With Shaun Johnson’s season over, Cronulla’s finals hopes now rest with Connor Tracey

Shaun Johnson has played his last game for the Sharks leaving Cronulla’s finals destiny in the hands of a jack-of-all trades.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: Shaun Johnson of the Sharks runs during the round 17 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the New Zealand Warriors at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, on July 11, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Shaun Johnson has played his final game for Cronulla and with fellow million-dollar half Matt Moylan still sidelined, the Sharks will rely on their jack-of-all-trades, Connor Tracey, to become the master of their finals destiny.

Sharks coach Josh Hannay confirmed on Friday morning that Johnson, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Bulldogs last week, would not return this season.

Moylan has been named on an extended bench for Sunday’s clash with Manly but Hannay said the 30-year old wouldn’t be rushed back, opening the door for Tracey to partner Braydon Trindall in the halves.

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Shaun Johnson has played his final game for the Sharks. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“Shaun is really disappointed and we’re all disappointed for him. It’s a tragic sort of injury, season-ending for Shaun, it’s his last game for the club. It’s not the way he wanted to end his time at the club,” Hannay said.

“It’s just another reminder you don’t always get the fairytale ending.

“The verdict is it’s season ending regardless of how well he gets through his recovery. There’s very little to no likelihood he can play again this year.”

Hannay has been impressed with Trindall’s improvement over the past few weeks and backed Tracey to get the job done against the high-flying Sea Eagles.

Connor Tracey gets a chance to shine in the halves. Picture: Robb Cox/NRL Photos

A half by trade, injuries forced Tracey to fill it at wing and centre so far in 2021 and the former Rabbitoh hasn’t just survived, he’s thrived — he’s the clubs leading tryscorer this year with 11 four-pointers.

“Connor Tracey’s history is as a five-eighth and although Connor hasn’t had a lot of footy there this year you look at the season he’s had and the confidence he’s playing with, we’re really positive about the combination of him and Braydon until Matt Moylan is available again,” Hannay said.

“The important thing for Connor, like any footballer, is confidence. This is a season like no other for Connor in terms of consistency and not just consistency but a high level of consistency.”

It’s a just reward for Tracey, whose career was nearly ended before it began after he suffered three ACL injuries in a row and was sidelined for almost three years between 2015 and 2018.

While he’s reinvented himself as a utility, he was a half coming through the grades and his speed should pair well with Trindall’s strong passing and kicking game.

Braydon Trindall has been in good form for the Sharks. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“Probably him along with Will Kennedy have been our two best performers all year,” Hannay said.

“While he hasn’t played there this year he’s stepping into a familiar role with a lot of confidence and that’s going to hold him in good stead.

“He’s a real professional in the way he looks after himself, he’s constantly looking at ways to get better. He’s a real lesson to others - if you want to get better, this is how you do it, he sets a good example for the rest of the players in our squad.”

Hannay had nothing but praise for Johnson, who will return to the Warriors next year.

The Kiwi star so often wears undue criticism but helped revive Cronulla’s season after he returned from an Achilles injury earlier this year.

“He’s a pro, he’s a gentleman, he’s a credit to himself and I think he’s been a wonderful ambassador throughout his time in the game and an ambassador for Cronulla,” Hannay said.

“Working with him this year has been an immense privilege. He’s still wanting to learn and wanting to get better and I found him extremely coachable.

“Shaun Johnson had a real impact on us turning our season around. It’s a measure of the confidence he gave others when he wore that Sharks jersey.”