Andrew Johns' manager John Fordham has withdrawn a request for a special exemption for the NSW halfback to miss the October 15 Test against New Zealand.

But the Australian Rugby League (ARL) has not ruled out the possibility of Johns missing the Test so he can play in the English Super League grand final for Warrington - held on the same day as the clash with the Kiwis.

Fordham conceded as much when he said in a statement: "As great a player as Andrew is it would be presumptuous to make an application which assumes Warrington will be in the grand final.

"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 is equal third on the Super League ladder and has never made the grand final.

Johns will only play a maximum of six games if Warrington make the final. He is expected to make his English debut against Leeds on September 11.

Asked if he expected Fordham to apply for a Test exemption if Warrington made the decider, ARL chairman Colin Love said: "It didn't get to that stage where the board had to consider it (exemption) because he has withdrawn the application and it may well be that we may never have to consider it.

"If Warrington don't make the grand final it's not an issue.

"If they do, it's something we have to deal with at that time and we will deal with it."

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