Warriors stand up for Johnson
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has brushed aside criticism from Australian great Laurie Daley towards Shaun Johnson.
Speaking on Australian television earlier this week, the New South Wales State of Origin coach said Johnson needed a ‘‘reality check’’ and urged Kearney to either drop or bench the enigmatic halfback to jolt him into action.
‘‘Sometimes I think you may have to do something a little bit different with Shaun, maybe to get the best out of him,’’ Daley told Fox Sports.
‘‘Either play him elsewhere, starting him off the bench, not select him.
‘‘He’s the most influential player in that team when they’ve got the ball. ‘‘He hasn’t reached his talent yet.’’ While Johnson’s form has mirrored the team’s lack of consistency over their 1-4 start to the season, his determination to kickstart their stuttering attack has been noticeable, particularly during the last two defeats against the Dragons and Bulldogs.
The 26-yearold was routinely criticised last season for a perceived reluctance to take the ball to the line, but in the four matches so far he has increased his involvement to average 11 runs for a total of 95m per game.
On the other hand, the Warriors have struggled for direction in attack and as the team’s No 1 playmaker, he must accept a large portion of the blame, while his fifth-tackle options remain a concern. But Kearney says that is through no lack of effort.
‘‘I try not to pay too much attention to a lot of the outside sources in terms of opinions and critics. If I did that every week I’d be scrambled up,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘I’m really comfortable with how Shaun’s going, I think he’s trying really hard. I’ve seen a real improvement from him so I’m happy.’’
Johnson also received support from his potential halves partner for Sunday’s clash against the Titans, star recruit Kieran Foran.
After a false start against the Dragons, Foran is hoping to make his Warriors debut this weekend although he still needs to be cleared of a hamstring injury.
He was surprised by Daley’s comments, adding that Johnson has been one of their strongest performers to date.
‘‘I don’t know why he’s come under fire to be honest,’’ Foran said as he fronted the media for the first time since joining the club.
‘‘I’ve watched the games closely enough and he’s competing in every play. He’s doing everything he can to get our team over the line.
‘‘He’s just got to keep doing what he’s doing. We’re not getting the two points at the moment but when things turn he’ll be a major factor in it.’’
Meanwhile, veteran duo Manu Vatuvei and Ben Matulino are still about three weeks away from returning to the side as they recover from respective knee injuries.
Kearney revealed Vatuvei underwent minor surgery last Friday after the big winger aggravated the injury just 53 minutes into his first game of the season against the Bulldogs.
Matulino had his knee operated on in January but suffered a setback due to a post-surgery infection.
The 23-test Kiwis prop trained away from the group yesterday, alongside Foran and Toafofoa Sipley, and as much as the forwards could use a player of his calibre, Kearney is taking a cautious approach.
‘‘He’s probably three weeks [away], but that’s a day-to-day, week-to-week proposition,’’ the coach added.
‘‘He’s just started running over the last week. He looked pretty good today so it’s just making sure he goes through a protocol so we know he’s in tip top condition when he’s ready to come back.’’