Warriors lock key playmaker into new deal
THE Warriors have locked down their highest earner for the long term, with Shaun Johnson re-signing with the club despite lucrative interest from NRL and overseas rivals.
The New Zealand No.7 (pictured) has inked a new two-year extension despite a $1 million deal understood to have been offered from the English Super League and interest from Sydney clubs.
Johnson’s retention until the end of 2019 is a major coup for coach Stephen Kearney, with fellow playmaker Kieran Foran almost certainly leaving at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old Johnson has always spoken of being a one-club player and lifting the NRL’s sleeping giant to its maiden premiership.
“This was a big contract for a lot of reasons and I’m excited to be able to lock it away and know I’ll be here for another two years,” he said. “My belief in this club is massive and my belief that we can do something special here is bigger than ever.”