They’ll cope without SJ

OPINION: Over the last few years the major knock on Shaun Johnson was he wasn’t the type of halfback that could lead the Warriors to a premiership.

For all his amazing talent, he lacked the game-management skills and was too unreliable in big games to deliver when it mattered, or so the thinking went.

So, now he’s gone, the Warriors are expected to crumble without him. That is the warped logic of many (mainly Australian) pundits who have written off the Warriors’ chances of returning to the finals in 2019 before a ball has been kicked.

Over the last two seasons, coach Stephen Kearney has worked hard to instil a squad mentality and create a more balanced side from 1-17. The spotlight will shine brighter on some key individuals, but everyone will be required to step up.

There is no denying the impact Johnson had on the Warriors’ attack. His exit has shred the team of a large amount of X-factor. But it wasn’t the highlight reel plays that broke the team’s finals drought last year.

It was the gritty defensive efforts, like those produced against the Dragons (twice), Roosters and Broncos.

The Warriors went some way to resembling a hard-nosed, resilient football club last season, which is what is needed to succeed in the NRL.

Taking the next step in that development and improving their consistency holds the key to going deep in the competition.

If the Warriors revert to making up the numbers this season it will be because they have gone away from that. Not because Johnson left.