Johnson out for Warriors

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash against the Roosters, but Issac Luke and Adam Blair have been named to start.

All three left the field during the second half of last week’s 26-4 win over the Tigers, with Luke dislocating a shoulder and Johnson and Blair both suffering ankle injuries.

Johnson left Mt Smart on crutches on Saturday after twisting his leg in a tackle. He has been replaced by Mason Lino and it remains unclear how long he will be on the sidelines.

But while the Warriors have struggled without their star playmaker in previous years, that has not been so much of a problem in 2018.

The Auckland outfit has won two of three matches with Lino in the No 7 jersey this season as Johnson battled a groin injury. And that includes the round four 30-6 drubbing of the Roosters in Sydney.

Blair was walking freely after the Tigers game and Warriors coach Stephen Kearney confirmed that the Kiwis World Cup captain was a certain starter.

However, Luke faces another week of fitness tests having only been given the green light to take the field last week on the eve of the match.

‘‘Adam is fine and will play,’’ Kearney said.

‘‘We gave Issac every chance to play last week after injuring his knee against Melbourne and he came through.’’