Johns will make a record-equalling 229th appearance for Newcastle this weekend

The legendary 31-year-old half-back has decided to quit the international game in order to concentrate on his club career with Newcastle Knights.

Johns has also ruled himself out of this year's State of Origin series.

"I'm going to miss it and it's going to hurt, but it's a sacrifice I'm going to have to make if I want to win a Premiership with Newcastle," he said.

"I'm doing this decision not only for myself but for the club up here and my team-mates."

Speculation over Johns' international career increased last year when a knee injury forced him out of Australia's Tri-Nations squad.

And Johns is hoping his decision will have the same effect on his game as that of Sydney Roosters skipper Brad Fittler, who stood down from representative rugby in 2001.

"I saw what it did to Brad when he retired from rep football, he really galvanised their club at the Roosters and lifted them during that period," Johns said.

"I'd like to see myself hopefully doing the same."

Profile: Andrew Johns

The Newcastle skipper scored 18 points against the Bulldogs last weekend to put him on 2016 career points.

His contract with Newcastle ends in 2008 and stipulated that he had to retire from State of Origin competition after this year.

However, Johns has moved the date forward in order to prevent his body suffering further damage.

The news will come as a major blow to New South Wales, who came from behind to win the State of Origin last year with the help of some inspirational displays from the scrum-half.

Johns, regarded as the game's greatest player, had a three-game stint for Warrington in Super League at the end of last season.

Australia and New Zealand meet in Brisbane on 5 May.