He might be considered Australia’s greatest ever rugby league player but when it comes to the code of union Andrew Johns is a complete novice.Once described as the ‘David Beckham’ of Australian sport, Johns remains an icon Down Under where he starred for Newcastle Knights from 1993 to 2007.Despite declaring an interest in switching codes for the 2007 World Cup in France, Johns had never played a single union game — not even as a youngster — until Monday’s World Rugby Classic match between Australia and Italy.Not that anyone would have guessed judging by his performance.The 38-year-old kicked three conversions in his side’s 45-7 victory before being forced off with an injury.“It was a good win, it was the first time we had played together and a lot of guys hadn’t even played rugby union before,” Johns told The Royal Gazette.“I’d never played (union) before and that was my first ever game. It’s a lot different from (rugby league), there was no room out there. It was fun, though, really good fun.”Johns is not the only stranger to union in the Classic Wallabies squad.Brad Fittler, another of his country’s most decorated league players, also made his union bow against Italy, scoring his side’s opening try as well as adding a conversion.Johns said Fittler and he were honoured to be representing their country in Bermuda and believed the Wallabies were capable of claiming their maiden Classic title.“There’s been a good feel (to the Classic) and hopefully we can keep going and not pick up too many injuries,” said Johns, who happily posed for photographs with several bruised and battered Italy players after the game.“I don’t know how it all came about. They asked Brad Fitler and myself to come out this time and it’s honour to play for them.“Apparently there’s a camera crew following us about although they haven’t seen too much of me yet.”Johns was recently announced as Manly’s assistant coach for the coming National Rugby League season.After serving as a part-time consultant to several NRL clubs, the halfback ace will now work exclusively with the Sea Eagles across all grades on a permanent part-time basis and will also have mentoring and ambassadorial roles for the club.“I’m assistant coach at Manly, that happens when I get back (to Australia),” he said. “I’m looking forward to being on the other side of the fence and we’ll see how it goes.“I don’t miss playing. I had my go and I’m too old now.”Like all self-respecting Aussies, Johns, who played 21 Tests for the national team, intends to take some time out this week to indulge in Australia’s favourite past-time of surfing.“I’m just going to kick back, go surfing, and enjoy the rest of my time in Bermuda.”Tonight’s Classic games at North Field see USA take on France at 7.15 pm in the Plate semi-finals, and Argentina play South Africa in their semi-final at 8.30pm.n As part of the Classic’s 25th anniversary, RenaissanceRe are partnering with the Classic Lions to host a Junior Rugby Day today for middle school students ages 10 to 14.More than 160 students from across Bermuda will learn rugby basics from elite athletes at the NSC North Field.