Matty Johns and his brother Andrew have not always seen eye to eye in life.
Like many siblings, they have bickered, argued, and even gotten into fights.
But they have always managed to put aside their differences and bury the hatchet.
The rugby league duo are two of the sport’s best-known figures for their achievements in the game.
While playing in Newcastle, the pair led the Knights to their premiership triumph in 1997. They would also represent New South Wales and the Kangaroos.
But despite helping the Knights win the premiership, Matty has revealed what he believes is his biggest triumph yet.
Speak with The Daily Telegraphhe revealed that he and his brother were involved in a scuffle outside The Cricketers Arms pub in Newcastle.
He joked about punching the chin of his brother, whose nickname is ‘Joey’, before claiming: ‘Joey was my biggest win, outside the Cricketers Arms Hotel.’
The pair recently clashed over a comment Matty made on the radio about New South Wales’ Origin side.
Andrew had previously worked as the Blues’ assistant coach, with his brother praising Queensland boss Billy Slater.
The comments did not go down well with Andrew, after which the pair did not speak for nine months.
On SEN’s Morning Glory radio show, Matty had said: ‘Billy Slater is almost the best coach in the sport. You just know how he explains, how he coaches, the intracacies, the players absolutely love him. Queensland knows exactly how they are going to play and who they need to pick to make that happen.”
But Andrew hit back: “Put on your Maroon jersey, you should have that at home.
“Just because you’ve played four games and lost four doesn’t mean you can’t take NSW. I’m tired of you pumping up Queensland. Keep blowing hot air up their asses.”
It was Matty’s son, Jack, 27, who was the catalyst that ended their feud after making a surprise visit to Andrew’s house.
Matty Johns (left) tells how he was once involved in a fistfight with his brother Andrew Johns (right)
The pair have become infamous in recent years for Matty’s (left) comments on State of Origin
His son, who has played for the Rabbitohs and the Knights, tricked his father into visiting his brother.
“We opened the door and he was there, and we just hugged and sat down and had a beer,” Matty said.
‘That’s it. Then we walked outside again and it’s that simple.
“I don’t know if we’ve spoken since by accident, but all is sweet.”
Matty also talked about his upbringing and how his father, Gary, juggled work and family responsibilities.
Gary, a miner, had to work long shifts to provide for his family, with Matty admitting he felt like he had to become the man of the house when his father was away.
“His shift started at midnight for a long time when he was growing up,” he said.
‘I was the eldest son. You have to take quite a bit of that with you.’
But it seems like the pair are on pretty good terms despite not speaking to each other regularly
Johns quickly learned how to balance his responsibilities with enjoying a “good time.”
“It’s a constant battle between the love of your children, the love of your wife and the love of a good time,” Johns says.