Roo captaincy not an issue -
Johns

Andrew Johns declined to weigh into the Australian test captaincy debate but he did say incumbent test skipper Darren Lockyer, had elevated his game since taking on the role.

Johns, 30, will be making his comeback from a knee reconstruction, suffered in a round three NRL match last year, in a trial game against Cronulla at Gosford Stadium on February 26.

Lockyer retained the Australian captaincy last year in former leader Johns' absence and led the Kangaroos to tri-nations series victory over New Zealand and Great Britain.

His performance earned a ringing endorsement from coach Wayne Bennett but inevitably there will be speculation about whether Johns should get the job back if he returns to his best.

Johns was reluctant to discuss the issue, having been through it previously when debate raged over whether he or Gorden Tallis should succeed Brad Fittler in the job.

"When me and Gorden went through it, it just dragged on," said Johns.

"It was a pain in the backside for both of us and it's the same with Locky (Lockyer).

"I've spoken to Locky about it and I don't want to go through it again I don't think it's an issue. I love playing with him."