Shaun Johnson

Johnson to make late call on playing his 200th NRL game

It's down to mother nature whether or not Shaun Johnson will play his 200th NRL match this weekend.

Johnson's wife Kayla is expecting their second child shortly with the Warriors to play the Parramatta Eels on Saturday.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster says the club will support Johnson whether he travels to Sydney to make his milestone match or not.

Warriors name Kodi Nikorima to partner Shaun Johnson in NRL opener

The Kiwis pair have been confirmed to start in the halves for Saturday's clash with the Dragons on the Sunshine Coast.

The match will be Johnson's first in Warriors colours since September, 2018, with the 31-year-old returning after several seasons with the Cronulla Sharks.

Nikorima won the race to partner Johnson, with new recruit Ash Taylor named on the extended bench.

Chanel Harris-Tavita had been given the nod at fullback, filling the void left by suspended young star Reece Walsh.

Shaun Johnson coming 'home' to the Warriors

Johnson, 30, moved to the Cronulla Sharks but they won't be retaining him beyond this year.

Johnson who has played 162 games for the Warriors between 2011-2018 has signed a two-year deal.

He has played 40 games for the Sharks taking his NRL tally to 202.

"While he left to join the Sharks, Shaun's heart has always been with the Vodafone Warriors after starting his career here," said club CEO Cameron George.

"Shaun stands among the top playmakers in the competition and he'll give us a significant boost from next season."

Shaun Johnson on road to recovery in 'the chamber' after Achilles tendon injury

The 30-year-old Cronulla playmaker snapped an Achilles tendon last September, prematurely ending a standout season which saw him lead the NRL for try assists.

Johnson and wife Kayla (nee Cullen) – a former Silver Ferns netballer – welcomed daughter Millah in August, not long before his injury.

Johnson has featured in a video on the Sharks' website detailing his rehabilitation workload while his Cronulla colleagues “get to run out on the field and pass a footy around’’.

Johnson to back Proctor at NRL judiciary

Proctor became the first player in the NRL's 112-year history to be sent off for biting and the Gold Coast forward will face the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.

Proctor will deny the charge but faces a lengthy suspension if found guilty.

Johnson blew up on field over the incident but then later made up with his New Zealand teammate and said he would not pursue the matter.

Johnson has since taken to social media to reiterate his stance and to "clear the air" on the incident which split the rugby league community.

Sharks confident Johnson can provide bite

Johnson will play his first game for the Sharks against Newcastle on Friday night, after he was released by the Warriors in an ugly split at the end of last year.

His pick up couldn't have come at a better time for Cronulla, who lost their biggest attacking weapon in Holmes last November.

Holmes led the Sharks last season for tries, linebreaks, tackle busts and running metres, hitting his best just as Cronulla made a run to the preliminary final.

"I think what he brings to the side is a bit of X-factor which we lost with Val," Morris said of Johnson.

'I've got no problem with Shaun Johnson' - Kearney

Kearney has spoken publicly for the first time since Johnson's spectacular departure from the club and his subsequent signing with the Cronulla Sharks.

At the weekend Johnson said Kearney "didn't like him" and that he was left out of discussions about the Warriors' playing rosters, as he was not in the team leadership group.

"I can honestly say after spending close to 20 test matches with him and at close quarters over the last two years... I've got no problem with Shaun," said Kearney.

Warriors reveal Peta Hiku candidate to replace Shaun Johnson in halves

Warriors football general manager Brian Smith is strongly considering promoting a young half already on the Kiwi outfit's books or converting the versatile back Peta Hiku to partner Blake Green in 2019.

That would leave more than $1 million of salary-cap money to spend elsewhere, with the pack a prime target for improvement.

Smith told stuff.co.nz that Johnson's departure to a three-year deal with Cronulla handed Warriors management a chance to dissect the state of their roster.

He said they weren't pursuing any halves elsewhere in the NRL.

Johnson looking for a new home

Last month it was revealed the Warriors told their star player he could test his value on the free market, indicating they weren't willing to re-sign him.

Johnson took to social media Monday afternoon to "clear up" his situation.

He said at this stage there's no contract for him to sign beyond 2019 and that he's already approached some rugby league clubs in Australia to pique their interest.

Raiders not chasing Shaun Johnson

The halfback is off contract at the end of next season and the Warriors have told Johnson he is free to explore offers from other clubs.

Canberra chief executive Don Furner said the club has not made any approaches to Johnson.

News Corp Australia reported earlier this month that the Raiders had been making discreet moves to bring Johnson to Canberra for next season.

"What happens is the manager rings you up and says would you like Shaun Johnson and 'do you think he would be a good player at your club?' and you don't say no," Furner said.