ANDREW Johns is well paid to express his opinion and rates as one of the most respected commentators in rugby league.
Very few analyse a game as succinctly as the eighth Immortal, which explains why he is in such demand as both a media pundit and specialist coach.
Since he retired as a player in 2007, Joey has juggled his commentary and coaching commitments as effortlessly as he once used to steer the Knights around the park.
But his comments on the weekend about Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks have highlighted the potential for a conflict of interest.
Johns, who recently accepted a role coaching and mentoring Newcastle's playmakers, was asked by Nine's Danny Weidler for his thoughts about speculation linking Brooks to the Knights as a possible replacement for Mitchell Pearce.
"It's a challenge I like," Johns told Weidler. "He looks like he needs a change, and getting out of Sydney would be good for him.
"I think he can really add a lot to the club. He can play great. He needs to find that consistency.
"I could help him with when to pass, when to run, when to kick but, also, I think the players around him need to understand his strengths and how to get the best out of him.
"I think it would be exciting to work with Luke."
Johns, presumably, was just in commentator mode, answering questions with honest opinions.
But given he is now affiliated to the Knights in more than just a Hall of Fame capacity, it's hard to imagine his remarks were well received by Wests Tigers officials.
Brooks, of course, is under contract to the Tigers for two more years and, under NRL regulations, is not allowed to speak to rival clubs until after November 30 next year.
If the Knights are interested in signing Brooks to replace Pearce, who is seeking a release to join Catalans, they have been cagey enough not to disclose their intentions publicly.
Indeed, even the suggestion of behind-the-scenes subterfuge has been enough to infuriate the Tigers, as evidenced by the "hands off" warning issued last month by the club's new director of football, Tim Sheens.
Sheens described Brooks as "an integral part of the long-term plans of Wests Tigers" and indicated that was non-negotiable.
"Wests Tigers have been definitive on this matter and will continue to reiterate this against any untrue speculation," Sheens said.
"It is unfair on Luke, his teammates and family, as well as those involved with the club, to raise false conjecture on his future lying away from Wests Tigers."
The powers-that-be at Newcastle were wise enough to cop the hint and keep a low profile.
And then along came Joey with comments that could be described as naive and inappropriate, at best.
It would seem reasonable to assume Tigers officials are filthy about this entire situation. As the Knights would be, if the boot was on the other foot.
