Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to reunite at Warriors in ...

13 Jul 2023
Shaun Johnson

SKY SPORT

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak took out a photographer while dotting down in the Warriors' romp over the Eels in Sydney.

Warriors boss Cameron George says star halfback Shaun Johnson has earnt the right to extend his career with a contract extension that pulls together a major piece of the puzzle that is the club’s roster for next season.

Johnson, 32, will play on for his 14th NRL season after inking a new one-year deal for 2024 at the club where he has been the public face for much of his career.

Having Johnson, one of the Warriors' best so far in 2023, go around again is a major boost for the club but it could mean the end is nigh for other players currently on the books.

George said one year was suitable for all parties but it didn’t mean a further extension wasn’t possible if Johnson was keen to play on in 2025.

Manly and Queensland halfback Daly Cherry-Evans is currently delivering close to career-best form at 34.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster is hopeful Johnson will celebrate his new contract by taking the field against the Sharks in Auckland on Sunday but he is no sure thing to play with his wife, Silver Fern Kayla Johnson, due to give birth to their second child this week.

Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Warriors star Shaun Johnson has re-signed with the club for the 2024 season.

Johnson’s re-signing, a flagship moment for the club in the fledgling yet ultra-promising Webster era, underpins the positive work at the club of far more than just the veteran playmaker and the rookie head coach, according to George.

“He [Johnson] didn’t take a lot of convincing,” George said. “He’s playing well but he’s earnt the opportunity to prove to himself that he’s ready to go around again.

“It’s great for Webby [Webster] that he’s going to have that stability in key roles and that’s really important in any club.”

Johnson, who played his 200th NRL game for the club in last Saturday night’s 46-10 victory over the Eels, rejoined the Warriors in 2022 after three years at the Sharks.

But it’s in 2023, back at home and surrounded by his young family, where Webster believes he has gone to another level.

“The way Shaun has gone about his football on and off the field this season has been phenomenal.

“His leadership and ambition to get better has been the driving factor in his and our success this season,” Webster said.

George said the Warriors' 30-man roster for next season is now complete with the confirmation that Johnson was to play on.

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With Chanel Harris-Tavita returning to the club next season, the Warriors currently have five halves on their books for 2024.

That could potentially be bad news for Bayley Sironen and Adam Pompey, who are both off-contract at the end of the season, unless others are moved on, and Stuff has previously reported promising halfback Ronald Volkman – who is signed with the club until the end of the 2025 season – could be in the gun on to make way for Johnson in 2024.

As it stands, the Warriors have five halves on their roster with the returning Chanel Harris-Tavita joining Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, Volkman and Johnson.

George played that logjam down citing how critical depth is with so many injuries across the board in the NRL this season.

“We’re really comfortable with the halves and the depth that we’ve got moving forward,” George said.

He also pointed out that Harris-Tavita can cover a wide range of positions.

Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images

They last played together at the club in 2018 but Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be reunited at the Warriors in 2024.

“He’s quite a capable and versatile player that we’re looking forward to have back.”

Warriors general manager of recruitment Andrew McFadden has previously stated the club is after another middle forward so there will be movement between now and the 2024 season.

“You never say never around some changes, that happens in every club whether you intend to or not,” George said on Thursday.

The club has an option on exciting fullback Taine Tuaupiki for next season but he is stuck behind Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad plus Martin and Metcalf can provide cover at the back.

Harris-Tavita, former captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and young centre prospect Ali Leiataua are currently the only players to be signed from outside the current squad for 2024.

“We’re very comfortable and healthy with our salary cap space,” George said.

Leiataua will be upgraded to the top 30 from next season and fellow development player, middle forward Zyon Maiu’u, will also be knocking on the door for an NRL contract.

Maiu’u, along with New South Wales Cup player Kalani Going, have been regular fixtures in the Warriors extended squads named on Tuesdays, before being cut before game day.

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