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Shaun Johnson will make a shock homecoming to the Warriors after signing a two-year deal to return to the NRL club.
Three seasons after his messy exit, New Zealand international Johnson will be back at the Auckland-based side going into the 2022 season.
It’s the most unexpected move yet on the NRL halves contract merry-go-round, with the Warriors not previously considered a serious option for the unwanted Cronulla playmaker.
All bridges have seemingly been mended with the 30-year-old, after the club lashed him when he departed at the end of 2018.
At the time, they claimed they were “not going to compromise culture on and off the field” by keeping Johnson at the club after he’d demonstrated he didn’t want to be there.
On Friday morning Warriors boss Cameron George said Johnson had always maintained a link with the club.
“While he left to join the Sharks, Shaun’s heart has always been with the Warriors after starting his career here,” George said in a statement.
“We’re thrilled we’re able to bring him home to again play in the Warriors jersey in front of our members and fans at Mount Smart.”
Johnson’s return is a good news story for the club, who intend on moving home to Auckland next year after being forced to base themselves in Australia during the pandemic.
He is one of the most popular players in their history, and is the club’s all-time leading points-scorers with 917.
The halfback burst onto the scene in 2011 and took them all the way to the grand final, before the club struggled for consistency in the years that followed.
His next finals appearance was not until 2018 just before his departure, and he has since helped Cronulla to the finals in the two years since.
“Shaun’s homecoming is hugely exciting for both the team and the club as a whole,” coach Nathan Brown said.
“I know how much our club means to him and we also know how much he will bring to the side.
“Not just (with) his proven ability but also with his experience, leadership and the value he’ll provide as a mentor for our halves.”
Johnson’s arrival comes as the club loses its marquee man Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to rugby union for next year.
But it does raise questions over how Brown will manage his halves.
Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita are both signed until the end of next year, and have combined well together.
Harris-Tavita is currently out injured for the rest of this season and will be replaced briefly by Chad Townsend, but is seen as one of the club’s stars of the future alongside teenage fullback Reece Walsh.
Johnson’s move puts pay to the chances of Gareth Widdop coming back to the NRL via the Warriors, leaving Canberra as his only likely choice.
© AAP
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