NRL: Johns training with Knights

It was the sight all Newcastle fans wanted to see - if only the great man could actually pull on the jersey.

Legendary halfback Andrew Johns returned to training with the Knights on Thursday, providing advice for the new halves combination of Jarrod Mullen and Scott Dureau ahead of tomorrow's finals playoff with Penrith.

It is not unusual for Johns to attend Newcastle training, but his presence was even more valuable this week given Dureau has been rushed into the side following a three-week suspension to five-eighth Ben Rogers.

Dureau and Mullen have started four games together this year for three wins, but Dureau is back for his first NRL game since tearing his quad six weeks ago. It's been three months since they played together but Newcastle coach Rick Stone was happy with how the duo clicked at training.

Stone said Johns was also pleased with their work and the coach was appreciative the former premiership-winning captain made the trek from Sydney ahead of the crucial game.

"He probably had a watchful eye, he did not have a massive input in the session," said Stone.

"He does a bit of kicking and just runs a critical eye over our attack in particular and just throws up some different ideas we may not have thought of ourselves.

"He liked what he saw, he liked the way Dureau took control of the team."

Stone was confident Dureau would easily slide back into the team, but believes Mullen needs to lift with him if they're to beat the Panthers and secure a place in the finals.

"We don't have a lot of time this week but I think Dureau is the right man for the job absolutely," said Stone.

"I don't think anyone in the NRL would have a better back up option than Dureau at this point of time."

- AAP