Johnson said to have rejected Wests bid

AUCKLAND: Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson appears set to either remain with the club or conclude his decorated career.

The offcontract star has reportedly turned down a move to Australian club Wests Tigers, unwilling to relocate his young family across the Tasman.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Johnson told the Tigers he would not be joining their ranks next season, wanting to provide the club with clarity after it had offered him a twoyear contract worth about $650,000 a year.

Johnson (32) is yet to reach a decision on whether he will continue playing beyond this season and has yet to agree to any deal with the Warriors.

But after spending three years with the Cronulla Sharks before returning to Mt Smart Stadium last season, Johnson reportedly has no desire to return to Australia.

It was reported that Johnson had spent the last few days contemplating his future, having met with incoming Tigers coach Benji Marshall when the Warriors were in Sydney before last week’s win over the Bulldogs.

Johnson’s remarkable form this year has turned heads in the NRL. He struggled for most of last season — not helped by the Warriors being based in

Australia and the club’s general instability — and this year was expected to be his swansong.

But his revival has changed the equation. The 32test Kiwi is in nearcareer best form and happy and confident off the field.

After 11 rounds he is among the top Dally M contenders and his renaissance has been a significant element in the Warriors’ 65 start to 2023.

‘‘He has been a huge part of it,’’ Warriors coach Andrew Webster said.

‘‘I don’t think teams win six games without the halfback playing well.

‘‘Shaun’s leadership as well has changed. He leads with his voice and he leads with his actions.

‘‘That’s powerful when a player can do that and he’s certainly doing that . . .

‘‘Shaun and I have a good relationship. So we know where [next year] is at and how that looks. So we’ll work that out at the right time.’’

Johnson’s future is expected to be decided by next month. — The