Andrew Johns reveals he was on the verge of a startling partnership with Shane Warne just before the spin king's tragic death

Footy great Andrew Johns has revealed that he was planning to host a podcast with good friend Shane Warne before the spin king's tragic death in 2022.

Appearing on the Hello Sport podcast, the NRL Immortal revealed that he first met Warne in 2019 before revealing news of the planned collaboration.

'Before Warnie (died) - can't believe he's not with us - we were going to do a podcast together,' Johns said.

'I flew down twice (to Warne's home) and we did like a rehearsal.'

Johns went on to explain that he believed the stories of Warne's wild lifestyle were overblown.

'Mate what a champion,' he said. 

'He was such a good guy. That surprised me, I thought he'd be like a mad party animal. He hardly drank.

'He was so cool, he was so down to earth, such a legend.

'Just an aura, one of those blokes who walks into a room and everyone says "wow".

'The first time I met him I faced him at the nets at the SCG during lunch. I was like how good's this?

'When I got there I was so nervous facing the king. He actually hit me in the nuts with the ball and I got a photo with the protector and went, "when you're out with Warnie you've always got to wear protection".'

Johns said he was floored by the news of Warne's tragic death. 

'It's one of those Princess Diana's or September 11's, one of those moments where you knew where you were when you heard,' Johns said.

'He's just one of those characters you think they're going to live forever.'