Brian Johnson (rugby league) facts for kids
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Personal information
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| Full name | Brian James Johnson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 26 June 1956 Dapto, New South Wales, Australia |
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| Died | 12 January 2016 (aged 59) Horsley, New South Wales, Australia |
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Playing information
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| Position | Fullback | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coaching information
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Brian James Johnson (born 26 June 1956 – died 12 January 2016), often called "Johnno", was a famous Australian rugby league player. He played as a fullback in the 1970s and 1980s. Later, he became a coach in the 1980s and 1990s.
Brian played for clubs like the St George Dragons and Eastern Suburbs in Sydney, Australia. He also played for Warrington in England.
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Brian Johnson's Playing Career
Brian Johnson started playing rugby league in his hometown of Dapto. His only game representing a state team was for Country New South Wales in 1978.
Playing for St. George Dragons
In 1979, Brian joined the St. George Dragons in Sydney. He quickly became a fan favorite. He played as a fullback for six seasons with the Dragons. He played over 140 games for the club.
In his very first year with the Dragons in 1979, Brian helped his team win a major championship called the Premiership.
Moving to England
After playing for the Dragons, Brian joined Eastern Suburbs for one season in 1986. After that, he moved to England to play for Warrington.
He played three seasons with Warrington and scored 48 tries. He also helped Warrington win the Premiership Final in his first season there. During his time in England, he played in some important cup finals, including the Lancashire Cup and the John Player Special Trophy.
Coaching Career
After his playing days, Brian Johnson became a coach. In the 1988-89 season, he took on the role of head coach for Warrington.
As a coach, he led Warrington to victory in the Lancashire Cup in 1989. He also guided them to win the Regal Trophy in the 1990-91 season. In 1990, he coached Warrington in the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
In the 1993–94 season, Warrington finished third in the league under his coaching. Brian left his coaching role in January 1996. Later, he worked as a rugby league coach for the AIS.
Later Life
Brian Johnson passed away on 12 January 2016, after a long illness. He was 59 years old. He is remembered by his wife and two sons.
