News that Newcastle had finally snared a major naming rights sponsor was tempered by fears that star halfback Andrew Johns could again be lost to a serious injury.

Johns emerged from his Origin II heroics for NSW with a neck injury, sparking speculation that he may be suffering from a bulging disc which ended his 2003 NRL season.

The former Test skipper underwent scans and will visit spinal specialist Professor John Yeo in Sydney to learn of his short term future.

"Our club doctor seems to think it is not the same as before (as 2003)," Johns said.

"There is no numbness or pain down the arm which is a good sign but it is still really tender and really sore."

It was hardly music to the ears of his win-less NRL club Newcastle which announced Hunter Valley mining company Coal & Allied as its naming rights sponsor until the end of 2006.

Johns joined the Knights hierarchy for the announcement of "the biggest sponsorship in the Knights' history" believed to be more than $700,000 a season.

Knights fans will be keeping their fingers crossed Johns will again be on hand when win-less Newcastle travels to Manly on Sunday trying to end its club record 12-game losing run.

The scheming halfback inspired NSW's 32-22 win over Queensland last Wednesday in only his second game in eight weeks due to a knee reconstruction and a broken jaw.

Johns, 31, has suffered season-ending injuries in the last three seasons.

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