Polarising to the end
Strong reactions to Johnson’s departure
From good wishes to scathing criticism, and everything in between, reactions were mixed to Shaun Johnson’s departure from the Warriors.
News yesterday that the Warriors would be granting the star halfback his request for an immediate release left some angry and hurt, others relieved and rejoiceful, as might be expected given the enigmatic nature of Johnson’s Warriors career.
Some former team-mates, who wanted to remain anonymous, were scathing in their thoughts and felt the move should have been made years ago.
One former team-mate Stuff spoke to said Johnson was not the right fit for the club and hadn’t been for a long time.
He said the 2014 Golden Boot winner was not the type of player who ever wanted the ball in the big moments and all too often shrunk under the bright lights, something that rubbed many players the wrong way.
Johnson received plenty of criticism throughout his career for similar reasons, though more will remember him more for his crowd raising flair than any perceived shortcomings.
Many former team-mates and opponents have been full of praise since the announcement, former Warrior Elijah Taylor and Michael Ennis among those who believe the move will bring the best out of Johnson.
Micheal Luck, a player who was part of the 2011 grand final side and watched a fresh-faced Johnson burst onto the NRL scene, said the move had the potential to go ‘‘either way’’, but applauded the club for sticking to its guns.
‘‘With all huge decisions like this there is always that chance that things might not pan out, but that’s how you grow as a club,’’ he said.
Former Warriors winger Francis Meli was among those ‘‘shocked’’ to hear Johnson had played his last game as a Warrior, but said he understood ‘‘business is business’’.
‘‘It’s disappointing as a fan, because he is a brilliant player to watch and he’s been very loyal to this club for a long time,’’ Meli said. ‘‘But you understand where the club are coming from also and I like that ‘the team is bigger than any one player’ mindset they are going with.’’
Meli said he thinks the Warriors would have handled the situation differently if given the chance again, but believes ultimately it was the best outcome for both parties.
As far as a potential landing spot for Johnson, Meli believes it should be a contest between Melbourne and the Cowboys. CLEAR MESSAGE
One former teammate said Johnson was not the right fit for the club and hadn’t been for a long time.