Star half Shaun Johnson has been granted an immediate release from the final year of his contract at the New Zealand Warriors on Wednesday morning.
Johnson, who has played 162 games for the club since his debut in the NRL 2011, reportedly asked for the release yesterday after speculation about his future playing destination was talked about.
It was rumoured the Warriors were yet to offer Johnson a contract extension beyond the end of his current contract, which was due to expire at the end of the 2019 season.
Johnson then posted on social media, saying he would prefer for the news to come from him that he hadn’t been offered anything beyond the end of 2019.
“Firstly there is no contract for me to sign past 2019,” read the statement.
“Secondly, if you saw the article that came out a few weeks back..In a roundabout way they said they are in no rush to re-sign me. Since then they have told me again at this stage they wont be offering me anything.
“That means I get to spread my wings and see what’s out there so right now that’s what I’m doing!
“All of you know how much the warriors mean to me and how grateful I am for the opportunity they have given me to live my dreams and play the sport I love!”
The speculation around Johnson’s immediate future ramped up on Tuesday afternoon, with the half asking for a release which has today been granted.
Warriors CEO Cameron George said it was the best thing for the club if Johnson were allowed to leave a year early.
“Yesterday (head coach) Stephen Kearney, (recruitment manager) Peter O’Sullivan and I met with Shaun and his manager Peter Brown,” he said in a statement.
“During the meeting, Shaun clearly demonstrated to us that he didn’t want to be at the club in 2019.
“On the basis of what Shaun told us, we are not going to compromise our culture on and off the field with people who do not wish to represent our club, members and fans in the way we expect.
“Everything we do is about the club being first and what’s best for our future, our development and ultimately our results.
“While it’s disappointing it has come to this, we must acknowledge the contribution Shaun has made to the Vodafone Warriors. We’re proud of what he has achieved at the club and wish him the best for the future.”
While the destination for Johnson is yet to be determined, the 2014 golden boot winner is immensley talented and should have no problems finding a club to call home in 2019.
He has been strongly linked with the Cronulla Sharks, who lost Valentine Holmes to the NFL in the past weeks, while rumours are also circulating that the Parramatta Eels may be interested.
The St George Illawarra Dragons may be another club where he could end up, given news broke in the last 24 hours regarding the status of Gareth Widdop, who reportedly wants to return to England.
Sylvester
Guest
Jones achieved far more for the teams he played in with fewer natural gifts than Johnson. That's the key difference.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Scott, my mail is that Johnson is already locked for Roosters in 2020, replacing Cronk. Have you heard that one or am I getting speculative social gossip
Rob
Guest
Harvey is right Stacey Jones was very good on his day but all and all he could have been bettter and more consistent than he was.The warriors could of had a lot more success if he was more consistent because they did have a good line up in the time he was there..
kk
Roar Pro
Could be spot on uk, this result would surprise me least.
Greg
Guest
The Eels have been trying to offload Norman and Moses, maybe one will end up in NZ. Once the musical chairs stop there's going to be a club that has lost one of it's highest paid players and not have a replacement.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
SJ would need to fire up to make his signing worthwhile. He's the most gifted player I've seen and he could lead someone to a title but if anyone thinks he plays to his potential is in Disney Wonderland. Players like Thurston and Cronk played largely up to their potential particularly when it really counts and that's why they are the cream of the crop.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Well who the hell is going to play half for the Warriors?
Stu
Guest
I found Jones to be more frustrating. He had a great short kicking game but running and long kicking were nowhere close to what Johnson's able to do. Jones had the benefit of some outstanding forward packs which Johnson never had. 2011 would have been the only season and even then they weren't world beaters.
Spectator
Guest
Norman to the Warriors. Ideal gap year for both.
Emcie
Roar Guru
According to Fox Widdops already on $1m, so straight swap?
Nat
Roar Guru
How many digits have you got crossed for that one? Des, DCE and Foran with a good lock and FB will revive old memories but there's a problem with looking through rose coloured glasses.
Jacko
Guest
I cant agree with that Harvey....Jones was fantastic......Johnson is frustrating
Jacko
Guest
Wayne i remember when LOL meant Lots of Love........Nowdays LOL means Laugh out loud....I think the change referred directly to rugby league contracts....once apon a time Contracts meant you got lots of love but now those who sign contracts actually Laugh out loud....
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
The Warriors have had two great halves in their history that never really became what was expected. Johnson and Stacey Jones. Good on their day, but not consistent world beaters. A change of scene might be what Johnson needs.
uglykiwi
Roar Pro
Cronk retiring; hes off to the Roosters!!! and will join Marty there as well.
Wayne Turner
Guest
Contract,what's a contract?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Widdop by the sounds of it.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Ha, you can only hope TB, but I'd say Johnson would have only asked for a release once he knows exactly where he is going next year.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah, as my column up shortly will say, I'm not sold on him at the Dragons. Think Cronulla is the ideal spot for Johnson.
Scott Pryde
Expert
This is just it, no one. Mason Lino was the replacement for injury in 2018, but he is off to Newcastle. They will have some cash available now though.