Warriors ponder options with Johnson

Warriors chief executive Cameron George says the club is not afraid to make big calls in their quest to win a NRL Premiership as speculation over the future of star halfback Shaun Johnson begins.

Johnson is off-contract at the end of next season and George plans to start discussions with his management when he returns from Kiwis duty. However, the 28-year-old will be open to approaches from rival clubs when the transfer market opens on November 1.

While it’s premature to say the star halfback will be leaving Mt Smart Stadium, it does signal a change in thinking from previous occasions when Johnson’s contract was up for renewal.

Retaining the 26-test veteran had previously been the Warriors’ top priority and in 2017 he signed a lucrative two-year deal that made him the highest paid player at the club. But he has struggled to live up to the high expectations that come with such a title.

Consistency has always been an issue throughout his career. However, he is coming off one of his best seasons in years and played a key role in the Kiwis’ upset win over the Kangaroos two weeks ago.

‘‘He’s overseas on tour at the moment and we’ll speak to his manager and Shaun when he returns,’’ George said. ‘‘This is a sign we’ll do what’s best for this club and every player is under review and accountable for every performance. We’re not scared to make big calls.’’