Johnson open to playing next year
But any contract discussions are likely to take place at end of season
Shaun Johnson is moving closer to being a Warrior again in 2025. While there are still discussions and negotiations to play out — as well as the rest of the season — it is looking increasingly likely the 33-year-old will have at least one more year at his hometown club.
Coach Andrew Webster was unequivocal when asked yesterday if he wanted the veteran to be part of the roster next year.
“One hundred per cent,” Webster said. “We would love to have Shaun around again. We spoke at the start of the season that we were going to have that conversation, like last year, later in the year.”
“He is huge for our team. I love the way he’s playing. But it’s only early in the season. We have got a good relationship; we’ll work it out when we can.”
There is no rush — but it isn’t likely to take too long. It’s a bit of a quandary, as the Warriors have not budgeted to have Johnson contracted in 2025 and will require some shuffling of the salary cap, as happened last season.
But it’s hard to imagine a Warriors team without the dominant playmaker and there is no sign yet that his standards have slipped in an encouraging start to the season.
Webster admitted the talks won’t be quite the same as early last season because of what has unfolded since.
“The conversation is different because of what he has behind him,” said Webster. “He’s got 12 months of amazing football behind him. We didn’t really know last year, even he would admit that himself, but we’re just going to keep playing it by ear and being smart.”
Johnson has yet to hit the remarkable heights of 2023 but has still impressed in 2024. He is usually at the centre of the Warriors’ best attacking moments, has kicked and organised with aplomb and continues to contribute well defensively.
Webster said there is improvement to come but praised Johnson’s “huge impact”, especially as he is managing an Achilles tendon niggle that has affected his preparations each week.
“It’s just very sore,” said Webster. “I’m trying to not play it down because he is being really brave. Shaun’s been incredibly tough and done a great job. He wants to win so bad, he is willing to do whatever it takes.”
Johnson has limited his training the past two weeks and sat out most of yesterday’s session, although he is expected to play in Thursday’s Anzac Day clash against the Gold Coast Titans.
When asked about his future, Johnson said he was “open minded” but hinted the impending arrival of Kiwis captain and Penrith figurehead prop James Fisher-Harris would be another carrot to continue.
“It is certainly something to celebrate and want to play on for,” said Johnson with a smile.
No player wants to go on too long but Johnson is competing as well as ever and it would be hard to walk away from what the Warriors are building.
“So much goes into making a decision whether you play on, especially at the tender age of [33],” said Johnson. “I’m open minded about everything, I’m not down one path as opposed to the other any more, I’m taking it week by week.”
Johnson also pointed out he has yet to receive a contract offer from the club, although talks have begun and he met with his manager yesterday afternoon after training.
“I am starting those conversations, with the right people and it will all play out how it is meant to.”
Johnson implied he wanted to finalise a decision “sooner rather than later” but said it wouldn’t detract from his core task.
“I don’t want to be that kind of player, playing just to get one more year. Right now, I’m certainly enjoying it.”
The team endured a sobering review session yesterday after their 30-12 loss to the Dragons on Friday, one of the worst performances of the Webster era.
“First time we haven’t tackled in a year-and-a-half,” said Webster. “The boys were disappointed, they know they didn’t get done what they wanted to get done.”
Dylan Walker is likely to return for Thursday’s match, provided he comes through tomorrow’s training without any issues with his foot. Jazz Tevaga (hamstring) is still four to six weeks away, while Chanel Harris Tavita (leg) could return for the round 10 clash with the Roosters.