Chris Joynt (born 7 December 1971) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A Great Britain international representative prop, second-row and loose forward, he played his club football with St Helens, with whom he won numerous titles, as well as Oldham and a stint in Australia with the Newcastle Knights.^[3] He lifted many trophies throughout a glittering Knowsley Road career, including consecutive Super League championships in 1999 and 2000.

Background

Joynt was born in Wigan, Lancashire, England.

Playing career

1990s

Joynt began his career at Oldham before being sold to St Helens in 1992 in exchange for Sean Devine, Paul Jones and a fee of £50,000.^[6][7] Joynt also represented England at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup.^[4] He was selected to play for England in the 1995 World Cup Final on the reserve bench but Australia won the match and retained the Cup.In 1991 Joynt played the English off season in Australia for NSW group 20 club, Yenda Blue Heelers

County Cup Final appearances

Chris Joynt played left-second-row in St. Helens 4–5 defeat by Wigan in the 1992–93 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1992–93 season at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Sunday 18 October 1992.^[8]

Regal Trophy Final appearances

Chris Joynt played left-second-row in St. Helens' 16–25 defeat by Wigan in the 1995–96 Regal Trophy Final during the 1995–96 at Alfred McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield on Saturday 13 January 1996.^[9]

Joynt played for St. Helens at second-row in their 1996 Challenge Cup Final victory over Bradford Bulls.^[10] He took over as captain of the club in 1997, and held the position until 2003. In the 1997 post season, Joynt was selected to play for Great Britain at second-row in all three matches of the Super League Test series against Australia.^[5] Joynt played for St. Helens at loose forward in their 1999 Super League Grand Final victory over Bradford Bulls.

2000s

Having won the 1999 Championship, St. Helens contested in the 2000 World Club Challenge against National Rugby League Premiers the Melbourne Storm, with Joynt playing at second-row in the loss. Joynt is probably best remembered as the scorer of the Wide to West try in the Super League Final Eliminator in 2000, which won the match for St. Helens. He played at second-row and scored two tries in the subsequent 2000 Super League Grand Final victory over the Wigan Warriors, and being awarded the Harry Sunderland Trophy. Joynt went on to represent Ireland at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. As Super League V champions, St. Helens played against 2000 NRL Premiers, the Brisbane Broncos in the 2001 World Club Challenge. Joynt was the captain, played as a second-row and scored a try in St. Helens' victory.

In 2002, Joynt was at the centre of controversy when he seemingly performed a 'voluntary tackle' with seconds remaining in the 2002 Super League Grand Final. St. Helens had just kicked a drop-goal to take a one-point lead in the match, and the penalty from the voluntary tackle would have given the Bradford Bulls a chance to kick at goal and win the match. However, the referee dismissed wild protests from the Bradford Bulls players and the final hooter went, with St. Helens winning 19–18. Having won Super League VI, St. Helens contested the 2003 World Club Challenge against 2002 NRL Premiers, the Sydney Roosters. Joynt captained St. Helens as a second-row in their 0-38 defeat. Joynt relinquished captaincy of St. Helens to Paul Sculthorpe at the end of 2003's Super League VIII, and retired from rugby league following the 2004's Super League IX.^[11] Joynt was a Great Britain international with 27 caps. Joynt also represented Lancashire in the Origin Series.