FORMER Wolves star Andrew Johns has escaped serious injury after being knocked unconscious by a high tackle just four minutes into the 2007 NRL campaign.

Johns, who is expected to decide in May whether he will return to Warrington for the 2008 Super League season, overcame a hamstring injury to play in Newcastle Knights' first game of the Australian campaign, at home to Canterbury Bulldogs on Sunday.

But the legendary Aussie scrum half was rocked by an early high tackle from Canterbury's rising star, Kiwi international Sonny Bill Williams, and was unconscious for two minutes before being stretchered off in a neck brace.

Joey was taken to hospital and there were fears the season could already be over for the 32-year-old, who suffered a serious neck injury four years ago.

But Johns was cleared of any serious injury to his neck or cheekbone, although severe concussion makes him unlikely to play in Newcastle's next match at St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday.

Williams was given a red card for the tackle on Johns and Newcastle went on to beat Canterbury 25-24.

Keep checking the Warrington Guardian website for the latest Johns news up until he decides whether to rejoin Wolves in May.