Sharks have just the player to attract whole new army of sponsors

IF ever Cronulla needed a human billboard, it’s now.

The sponsor-hungry Sharks have pulled off a major onand-off-field coup, by signing Kiwi Test star Shaun Johnson for the next three years.

The face of rugby league in New Zealand, Johnson put an end to the most tumultuous weeks of his career by putting pen to paper on a new multi- million dollar deal with the Sharks yesterday.

Alongside fiancé and Silver Fern netballer, Kayla Cullen, the former Golden Boot winner had breakfast with new Cronulla teammates Wade Graham and Andrew Fifita before being given a private tour of his new home in Australia by coach Shane Flanagan.

“It’s really exciting,’’ Johnson said of joining the Sharks until 2021.

“Obviously it’s been a really crazy few weeks, but to be able to get over here and lock it all away, I just can’t wait to get stuck in.

“All you want to do is play footy and the Sharks are a tough side, they know how to win and that’s what I’m really excited to be a part of.

“I want to add value where I can and play with some experienced players, some big boys in the forward pack.

“We’ll see what unfolds, but I’m really pumped to get all this locked away and bring on the new season.’’

The TAB reacted immediately to Johnson’s move to the Sharks by firming Cronulla’s $21 premiership odds into $13.

The irony and timing of Johnson pulling on the sponsor-less Sharks jersey for the first time for photos yesterday, couldn’t be missed.

In the wake of worrying ad- ministrative staff redundancies, major budget cuts, Johnson brings much more than a ready-made partnership with halfback Chad Townsend.

Clearly excited for the biggest move of his career, Johnson smiled in the brand-empty jersey, which was purposely selected instead of a neat polo.

Having fielded calls of interest from six potential sponsors over the previous 72 hours, the jersey photo appeared to be an additional pitch by the club to self-promote the empty real estate to any interested buyers.

Flanagan said he was delighted that Johnson had chosen to commit to the club.

“Shaun is obviously a world-class player,’’ Flanagan said. “Offensively especially, he’ll add a new dimension to our attack as a running number six.

“As a club, we’re thrilled to see him in the Sharks jersey.’’