Johns given
clearance

The Australian Rugby League (ARL) has granted Newcastle captain Andrew Johns a clearance to play for English Super League club Warrington next month.

Johns' management meanwhile has formally withdrawn its request for the No.7 to be exempt from Australian selection for the Tri Nations Test against New Zealand at Sydney on October 16 ? the same day the English Super League grand final is played at Old Trafford.

"As great a player as Andrew is, it would be presumptuous to make an application which assumes Warrington will be in the grand final," Johns' manager, John Fordham, said.

"Andrew has enormous respect for the Australian jumper and neither he nor the ARL should attempt to decide such an issue at this stage.

"It may well be that we need to make a formal submission at a later date, but we will address that at the appropriate time." Warrington currently is equal third on the Super League table.

ARL chairman Colin Love said: "We hope that Andrew has a successful stint in England and we recognise that this is something he has always wanted to do from a career viewpoint. "Over the past decade he has given great service to rugby league at all levels, and he has worn the Kangaroos jersey with great distinction.

"There is no doubt that his appearance in England will assist the promotion of the game there, but we also need to remember the importance the ARL places in the Test at Telstra Stadium.

"It may well be that there is no conflict at all and I appreciate Andrew taking his time in considering the matter." Johns' deal with Warrington will formally be announced during a satellite press conference tomorrow evening (AEST).

After the NRL regular season with Newcastle, Johns is expected to make his English debut against Leeds on September 11.