Warriors may be shorn of 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 that 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 and whether that’s any elite player in our squad, we’ll do what’s best for our club and our fans.
‘‘We’re adamant that we need to win this Premiership and by having a club-first mentality and making whatever calls appropriate to achieve our desired outcome for the fans, is exactly what our priority is.’’ Johnson is currently preparing for the Kiwis’ first test against England in Hull and it has been reported that the Warriors have told him to explore his value on the open market.
Johnson has always spoken of his passion for the Warriors, but he may have to accept a reduced offer if he wants to remain there beyond next year. That is an understandable position given the club would be reluctant to continue forking out upwards of $1 million a season for a player who has struggled for consistency. But it also comes with plenty of risk.
Elite-level playmakers are a rare commodity in the NRL and clubs are willing to pay top dollar to secure them. There are bound to be several teams who would back themselves to get the best out of Johnson, leaving the Warriors exposed if he decides to leave and they are unable to find a suitable replacement.