Former Warrington Wolves and NRL man leading the way in fight against cancer as youngster’s career put on hold

Andrew Johns is one of the greatest rugby league players to grace the game.

An NRL winner in 2001, he was also a star for New South Wales in State of Origin and a key member of the Australian international side.

He also made a splash in Super League when he nearly ended Warrington Wolves’ wait for glory in 2005.

However, he is going above and beyond on a different front right now as he inspires a battle against cancer.

A call from Johns has helped inspired a young South Sydney star to keep fighting as he battles a rare form of cancer.

The rugby league community are rallying around outstanding youngster Taine Woodford, whose career has been put on hold as he fights testicular cancer.

Woodford’s unique condition means he has a 12cm tumour positioned between his lungs and heart.

Poached by the Rabbitohs at the start of this season after being named St George Illawarra’s SG Ball Player of the Year last year, Woodford has just turned 20 and is undergoing chemotherapy.

In the background, the footy family is rallying around Woodford, with a phone call from Johns, just the start.

Aside from a Go Fund Me page to help cover medical costs, Canterbury legend Andrew Ryan is planning to auction a “day with the Bulldogs players” at an upcoming fundraising dinner.

The Rabbitohs and Dragons have also organised prizes and memorabilia, while former Broncos forward Rhys Kennedy has organised a signed Brisbane jersey.