NRL transfer market: Shaun Johnson slams $900k rumours, Storm keen on Nick Meaney
Off-contract Sharks halfback Shaun Johnson has “cleared the air” on claims he is asking potential new clubs for a deal worth $900,000 a season.
NRL
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Off-contract Cronulla halfback Shaun Johnson has hit back at claims he is asking potential new clubs, including South Sydney, for a deal worth $900,000 a season.
So what is the veteran playmaker’s asking price?
“Look, I’m not silly, I know I’m not going to be earning $900,000 … one hundred per cent (I know I’ll have to take a pay cut), it is what it is,” said Johnson, who kicked the winning field goal in the Sharks’ 19-18 win against Penrith on Friday night.
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“Would I like to earn that money? Of course, anyone would. At the end of the day, it’s just not the case. [But] I’m not going to sell myself short.
“I’m going to go somewhere where they show that they value me. And you know what I’m worth … I’m not going to say that [how much] but I’m certainly not walking around clubs asking for $900,000.”
Johnson first shut down rumours about the $900,000 price tag on social media but on Friday night wanted to “clear the air”. Not because it would scare away clubs but to protect his reputation, especially, with fans.
“I feel like that impacts me as a person and my character.” Johnson said.
“I’m not worried about who it scares off, I’m worried about how it looks to the fans, the people that I do respect their opinion. I’m saying right now, I’m just not that person. I’m not asking for that money.”
A lot of noise atm, trust I’ll let you know when there’s something worth knowing. Until then don’t believe these reports - especially when it’s about 💰. Happy Monday fam 👊ðŸ¼
— Shaun Johnson (@Shaun_Johnson90) June 6, 2021
The 30-year-old also insisted no negotiations with rivals clubs, including the Rabbitohs, Canterbury or even Canberra, had taken place.
Johnson’s management offered the 201-game veteran to his former club, the New Zealand Warriors, who passed on the opportunity. There were suggestions senior players did not want Johnson at the club.
Despite the less than ideal circumstances in which Johnson split with the Warriors in 2018, after a public spat, the playmaker said he still “loves” the club that handed him a NRL debut in 2011.
“Would it be cool to go home? I still love the club, it’s the club I grew up idolising, that hasn’t changed and they made it clear that’s not going to happen,” Johnson said.
“My manager has reached out to let the clubs know that ‘Shaun is on the market’ and the Warriors were no different.”
STORM TARGET DOGS FLYER
By Peter Badel
Melbourne have held a secret meeting with Bulldogs flyer Nick Meaney as the premiers ramp-up plans to replace Cronulla-bound utility back Nicho Hynes.
The Courier Mail can reveal Meaney flew to the Sunshine Coast for talks with Storm coach Craig Bellamy in the lead-up to Melbourne’s clash with the Warriors on Sunday at Central Coast Stadium.
The Storm successfully pulled off a cross-code poaching raid on Thursday by securing Waratahs rugby forward Tepai Moeroa and now they are gunning for off-contract Canterbury utility back Meaney.
Melbourne have room to move in the salary-cap following Hynes’ decision to join Cronulla next season and they have upped the ante for Meaney, who faces the Dragons at Stadium Australia on Monday.
The Storm are so keen on Meaney he was flown to Melbourne’s temporary base on the Sunshine Coast for talks with Bellamy and football-chief Frank Ponissi, who tabled a two-year offer.
Meaney is a man in demand with the Sharks and a third NRL rival also targeting the 23-year-old, but the Storm remain hopeful of winning the battle for his signature.
The Storm are traditionally not overly aggressive in the player market but they have been active this year, kicking off their recruitment drive by poaching Queensland Origin winger Xavier Coates from the Broncos last month.
The Storm were hopeful of keeping Hynes but the 24-year-old was reluctant to play second fiddle to fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, a sentiment justified by his sizzling form over the past six weeks that netted him a $1.8 million deal with Cronulla.
Hynes’ decision prompted Melbourne chiefs to go on the hunt for a well-priced utility back and they have identified Meaney as a viable replacement.
The Lismore-born Meaney made his NRL debut with Newcastle in 2018, playing five matches, before moving to the Bulldogs, where he has scored 16 from 48 games as a speedy fullback or winger.
TIGERS POUNCE TO SNARE TEST STAR
By Michael Carayannis
The Wests Tigers have pounced on winger Ken Maumalo who has agreed to a lengthy deal to join the Tigers immediately.
The Warriors only gave Maumalo permission to negotiate with rival clubs this week but the Tigers have moved quickly to snap him up.
Maumalo told his Warriors teammates of the move at training on Saturday morning.
The Tigers had been in discussions with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and were close to agreeing to a deal which would have seen the Canterbury fullback link with New Zealand coach Michael Maguire at the Tigers.
But when the parties were unable to agree to a long-term deal, the Tigers shifted their focus to Maumalo who suddenly appeared on the player market.
The Tigers only wanted to offer Watene-Zelezniak a 1.5 year contract – the same length he is on at the Bulldogs. He is on a deal worth about $850,000 next season.
Negotiations stalled for season 2023.
Maumalo’s manager only wrote to clubs late last week to tell them the 26-year-old was open to a move.
The deal is for at least 2.5 years with a mutual option for another season. Maumalo has not played since round 10 after playing the opening 10 matches of the year.
Maumalo has scored 41 tries from 105 games. Maumalo and David Fusitu’a were once staples on the Warriors flank but both have struggled this season.
Englishman Oliver Gildart will join the Tigers next year as they make impressive additions to their outside backs.
Maumalo could be available for the Tigers clash against the Storm next Saturday.
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