Taylor accepts Johns snub
By Steve Mascord
July 10, 2006
PARRAMATTA coach Jason Taylor said last night "it would have been nice" if Andrew Johns had stayed on the field to receive a presentation from him on Saturday night.
The Newcastle captain became the premiership's highest pointscorer with two goals in his side's 46-12 belting by the Eels at Parramatta Stadium.
Taylor, the previous record holder, was to present Johns with the game ball to mark his achievement but the former Australia captain snubbed the ceremony and left the field.
"Look, I don't feel embarrassed or disappointed at what happened," Taylor said yesterday. "I understand how he felt.
"I was going down there to congratulate him and make the presentation but also to be with my players after a win. It would have been nice if he stayed but I have no dramas with it."
Johns will now be presented with the ball next Sunday when Newcastle host competition leader Melbourne at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
An emotional Johns said afterwards: "I know the game ball was out there to be taken but I was that devastated I just wanted to get to the sheds.
"It's probably disappointing that I walked off but you've got to understand how gutted I felt, you know? That's the way it is, you don't always get fairytales."
By Steve Mascord
July 10, 2006
PARRAMATTA coach Jason Taylor said last night "it would have been nice" if Andrew Johns had stayed on the field to receive a presentation from him on Saturday night.
The Newcastle captain became the premiership's highest pointscorer with two goals in his side's 46-12 belting by the Eels at Parramatta Stadium.
Taylor, the previous record holder, was to present Johns with the game ball to mark his achievement but the former Australia captain snubbed the ceremony and left the field.
"Look, I don't feel embarrassed or disappointed at what happened," Taylor said yesterday. "I understand how he felt.
"I was going down there to congratulate him and make the presentation but also to be with my players after a win. It would have been nice if he stayed but I have no dramas with it."
Johns will now be presented with the ball next Sunday when Newcastle host competition leader Melbourne at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
An emotional Johns said afterwards: "I know the game ball was out there to be taken but I was that devastated I just wanted to get to the sheds.
"It's probably disappointing that I walked off but you've got to understand how gutted I felt, you know? That's the way it is, you don't always get fairytales."