Warriors’ epic 72-point turnaround exposes brutal Shaun Johnson truth
The New Zealand Warriors have delivered one of the all-time turnarounds against the Broncos, but it’s raised some tough questions.
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What a difference a week makes in the NRL.
Seven days ago, the New Zealand Warriors were obliterated 66-6 against the Gold Coast Titans.
But the side has turned it around, claiming a 32-16 win over the Brisbane Broncos, handing the Broncos a fourth straight loss.
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Sure, the Broncos were without five players through State of Origin duty, injury and suspension and suffered a big loss when Jack Gosiewski broke his arm in the opening five minutes.
The Warriors have their own injury list as well with the likes of regular halfback Shaun Johnson expected to be out until round 21 due to an Achilles injury.
But with a 3-8-1 record with Johnson at halfback this season — including losing the past six — it’s cast real doubt over his future in the NRL.
While Johnson missed four weeks with a pectoral injury after the round 10 win over the Roosters, he was forced off the field with the fresh injury in the Titans match.
However, in the four matches the Warriors have played this season with Johnson sidelined, Te Maire Martin has led the side to four wins.
In the Broncos victory, Martin had the ball on a string, setting up three tries, scoring another himself, as well as making a line break and assisting in another.
With that considered, Australian Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga questioned if Johnson would be able to force his way back into the Warriors side.
It’s incredible considering Johnson was the runner up for the Dally M award in 2023, finishing one point behind winner Kalyn Ponga.
Corey Parker said Martin “just makes this team flow more fluently with him at No. 7.”
“They seem a lot more settled with him at 7 and Harris-Tevita at 6,” Meninga added.
“There are obviously a lot of question marks on Shaun Johnson at the moment, his body starting to fall apart, whether he’s going to play on next year, we’re not quite sure.
“I just look at the team when those two are at six and seven and they just seem to fall into the roles and responsibilities, they do it really well. The forward pack was exceptional again tonight, and then off the back of that, they weave their magic.
“Martin, he’s pretty experienced, he’s been at three clubs, so I don’t think they lose anything in experience. And Harris-Tevita, he just likes running the football. He’s a bigger body.
“It’s going to be very difficult to get SJ back in the team in my opinion. I just feel they flow a lot better as a team when those two are at six and seven.”
The 28-year-old Martin has been in the NRL since 2016 when he debuted with the Panthers, as well as having stints at the Cowboys and Broncos for 89 games.
However, it appeared his career could have been over in 2019 when he was diagnosed with a bleed on the brain and officially retired in 2020 when he couldn’t get cleared to return to contact training.
He returned in 2022 when the Broncos picked him up on a development deal, impressing enough to earn a place in the side’s top 30 roster, before signing with the Warriors for the 2023 season.
But Johnson is a club legend who has 264 games in the NRL including 220 for the Warriors, and if he’s available, it’s unlikely he’d be sitting on the sidelines.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck said Johnson was “a big legend of this club and someone we definitely need this season”.
But he also praised Harris-Tevita, who slotted into the No. 6 jersey, scoring two tries.
With Martin and Harris-Tevita continuing to impress in the halves, fans couldn’t help but question Johnson’s future.
“God I love SJ but his time might be up,” one fan wrote.
The Rugby League News X account added: “The Warriors are a whole different team with CHT and TMM in the halves, you couldn’t drop either of them for Shaun Johnson after that first half.”
The Strictly Footy podcast commented: “We need to start having some serious conversations about Shaun Johnson …”
Another fan suggested: “We’re playing Shaun Johnson out of a job here.”
Johnson has been copping it online over the past week, as trolls called for him to “retire”.
He called it out during the week, writing on Instagram: “Just like you I see the comments and damn some of you are savage ha.
“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. Perspective is key, I’m at a stage where 80min doesn’t define me like it once did. Still get to live a pretty cool life with the best people in it.
“Short ball Johnson wont be on the field for abit. I’m frustrated but will be doing everything to get back to the level I know I can.”
Originally published as Warriors’ epic 72-point turnaround exposes brutal Shaun Johnson truth
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