April 30, 2013
Andrew Johns today clarified comments made in a conversation he had with bookmaker Tom Waterhouse prior to the ANZAC Day NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and St George-Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium.
Johns and Waterhouse were both involved in the Nine Network’s coverage of the match.
“As is the usual practice before matches, Tom and I engaged in some light-hearted discussions concerning rugby league and racing,” said Johns today.
“On Anzac Day, our conversation, prior to the kick-off, lasted no more than a minute as we were both getting ready for the 4pm start. Tom asked me who I thought would win and I replied that I fancied the Roosters even though I thought it would be a closely-fought match. I then took the opportunity to quiz him about Saturday’s big race meeting at Randwick. I asked him what he liked and if there were any specials. Tom replied that he didn’t like It’s A Dundeel, More Joyous and All Too Hard. I remember saying to him, with a laugh I think, surely you’re not serious about It’s A Dundeel? Tom then went on in some detail to quote stats to back his point. The conversation was largely about It’s A Dundeel”.
Johns said that at no stage was there any discussion about the health or fitness of More Joyous. He added that he has stressed this in discussions he has had with the owner of More Joyous, John Singleton.
“I am specifically clarifying the position on this in view of the media frenzy that has taken place since last Saturday,” he said.