NRL clubs who should come calling for Warriors star Shaun Johnson
THE NRL player market is already heating up with word Shaun Johnson could be on the way out of New Zealand. We take a look at the teams who shape as viable destinations for the Kiwi superstar.
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NOVEMBER 1 is still days away but the NRL player market is already heating up, with reports the Warriors have told Shaun Johnson he is free to explore his options.
Johnson is coming off contract next year and headlines a host of players rival clubs would be eager to sign for the 2020 season.
Although he will be turning 30 in 2020, Johnson’s game-breaking ability is surely to have plenty of interest. His next deal could be one of his last and is a good chance to either make some money or win a much coveted premiership.
Here are some of the clubs who could be a destination for the Kiwi superstar.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Bondi seems like the most logical move for Shaun Johnson if he wants to win a premiership. Cooper Cronk is expected to retire at the end of the 2019 season, which would free up roughly $1 million of salary cap space.
Luke Keary proved he can be a dominant half in his Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance in the grand final and Shaun Johnson could prove an interesting foil.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
If 2018 was anything to go by, the Anthony Milford/Kodi Nikorima halves experiment seems to have failed and the Broncos might be ready to move in a new direction.
With rumours that Jack Bird could return to Sydney, the Broncos could free up enough cash to bring the New Zealand international to Brisbane.
However they may also prefer to bring in a half who can provide a more calming influence to the side and support Anthony Milford.
PARRAMATTA EELS
Both Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman are off contract with the Eels in 2019, with the club rumoured to be shopping around both.
After earning themselves yet another wooden spoon in 2018, Parramatta may be under pressure to bring in a big name half to help reverse their fortunes.
However, as his career comes toward its end, Johnson may prefer a move to a club in a better position to win that elusive premiership.
MANLY SEA EAGLES
After losing Blake Green in 2018, Daly Cherry-Evans was under more pressure than he had been used to over the previous two seasons.
Manly have been looking for someone to partner DCE to relieve some of that pressure, and neither Kane Elgey or Lachlan Croker have cemented their spots in the team.
However, given salary cap restrictions and the return of Des Hasler to the club this seems pretty unlikely.
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Canberra let Blake Austin go to the Super League and Ricky Stuart seems far from settled on Sam Williams and Aidan Sezer as his halves pairing long-term.
The Raiders have historically struggled to attract big-name talent to the Australian capital, but they’d surely splash the cash trying to snare Johnson.
The Kiwi halfback steering a backline featuring Jordan Rapana, Joey Leilua, Jarrod Croker, Nick Cotric and Jack Wighton would be quite something.
OTHER OPTIONS: Storm skipper Cameron Smith can’t play forever and his retirement would free up plenty of cash, but would Johnson suit Craig Bellamy’s structure in Melbourne?
Ivan Cleary got the best out of Johnson at the Warriors and the Panthers-bound coach might like to pair him with son Nathan Cleary in Penrith if James Maloney has moved on by that stage.
New Zealand Test coach Michael Maguire is set to take control at Wests Tigers, and could try and lure Johnson to Concord depending on how the club’s current off-contract half Luke Brooks’ future plays out.
Another option is a move to the Super League, however he’s unlikely to earn the same cash available in Australia.