Andrew Johns

The former Kangaroos and Newcastle's star has taken on a voluntary role as an assistant coach for the Mate Ma'a Tonga.

Head coach Kristian Woolf said Johns will assist the likes of Samisoni Langi and Feleti Mateo with the subtleties of the game and help them threaten the line a little more.

Johns will take on a mentoring role with the Tongan side after reaching out to assistant coach David Tangata-Toa.

The legendary halfback played with David’s brother Andrew at the Knights in the mid-90s and through the friendship made enquires to assist Tonga in the lead-up to the Polynesian Cup against Samoa at Pirtek Stadium on May 7.

Johns, a regular member of Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show, wasn't included on the panel leading into the grand final coverage on Sunday. 

He has also been told he will not be part of the broadcast of the all-Queensland grand final between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium.