpha. His sideburns are long. Arms & chest hairy. He looks fit. He’s wearing the best Blues jersey ever. His collar is spread far apart, in a Saturday night fever kind of way. Playstation is the sleeve sponsor, so you know it’s sick!
His rugged appearance mixed with the signature cheeky smile combined to produce some of the most beautifully mesmerizing footy ever to be played, all with the soul of a true blue Rugby League footballer. I will forever argue this is the BEST a footballer has ever looked. Not an athlete. Not an NRL star. A FOOTBALLER.
Fancy yourself as a bit of a writer? Got some unqualified opinion and unwavering bias you’d like to share with the world? Send it through to dyor@hellosport.com.au to be featured on the site
