Johnson relaxed about new Warriors owners
Warriors star Shaun Johnson is happy to see the club remain in Kiwi hands as the team insists the change in ownership has not affected its preparation for this weekend’s match against the Wests Tigers.
After months of speculation, Eric Watson on Wednesday confirmed he had sold the rugby league club to the Carlaw Heritage Trust and Autex Industries after 17 years in charge of the Auckland-based NRL team.
An American consortium, led by Hawaiian Richard Fale, had been in close negotiations with Watson’s Cullen Investments.
The Carlaw Heritage Trust is effectively an arm of Auckland Rugby League, the original owners of the Warriors.
Manufacturing business Autex has had a long a association with rugby league in New Zealand dating back to 1979, when it became the first New Zealand business to sponsor a national sports team through its investment in the Kiwis.
Autex chief executive Mark Robinson addressed the Warriors players and staff prior to the public announcement and Johnson believes the new owners have their best interests at heart.
‘‘It doesn’t matter where it’s owned from if they’re going to do the right or wrong things,’’ said Johnson, who is back in the Warriors line-up after missing the last two games due to a groin injury. ‘‘But it’s nice to know that we’ve got people willing to put their hand up who are locally based. That shows me that there’s a genuine care for the club and that’s all we ask for.’’
The Warriors have the first chance to impress their new bosses against the Tigers at Mt Smart tomorrow as they attempt to bounce back from the 50-10 Anzac Day rout against Melbourne.
Johnson said he has no concerns of the new owners disrupting the progress they have made so far this year.
‘‘They told us they’re pretty happy with how we’re going so that’s all we’ve got to worry about,’’ he said.