Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has reportedly requested an early release from his NRL contract after talks broke down with club management.
Bloated salary caps at most rival clubs creates uncertainty over where the 28-year-old’s manager Peter Brown will set his sights.
However, it’s believed Cronulla is his most likely destination if he does secure a release, thanks to the cash freed up following fullback Valentine Holmes’ departure to pursue his NFL dream.
Johnson is unhappy the Warriors haven’t shown interest in extending his contract beyond next season and NZME reports he wants to play elsewhere in 2019 rather than a ninth season in Auckland.
Johnson met with Warriors chief executive Cameron George and coach Stephen Kearney on Tuesday, 24 hours after venting displeasure at the club’s attitude on social media.
George hasn’t returned calls to AAP but it is understood he has declined Johnson’s request for a release.
It is unclear if the the club will relent and consider tabling a reduced offer to tempt their record pointscorer to stay put.
Johnson’s departure would leave the Kiwi outfit scrambling to find a halfback next year to partner Blake Green.
Their backup for the last two seasons, Mason Lino, has left for the Newcastle Knights.
Johnson’s form has been inconsistent in recent seasons, including this year’s campaign in which they reached the finals for the first time since his debut in 2011.
His current two-year contract was believed to be a club record seven figure deal, which he is halfway through.
On Monday, Johnson said on Facebook he was irritated the club won’t make an offer for 2020.
“That means I get to spread my wings and see what’s out there so right now that’s what I’m doing!”
Peter Piper
Guest
The small matter of Salary Cap cheating, of forged invoices etc. You know, the same sort of thing that nearly destroyed Melbourne, severely penalised the Doggies and slapped the Eels with a wet kipper. That sort of cheating. There is also a story going around that the Sharkies are laying off staff due to a huge financial black hole. With SC penalties yet to come, Cronulla might want to save some of the dollars Johnson would be asking. It is also worth asking if a 1 year contract would be worth taking. If rumours are true and the Roosters have him lined up to replace Cronk then its worth asking if Johnson's heart would be really in it or whether he would just be milking Cronulla for the Yakka.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
What blatant cheating are you referring to??
Peter Piper
Guest
Reports are that the NRL are pretty annoyed with the sharkies after the peptide scandal and now the blatant cheating and are looking to hit Cronulla where it hurts. They might just move to block the sharks getting Johnson one way or another. Just putting the thought out there.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
More than welcome to come and play with the "good guys". He'd be welcome with open arms, and I''m fairy confident become a Shark's fan favourite. Around the scrum base we've been at times, fairly predictable in attack.SJ offers variety and penetration, creating confusion with opposition defences. Russell get that cheque book out, after we probably face a Salary Cap fine , or just maybe!!!
Peter Piper
Guest
To be honest, I think Johnson and the sharkies are a poor fit. He would be better looking for a stronger coach, one that will help straighten him out after the warriors and help him maximise his potential.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Says a guy who’s out of touch...
Nat
Roar Guru
Haha, cracking analogy kk.
Paul
Roar Guru
You've lost a future HoF in Lewis plus a host of other players and you reckon you'd make the GF? Talk about LOL
Nat
Roar Guru
Exactly. We know what Bird can bring but haven't been able get the best yet. In his short, injured stint he played 3 positions so not given much chance to shine.
Kenw
Guest
It does change the complexion of the Johnson news. It's good news for him, the Dragons are almost certainly going to put an offer in and you wouldn't think it's a shy one - they had some money for Hayne, and Widdop is on big coin. Even if he doesn't end up there it guarantees that whoever gets him will pay good money - which isn't necessarily a sure thing when you're looking for a new club in December.
Big Daddy
Guest
With the latest Johnson and widdop news why would you support a club. My head is spinning and were still in November. I wonder who's next.
kk
Roar Pro
Strewth! He's on his way.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
I think the rule is that he can't play for another team in 2019, not necessarily that he has to play for the Sharks. If that is the case he might just get a gap year if the NFL fizzles out. Or he can play for the Sharks for next to nothing. There was nothing that said they had to take him back at his current salary.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Wasn't there strong mail that Bird was going back to the Shire mid season as well?
Emcie
Roar Guru
There's a big difference between playing off the bench and playing the full 80 though. Let's give him some time before we lump all out expectations on him. Bird also missed the preseason due to surgery and was playing injured for his limited games (Staggs actually played more then him) so we won't really know how he fits until we see him this year. The other problem is if you dump Bird and bring in Staggs the depth in the centres nosedives. As it was we had a winger filling in at centre for a fair chunk of the year.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Lol please.... that’s what people who are out of touch said last year. If Holmes wasn’t leaving I’d have Sharks down as Grand Finalists... this team made the preliminary’s carrying injuries the whole year. SJ is a perfect replacement for Holmes - back to heavyweights again..... can’t see any of the teams below them getting better if the sharks out a full team on the paddock - they’ve got plenty of depth through the strong juniors and NSW cup team too. The Sharks are the new storm where people predict they will finally miss the finals... every year since the premiership people have said they will miss the finals...
Paul
Roar Guru
You think? SJ blows so hot and cold. When he's on, no argument, he's one of the best halves in world football, but he goes MIA pretty often and the Sharks already have one of those in Moylan. Two in the same team, to my mind,means you won't make the finals.
kk
Roar Pro
The Kiwis (and the Irish) are the best horse traders in the world. If the Warriors do not want to re-sign him, is there another reason apart from the age factor ? That dodgy ankle needs to be cleared by the best vet in town. All that aside I wish SJ the very best. The memory of GI saluting with "Nice Step" are forever, as Shaun untouched, grounded the Steeden for a class defining try.
Paul
Roar Guru
It would be great to know why the Warriors aren't bending over to keep him. I've heard various unproven statements about salary cap issues, off field incidents and now SJ is annoyed he won't get an offer for 2020. Does anyone know what the real story is?
Roberto
Guest
Saw it differently to you. Bird was bumbling about like a rookie in Bronocs colours, while young Staggs was confident and assured in his handful of appearances off the bench. Jack is surplus to requirements, Kotoni is the next Tate in the making...and way cheaper too.