Pay cut possible for Johnson?
Shaun Johnson admits he may need to take a pay cut in his next deal with the Warriors if they are to become a premiership force in the NRL.
Many frustrated fans may argue that the star halfback should take one now given his indifferent form in 2016 as the Warriors missed the finals for a fifth consecutive season.
But while the 26-year-old failed to live up to expectations, playmakers of his calibre and age are in high demand in the NRL and he could potentially command upwards of $800,000 per year on the open market when he comes off contract at the end of next season.
His preference, though, is to remain at Mt Smart.
He told Australia’s Fox Sports that he is fully focused on bringing success to the Warriors and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
‘‘I’m sure my manager’s on to it already and they’ll be going back and forth but whether they can act on it this year or next year, it doesn’t really matter. I’ve just got to play good footy, that’s all I can worry about,’’ Johnson said
‘‘I don’t really give a s... about the salary cap, as long as we’re winning games. You ask any player who plays this game, you want to win comps.
‘‘We’ve missed out on finals for however many years now, we just need to win. If that means I take less money or that means I can’t be there to be part of it, I want the club to win. It’s pretty simple.’’
Johnson is one of several Warriors players entering the final year of their contract including skipper Ryan Hoffman, Bodene Thompson, Charlie Gubb, Jacob Lillyman and Ben Matulino.
Kieran Foran’s potential arrival at the Warriors on a oneyear deal has also increased competition for places in the halves.
Foran’s deal still needs to be registered by the NRL but should the governing body give him the green light, the Warriors may well look to sign the Kiwis stand-off long-term if he gets back to anywhere near his best in 2017.
Johnson and Foran are sure to be Stephen Kearney’s first-choice halves but with Tuimoala Lolohea and the promising Ata Hingano waiting in the wings, the new coach has options.
And if he isn’t performing, Johnson says he may have no choice but to look elsewhere.
‘‘If the Warriors want to keep me, they’ll keep me,’’ Johnson told Fox Sports.
‘‘If they don’t, I’m gone. It’s simple. I love the club, everyone knows I love the club. I grew up idolising the club. We’ll have to wait and see.
‘‘We have some pretty big names at our club so who knows, I might be squeezed out (laughs).’’