Warriors coach Andrew McFadden says he’s one person not surprised by halfback Shaun Johnson’s influential display in the Kiwis’ drought-breaking Anzac Test victory.
The winner of the 2014 Golden Boot for the world’s best player, Johnson came under the spotlight pre-match over his NRL form this season.
He responded with a starring role in the 26-12 victory over the Kangaroos in Brisbane, scoring a try and having a hand in two others as the Kiwis won their first mid-year Test since 1998.
McFadden says Johnson was building to that sort of performance in the past few weeks with the Warriors.
“Unfortunately for Shaun, he bears all the weight of our results,” he said.
“If we lose a game, the first person people point to is Shaun, but he’s been breaking the line and setting stuff up for us for the last month, and his defence has been solid.
“It’s the support around him that we need to really improve.”
Johnson also felt his form had been on the up and described what he produced at Suncorp Stadium as “no fluke”.
“Cappy (McFadden) made it clear to me that I’ve been building towards that every week that I’ve been playing for the Warriors,” he said.
However, the 24-year-old admitted he did go into his 14th Test feeling like he had a point to prove, although more to himself than anyone else.
“I did a bit of media at the start of last week and I was made well aware of what everyone was saying about me,” he said.
“It wasn’t really to them [the critics]. It was more to myself that I did belong in that environment because you sort of start getting convinced that you maybe don’t.”
As for changing people’s perceptions, Johnson added: “It’s funny what one game can do.”
The Warriors are away to Cronulla on Saturday and looking to snap a two-match losing run that has dropped them to 13th, just ahead of the Sharks on points differential.
“It’s a really important game for the club,” Johnson said.
“If we go down at the weekend, we’re starting to fall behind the eight ball.”
Marnz
Guest
I truly feel like Cronk is a great player within a structure. He's polished at the end of sets, directs the players around the park well, is class when the games on the line (kicking field goals at the death), is a tough defender but seems to struggle with off the cuff football if the game plan isn't working. This is where Thurston's brilliance shines through (not always) but has the vision to create something out nothing. I understand that usually when games are lost the blame gets directed at the half back but Shaun Johnson always seems to cop more criticism then other halves. He's still young and has a long way to go but I can't help but think when he's more matured like Thurston is that he'll become a more consistent player that everyone says he should be. Oh and those two moments of mayhem that Johnson created against the Sharks last night, priceless.
watcher
Guest
Johnston admits he has a way to go , he has a way to go to go to match Thurston, personally I think he has overtaken Cronk. I just hope they are protected from cheap shot grubs like Bird and Scott.
steveng
Roar Rookie
That could be true from the NZ and Warriors fans perspective. One game does not make him anything. But as far as we are concerned here in Aussie, Cronk and Thurston didn't have a great game in their last outing and Johnston better watch out, he's a marked player now and things will be different next test and the next time the Warriors play. Johnson has a long way to go to prove himself against or be on par with the calibre of Cronk and Thurston.
Gazzatron
Guest
I sure hope so Renegade!
Renegade
Roar Guru
A premiership is literally around the corner for the Warriors with Isaac Luke now also joining the team.... RTS, Johnson, Bully means it's an almost NZ spine which for me makes them 2016 premiership favourites without even looking at any other team.