Johnson’s nod slots in first piece of puzzle
haun Johnson’s two- year deal with the Warriors will be the first piece of the puzzle to slot into place as the club puts together a roster for 2018.
It was a no- brainer for the Warriors to re- sign their franchise player but quite a coup that Johnson opted to remain in Auckland rather than move to an Australian club that not only had the cap space to sign the former Golden Boot winner but also the roster to win a premiership.
By staying with the Warriors he gives the club brass a chance to continue working with the nucleus of a roster that could win a premiership in the next two or three seasons.
Had Johnson chased a title sooner the Warriors would have been left blowing up their current roster and starting again.
In Johnson, hooker Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa- Sheck they possess the bulk of a really top spine regardless of whether five- eighth Kieran Foran opts to move closer to his kids.
Add to that mix work- horse backrower Simon Mannering, impressive second- rower Tohu Harris and backline stars David Fusitu’a and Solomone Kata.
The Warriors now turn their attention to who will partner Johnson in the halves next year.
Not only is Foran off- contract but so are youngsters Ata Hingano and Mason Lino. Neither is ready to start with the likely forward pack so the club will look seriously at the remaining available halves.
Johnathan Thurston and Anthony Milford — the two big name free agents left — are almost certain to stay with the Cowboys and Broncos respectively. Moses Mbye ( Bulldogs) and Trent Hodkinson ( Knights) could be made available and the Warriors will consider the merits of both.
Otherwise they’ll likely go with youth, although it’s a chance.
The next focus will be signing props. All of the Warriors’ existing props — James Gavet, Albert Vete, Charlie Gubb, Jacob Lillyman and Toa Sipley — are off- contract at the end of the year while Ben Matulino has signed with the Tigers. Only Sam Lisone is contracted beyond next year. That means the Warriors need to sign four or five players to feature up front — some from their off- contract group but they will certainly look to bring one or two in from outside.
The Warriors would also look to maybe add another back- rower — Gold Coast’s Leivaha Pulu is tipped — as well as an outside back or two.
The Warriors have plenty of cap space to play with but they do need to spend that across several players. They could add to that by releasing Tui Lolohea should he want to move on or if veteran winger Manu Vatuvei was to retire. The big winger has been named in an enlarged squad for this weekend’s clash with the Roosters.
In Johnson, Luke and Tuivasa- Sheck they possess the bulk of a really top spine.