Luke Lewis urges Shaun Johnson to join Cronulla

Cronulla are the first club to offer Shaun Johnson a contract for next season, tabling an official contract to the Kiwi star on Wednesday morning.

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Cronulla hope to secure Shaun Johnson’s signature within the next 48-hours after officially forwarding the Kiwi star a contract offer.

Johnson was sensationally granted an immediate release from his beloved New Zealand Warriors on Wednesday morning.

The Sharks are open to signing the 28-year old on a long-term deal or simply for 2019 - with a plan to offer the halfback a contract extension once he settles at his new home.

Johnson could potentially also throw himself to the open market at the end of 2019, given the plethora of halves off-contract including Luke Brooks, Corey Norman, Mitchell Moses, Coper Cronk, Ryley Jacks, Benji Marshall, Trent Hodkinson and Sam Williams.

The Dragons could also be on the hunt for a half following Gareth Widdop’s request for a release at the end of next year.

At the Sharks, Johnson would partner Chad Townsend in the halves, allowing Matt Moylan to shift to fullback following the departure to the NFL of Valentine Holmes.

Shaun Johnson wants out of the Warriors and the Sharks are keen. Picture: AAP

Cronulla will use the salary cap space made available following the unexpected release to the NFL of marquee attraction Valentine Holmes, who was let go with a year remaining on his contract.

Boasting a record of regular finals appearances, the Sharks recruitment team have spoken with Johnson’s agent about the move to Cronulla which former forward Luke Lewis said would take the playmaker’s game to a “new level.”

“It would be a new lease of life for Shaun,’’ Lewis said.

“It would take him out of his comfort zone and it would make him want to prove himself to all his new teammates that you’ve got what it takes.

“He would bring the X-factor that we’re (Cronulla), looking for now that we’ve lost Val.

“He basically ticks all the boxes for us. He’s a leader, he’s played a lot of Test football and he’s played at every level.

“Not only that — but it would open a lot of doors for Shaun here in Australia.

“He’s always been a New Zealand boy, but his networking ability here in Sydney would go to another level.’’

Valentine Holmes is leaving Cronulla to pursue a career in the NFL.

Lewis left the Panthers in 2012 despite boasting dreams remaining a one-club man.

The situation is similar to what Johnson experienced at the Warriors recently — departing the club he vowed to finish his NRL career with.

“When I was at Penrith for so long, I didn’t want to take that step of making new friendships and changing training programs for the first time in 12 years, I was scared,’’ Lewis said.

“But once I came over here, I looked back and said “why did I even hesitate?”

“At the Warriors, everything just came back to Shaun Johnson. The same was for Aaron Woods at the Tigers and Bulldogs.

“But at the Sharks, Shaun can play in a side that doesn’t rely on one player. It won’t all fall on his shoulders, like the best part of the past six years has.

Luke Lewis celebrates with fans the day after Cronulla won the 2016 NRL grand final. Picture: Stephen Cooper

“He has played with Chad Townsend (Sharks half) previously at the Warriors and I know they share a good mateship.

“Shaun could come and hit the ground running, which is a huge advantage.’’

Should Johnson’s move to the Shire eventuate, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan would have the option of shifting 2018 five-eighth Matt Moylan to fullback as a ready-made replacement for Holmes.

Either Townsend or rising star Kyle Flanagan could then duel to partner Johnson in the halves.

The Roosters have repeatedly been linked to Johnson — but have no interest with Cooper Cronk and Luke Keary on their books.

Meanwhile, Canberra simply don’t have the salary cap room to lure Johnson at this stage.

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