Johns slotted in at half-back to run the attacking plays as the New South Wales side focused on its defensive structures at Thursday morning's session at Coogee Oval.
The former champion number seven is back in the Blues fold for the first time since the Timana Tahu racism row in the lead-up to Origin II last year.
Coach Ricky Stuart invited him into camp after New South Wales Rugby League boss Geoff Carr gave the green light, saying Johns had done his time for a racial slur against Maroons centre Greg Inglis.
"It's great having Joey back around," bench forward Ben Creagh said.
"He brings a lot of experience and knowledge to our young halves and he'll be great for out attack.
"He's a great bloke and a great player and they're very excited about having him here."
Johns was the Blues' saviour in their last series win, when Stuart was at the helm in 2005.
He made a stunning comeback from a broken jaw to conjure victory in the final two games after the Blues had been 1-0 down in the series.
Meanwhile, Creagh said bonding was the key to the Blues finally ending a five-series losing streak, when they took to Lang Park for Origin I, and the side had come together well in camp.
"It's extremely important to have a cohesion on and off the field, especially at training," he said.
"It all has to come together and work for us on Wednesday night."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, qld, brisbane-4000 First posted May 19, 2011 12:24:00
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