Kiwi superstar Shaun Johnson has been given a chance to secure his legacy after signing a three-year NRL deal with Cronulla.
Johnson was on Saturday spotted in the Shire meeting with coach Shane Flanagan and senior players Wade Graham and Andrew Fifita before officially putting pen to paper on a long-term deal.
While the Sharks were always the front-runners to secure the New Zealand Test playmaker’s signature after he was granted a release from the Warriors, it was rumoured he was only set to sign a one-year deal with the Sharks.
Johnson had been linked with the Sydney Roosters, who will be on the lookout for a replacement for premiership hero Cooper Cronk when he hangs up his boots at the end of next year.
But after a tumultuous week, the 28-year-old put his future to bed.
“It’s been a crazy few weeks but it’s good to lock it all away,” Johnson said.
“I can’t wait to get over here and to rip in. It’s really exciting.
“I want to add value where I can. The Sharks are a tough side, they know how to win and that’s what I’m excited to be a part of.”
Johnson has been the face of rugby league in rugby union-mad New Zealand since his breakout debut season in 2011, during which he guided the side to the grand final.
Despite amassing 162 first-grade and 29 Test appearances, his inability to win a premiership and questions about his consistency have dogged him throughout his career.
His exit from the Warriors was hastened after he was informed by management he wouldn’t be offered a deal beyond 2019, prompting him to ask for a release in search of an opportunity elsewhere.
He will now play behind one of the best forward packs in the competition, which features the likes of Paul Gallen, Aaron Woods, Graham and Fifita, all of whom are renowned for their grit and resilience.
Johnson effectively takes fullback Valentine Holmes’ spot in the Sharks roster, after the Queensland and Australian star’s decision to chase his NFL dream in America.
Johnson will help nurture Flanagan’s son, 20-year-old halfback Kyle, who made his NRL debut this year.
Jacko
Guest
Yeah I noticed it said Kiwi Superstar NOT Warriors superstar....As a Warriors supporter I am happy to see him go and hope he reaches the potential he has as it still helps the Kiwi side and it doesn't weaken the Warriors
Matt H
Roar Guru
He's a Golden Boot winner and has won trophies for NZ as their main playmaker. That is a superstar.
Matt H
Roar Guru
And again, it's got nothing to do with Johnson. He didn't sack them and he isn't responsible for the club's finances. And he didn't go on a podcast and give sponsors a reason to bale out.
Matt H
Roar Guru
Why should Johnson explain? It's not his fault the club made him an offer and he accepted?
Tom G
Guest
My thoughts exactly.. they’ve been perilously close before
Tom G
Guest
I neglected to mention another thing. They also lost all three major sponsors and will start the season without $2m as a result. The notion of losing money whilst spending like a drunken sailor on shore leave is just plainly bad business.
Rob
Guest
Flano must have some very special incentives at his disposal to keep picking up all these players who suddenly become available? Johnson is a very big signing to pick up at this stage of the year. How many other players have the Sharks lured whilst still signed at other clubs in recent years?
Hopefully
Guest
SJ will add too the Sharkies but me thinks they will be a team full of champions and not a champion team
potshot
Guest
Oh, he'll get injured too. How many weeks was he out for this year? 4-5?
Peter Piper
Guest
Nah I am not but I can well understand how those affected must feel at reading this news.
potshot
Guest
'if we can get the halves to click'. remember it took Moylan a while. Superstar? Jimmy Maloney is a superstar. Johnson is nowhere near his class, or ticker. I guess it's wait and see. He won't have the same support base for his ego and the Sydney spotlight will burn him up. Off to England with Widdup next year.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Could be huge for us next season. I am really looking forward to how Flanno gets him into the team. If we can keep Dugan, Graham and Morris on the paddock and get the halves to click with Moylan at the back we could be in for a cracking season. Up Up
Renegade
Roar Guru
Cool story mate, sounds like you’re losing sleep over this... stay well!
Renegade
Roar Guru
Maybe Pete is one of the 10?
Stu
Guest
Yes it does
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Maybe it is because toothless Annessley is back at the NRL and back at his home in Caringbah (in the Shire)...
Peter Piper
Guest
Cronulla are a protected species mate, always have been.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Would it matter. They would just change it again next week anyway. Maybe it's because the Sharks self reported?? Maybe it's because Mercury is in retrograde?? Maybe it's because Greenberg got out of bed on the left today??
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Strewth mate can you bang that drum any harder??
Renegade
Roar Guru
Good for you mate, lucky you won’t be betting with any of my money.