Queensland Reds coach Eddie Jones and his NSW counterpart Ewen McKenzie are hopeful Andrew Johns will consider a coaching role with the Australian Rugby Union after his shock retirement from rugby league.

Johns, who retired this week after being told he risked a catastrophic spinal injury by playing on, has said he would consider coaching halfbacks in both the rugby league and rugby union.

But while Johns is yet to make a solid decision about his future, Jones has urged the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to take on the league star as a consultant.

"The Australian Rugby Union put him on a consultancy basis and he could roam around the states and give advice to young backs," Jones suggested.

"I think that would be the best way to do it. And it would be a great coup for Australia if they did that."

McKenzie agreed: "It would add great value because he is a great successful player".

The suggestion comes two years after Johns flirted with the prospect of switching codes before ultimately opting to stay in the NRL.

Johns remains contracted to Nine for the rest of the year and could be behind a microphone as soon as the Anzac Test in Brisbane next week.

He is also on the books at the Newcastle Knights, who have agreed to pay out his contract for the remaining five months of the season.

Johns' manager John Fordham said Johns was not making any immediate decisions but he was likely to help out as a coaching consultant at the club where he played his entire career.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP