Canberra Raiders express interest in Kiwi superstar Shaun Johnson
CANBERRA are preparing to make a play for unwanted New Zealand Warriors star halfback Shaun Johnson for 2019 as the November 1 silly season begins.
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CANBERRA are preparing to make a play for unwanted New Zealand Warriors star halfback Shaun Johnson as the November 1 silly season begins.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Raiders officials have unanimously agreed Johnson would complete an already strong Canberra spine.
While no official offer has been tabled, Canberra have started discreet moves to pursue Johnson for next season — not 2020.
New Raiders assistant coach Andrew McFadden is behind the push, having coached Johnson at the Warriors.
McFadden has been glowing in his praise of Johnson to Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.
While Canberra have become the first club to express interest in Johnson, many rival clubs are expected to join the queue.
Raiders officials opted against speaking publicly about Johnson, 28, who comes off contract after next season but has been given permission by the Warriors to explore other options.
Canberra are more than aware much will depend on Johnson’s wage demands.
Currently on a contract worth $1 million a year, Johnson is the highest paid-player in Warriors history.
There is also speculation the Sydney Roosters could go hard for Johnson to replace the retiring Cooper Cronk after next season.
With England international Josh Hodgson at hooker and talented fullback Jack Wighton, Canberra are seeking a dominant halves combination with Blake Austin’s departure.
Aidan Sezer and Sam Williams may have first crack next season should Johnson not join the Raiders.
Another issue would be whether Johnson wants to spurn the bright lights of Sydney for the quieter lifestyle of Canberra.
From Thursday, clubs can start to officially sign and register players for the 2020 season.
There is still a chance the Warriors could re-sign Johnson on a decreased contract.
Despite his obvious brilliance, questions remain over whether Johnson has the consistency to win a team a premiership.
Parramatta pair Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman were both linked to replacing Johnson but the Warriors have denied this. Without any genuine class halfbacks on the open market, there appears little chance of a club swapping a playmaker for Johnson.
Johnson won’t return from New Zealand’s tour of England until the second half of November before enjoying a mandatory eight-week break.
The Warriors have claimed the club is in no rush to re-sign Johnson and that he isn’t now the top priority he once was in Auckland.
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