NRL 2024: Shaun Johnson fires back at social media trolls, Warriors CEO Cameron George addresses Dylan Brown rumours
Injured Warriors star Shaun Johnson has fired back at trolls on social media, warning that while their words don’t carry weight for him, they could for the next person they target.
Warriors
Don't miss out on the headlines from Warriors. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Warriors superstar Shaun Johnson has taken aim at the keyboard warriors who have criticised his form in recent weeks, insisting their words don’t carry weight for him but they could for the next person they target.
Johnson has been the target of regular abuse from social media critics over the course of his stellar career, speaking out previously about the impact the vitriol has had on him and his family.
He has found himself in their crosshairs again in recent weeks amid a Warriors slump and took to social media to urge the critics to think before they type, warning others may not be as resilient as him.
“Just like you I see the comments and damn some of you are savage ha,” Johnson wrote.
“If you’re one of those who find comfort in slamming others online, I hope everything is ok. Your words don’t carry weight this time around, but they could for the next person you choose to spew your negativity on.
“Think before you type. On the other hand, to those who have checked in or sent a message I appreciate you.”
The Warriors announced earlier on Tuesday that Johnson was set to miss at least four weeks after suffering a recurrence of a foot injury. His absence comes as the Warriors find themselves in a hole, having been belted by the Gold Coast Titans last weekend.
It prompted one online critic to label him Shaun ‘short ball’ Johnson, while another simply advised him you retire.
“Perspective is key, l’m at a stage where 80min doesn’t define me like it once did,” Johnson said.
“Still get to live a pretty cool life with the best people in it. Short ball Johnson won’t be on the field for abit (sic).
“I’m frustrated but will be doing everything to get back to the level I know I can.”
EXCLUSIVE - ‘NOT 100% SURE’: WAHS BOSS ADDRESSES SJ FUTURE, BROWN RUMOURS
—David Riccio
Warriors CEO Cameron George has shot down speculation the club is circling Eels playmaker Dylan Brown while confirming veteran halfback Shaun Johnson won’t be pressured into retirement.
In a revealing interview, the Warriors boss has also clarified the club’s position on departing power forward Addin Fonua-Blake.
The Warriors have slipped to 13th position on the NRL ladder following their shocking 66-6 loss to the Titans last weekend. With just six wins and a leaky 359-points conceded, the Warriors have gone from premiership-contenders to pretenders in the eyes of many commentators and critics.
The disappointment of the Warriors form is matched only by rival fans, who have adopted the New Zealand side as their second team following a stellar past 18-months that has lit a fire across the Tasman for rugby league with record crowds and TV ratings accrued.
In a bid to address the club’s biggest issues, George spoke to The Daily Telegraph, ahead of the Warriors sold-out clash with the Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Johnson, 33, has been ruled out for the next four weeks with an Achilles injury.
Extraordinarily, Johnson is without a contract for a 15th season in 2025, just two months after knocking back an $1.7 million offer from the Roosters.
The Warriors have left a one-year deal on the table for Johnson, of which he is yet to accept.
“At the end of the day, it’s left with Shaun to determine, as it has been all year,” George said of Johnson’s future.
“Any injury is obviously ill-timed, but he’ll be back and so we’ll rely on Shaun to come to us and give us that answer.
“When that is, I’m not 100 per cent sure.
”We’re not actively out there chasing anyone in the thought that Shaun might not be here next year.
“So it’s not like it’s a decision that we need made in respect to us to be able to fill his shoes.
”We’ve got a number of players here that can play that role.
“It would be a different story no doubt if we needed to be in the market for a replacement, but we don’t so it gives him whatever time he needs.”
DYLAN BROWN
The cover in the Warriors halves of which George refers to includes Te Maire Martin, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Luke Metcalf. That said, the rugby league rumour mill has been buzzing that the Warriors were aiming to land Kiwi International and Eels star Brown as their replacement for Johnson.
“Categorically there has been no discussion or approach with Dylan Brown and or his management,” George said.
“Like you, I’ve heard it. But definitely nothing is happening in that regard.”
UPSET ADDIN
Fonua-Blake has been singled out for his five-runs for 46-meters performance against the Titans.
The highly-regarded enforcer was nowhere near his best, with the effort coming in the wake of being stood down for failing to buy into the team’s culture last month.
It has been suggested by commentators that Fonua-Blake has “clocked off” ever since signing a four-year deal with the Sharks from 2025 and that he was looking to leave the club prior to the end of this season.
“Addin like everyone else on the weekend is very disappointed,” George said.
“But there is no discussion and no other signals that would concern me about his interest in staying here.
“His agent, or Addin hasn’t approached the club on that basis either.
“In my view Addin is committed and like everyone else wants to bounce back this week and get the job done.”
FINALS
The Warriors CEO said the entire playing group were made to review the Titans hammering the morning after the match last Sunday before regrouping on Tuesday.
He said finals football remained the club’s intent.
“It’s clear we haven’t got the wins that we have wanted too,” George said.
“While the wheels fell off on the weekend, I have just come from a team meeting today and everyone has a very positive outlook on bouncing back this week.
“That all starts at training.
“We’ve got to get it right. We’re hungry, we’ve got an appetite to be much better and I believe in every single one of them that we will get better.
“100 per cent we can play finals footy and there wouldn’t be anyone here that doesn’t have that motivation.”
More Coverage
Originally published as NRL 2024: Shaun Johnson fires back at social media trolls, Warriors CEO Cameron George addresses Dylan Brown rumours
NRL Xmas wish list: Clause curses, Nelson off the naughty list
Some clubs just want a season without any off-field distractions, others need their players to find some focus inside the lines. We take a look at what’s on every NRL club’s wish list this Christmas.
Reed Mahoney vs everyone: Bitter NRL feuds that will define 2025
Bulldogs rake Reed Mahoney will have a bounty on his head heading into 2025 after accruing an array of victims in 2024. We reveal the best, and worst, feuds of the year and who won’t be exchanging Christmas cards.