Johnson hails unsung hero Lino
Warriors star Shaun Johnson has paid tribute to a ‘‘selfless’’ Mason Lino as the back-up playmaker proved he is ready to play a role in the NRL finals if called upon.
While Johnson dominated the headlines for his season-best display in Friday’s finals-clinching 36-16 win over the Panthers, he received plenty of help from his lesser-known halves partner.
Filling in for the injured Blake Green, Lino’s impressive game management helped steer the team around the park, while his sharp running game was rewarded when he beat NSW prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard to dart over for a try in the first half.
Having lost his first nine NRL appearances across three years, Lino has now played a hand in four important Warriors victories this season.
But in a clear indication of just how highly regarded he is within the squad, Johnson says his influence on their success runs far deeper than that.
‘‘He’s an out-and-out half and the boys love playing with him,’’ Johnson said. ‘‘You can’t replace someone like that, someone who is selfless and the work he does in the background. A lot of the time he’s training against us and preparing us for who we’re playing. It’s disrupting his own preparation, he’s trying to run other team’s plays and that sort of thing. Mase had a rough start to his NRL career so to see him playing well and winning games is very pleasing.’’
Life as a deputy is no easy ride. It can be particularly difficult to maintain focus.
Friday night was a big occasion and Lino admitted to feeling the pressure heading into the game but, as he has done all year, he made the most of his opportunity.
Green is a decent chance of returning from a calf strain for this week’s final-round game against Canberra at Mt Smart Stadium. Yet with Lino playing Shaun, Roger [Tuivasa-Sheck] and ‘Bully’ [Issac Luke]. There’s a wealth of experience there, so that made my job a lot easier.’’
As for his own performance, Johnson went into the game intent on running the ball.
It was not by design but a dash from dummy-half in just the second play of the match set the tone for his performance as he went on to shred the Penrith defence for 127 metres off the back of a powerful forwards display.
‘‘It was good to get in the game early. The boys let me know they appreciate it and I guess like seeing me run the ball,’’ he said. ‘‘I definitely didn’t make a plan of it but maybe I need to pencil it in and do it more often.
‘‘Late offloads, quick play-theballs down short-sides – the result of me running is from that. I can’t put enough on the team and the way they played.’’
Johnson is one of only two surviving members from the 2011 grand final team alongside Simon Mannering and he made sure to savour the moment with the fans.
‘‘You could feel it walking into the tunnel,’’ he said. ‘‘The same people who have sat above this tunnel and clapped us in win or lose. Our members are the ones that ride with us and we know they’re going to be there regardless so it was a nice moment.’’
‘‘You can’t replace someone like that, someone who is selfless and the work he does in the background.’’
Shaun Johnson on Mason Lino