Shaun Johnson requests a release from the final year of his Warriors contract

The Shaun Johnson situation has taken a serious turn after the star halfback asked New Zealand for a release from the final year of his contract.

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The Shaun Johnson situation has taken a serious turn after the star halfback asked New Zealand for a release from the final year of his contract.

The New Zealand Herald’s David Skipworth has reported Johnson has asked the club for an immediate release to test his value on the open market but the move was denied by the club.

The Warriors were yet to offer Johnson a contract beyond 2019 and several clubs had already made discreet inquiries after the 28-year old.

Johnson may have played his final game for the Warriors. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Four clubs are willing to bid for his services, with Cronulla currently the leaders.

According to Skipworth, the Warriors have plans to replace the 162-game veteran should he depart.

Johnson has reportedly not taken the news well given he is used to being one of the club’s priority re-signings since he debuted in 2011.

The New Zealand international took to Facebook yesterday to tell his side of the story and confirmed he would “spread my wings and see what’s out there.”

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