Cooper Johns is the latest star from a famous rugby league family.
He is the son of Matthew Johns, the nephew of legendary Australian star and Warrington Wolves player Andrew Johns and the younger brother of Newcastle Knights star Jack Johns.
Like Andrew Johns, Cooper is a halfback but has recently been let go of by the Melbourne Storm only to join Manly Sea Eagles.
This was reported weeks ago but only now has Johns’ move to the Sea Eagles been confirmed.
His contract situation is something of a mess however. The Sea Eagles wanted to put the young halfback on a real contract but have been forced to put him on a train and trial deal.
This is the same kind of contract that former Hull FC halfback Josh Reynolds is currently on at the Canterbury Bulldogs and leaves players pushing for a spot in their team’s top 30.
The reason Johns has been left in this situation is due to the current disagreement about the funding agreement in the NRL which has former Hull KR star and president of the Player Association (RLPA) battle for more money and an increased salary cap.
But whilst the cap remains in limbo, it is hard for clubs to recruit and retain which has culminated in Johns having to be put on this deal though a real contract could soon come his way depending on the outcome of these talks.