Kiwi ace Shaun Johnson has revealed he received multiple offers to switch codes during the RLWC

SAM Burgess wasn’t the only player targeted at the World Cup, with Shaun Johnson revealing he received offers to switch codes.

SAM Burgess wasn’t the only NRL drawcard that European rugby targeted at last year’s World Cup, with Kiwi ace Shaun Johnson revealing he received multiple offers to switch codes.

Hailed as the best player at last weekend’s inaugural Auckland Nines, the New Zealand No. 7 last month rejected interest from NRL rivals Penrith and Canterbury to re-sign with the Warriors for a further three years.

But unbeknown to most there were other suitors. While Burgess contemplated his shock move to represent England at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Johnson was in a similar position in late 2013 as European rugby clubs sounded their desire for him to defect from the NRL.

“It was not just about moving to Australia, it was also going over to Europe for rugby,” he said.

News_Image_File: Shaun Johnson of the Warriors breaks away to score a try during an Auckland Nines match against the North Queensland Cowboys.

“There was heaps of options. The possibility of going overseas and seeing something different was really exciting, but I’ve committed to the (Warriors).

“I didn’t consider (moving) to that extent, because I’m very happy playing league.

“There were some options out there, which is nice to have. That threw a bit of a spanner in the works, and I had to look at all that stuff.

“Everyone knows we don’t play this sport for a long time and I have to look after myself and my family.

“I considered it all and I thought staying here in Auckland was the best option.”

News_Rich_Media: New Zealand Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson was in electrifying form on Day One of the Auckland Nines, scoring and creating chances at will as his side set themselves up for a finals appearance on Day Two of the tournament.

At the tender age of 23, Johnson has already featured in deciders at both NRL and World Cup level. Both have ended in anguish, filling him with a hunger to stay in league and achieve those honours. Should he do so by the time his new contract expires at the end of 2017, Johnson might then consider another challenge.

“I just feel I’ve not ticked-off the things I want to tick-off,” he said.

“I’ve set some goals for myself and I need to keep working on them. The next time I come off contract might be different.”

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