Key Warriors Shaun Johnson, Thomas Leuluai, Manu Vatuvei and Ben Henry are all expected to be fit for the start of the 2016 NRL season.

The Auckland club released a positive medical forecast, although coach Andrew McFadden says playmaker Johnson may struggle to be ready for the pre-season Auckland Nines tournament at Eden Park on February 6-7.

The 25-year-old, who missed the Warriors’ last six games this year after snapping his left ankle, had two screws removed last week and is set to resume running later this month.

Fellow playmaker Leuluai has overcome a knee injury suffered 10 games into 2015 and is likely to train fully in early January.

Winger Vatuvei (shoulder) and utility Henry (knee) are also expected to return at the same time.

But back rower Sione Lousi is forecast to be out for four to six months after needing further surgery on a wrist injury which had troubled him during the season.