Shaun Johnson, the star halfback of the New Zealand Warriors, has secured a one-year contract extension and will play his 14th NRL season with the club in 2024. Warriors’ CEO Cameron George believes that Johnson has earned the right to continue his career with the team and sees him as a major puzzle piece in the club’s roster for the next season.
The decision to retain Johnson for another year is a significant boost for the Warriors. However, it could potentially mean the end of the line for other players on the team. George explained that a one-year contract was suitable for all parties involved, but he didn’t rule out the possibility of a further extension if Johnson expresses interest in playing in 2025.
The coach of the Warriors, Andrew Webster, is optimistic that Johnson will be able to take the field in their upcoming match against the Sharks. However, there is uncertainty due to Johnson’s wife, Silver Fern Kayla Johnson, who is due to give birth to their second child this week.
Johnson’s re-signing is seen as a cornerstone moment for the Warriors. George stated that it signifies the positive progress not only of the veteran playmaker but also of the rookie head coach. According to George, Johnson was convinced to stay with the team easily because he is playing well and has proven that he is ready to continue competing.
Returning to the Warriors in 2022 after three years with the Sharks, Johnson has truly found his stride in 2023. Webster praised Johnson for his phenomenal performance on and off the field. His leadership, ambition, and dedication to improving have been instrumental in the team’s success this season.
With Johnson’s contract extension, the Warriors’ 30-man roster for the next season is now complete. This could mean that other players, such as Bayley Sironen and Adam Pompey, who are both off-contract at the end of this season, might not be resigned. Additionally, there have been speculations that promising halfback Ronald Volkman, who is signed with the club until the end of the 2025 season, might have to make way for Johnson in 2024.
Even though the team already has five halves on their roster, George emphasized the importance of depth, especially considering the high number of injuries across the NRL this season. He also mentioned that Chanel Harris-Tavita, who is returning to the team, is a versatile player who can cover various positions.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Warriors’ general manager of recruitment, Andrew McFadden, has indicated the club’s interest in acquiring another middle forward. This suggests that there might be further movement and adjustments to the team’s lineup.
As of now, the Warriors have signed three players from outside their current squad for 2024: Harris-Tavita, former captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and young center prospect Ali Leiataua. George assured that the club is financially stable and has sufficient salary cap space.
The Warriors continue to focus on promoting young talent, as seen with the planned promotion of Leiataua and the potential NRL contract for Zyon Maiu’u, a middle forward who has been performing well in the New South Wales Cup.
Overall, the Warriors’ decision to extend Shaun Johnson’s contract brings stability and experience to the team’s roster. They have prioritized depth in key positions and are optimistic about the future. With the 2024 season already shaping up, fans will eagerly await the developments and changes that lie ahead for the New Zealand Warriors.
