Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson could become available to NRL clubs as soon as next season after he reportedly requested an early release from his deal in New Zealand.
An unhappy Johnson took to social media this week to confirm he’d be “spreading his wings” after being told by the Warriors they weren’t set to offer him a new contract in 2020.
That situation has escalated according to a New Zealand Herald report, which claims Johnson has requested a release after meeting with Warriors chief executive Cameron George and coach Stephen Kearney on Tuesday
George hasn’t returned calls to AAP but it is understood he has declined Johnson’s request for a release.
It is unclear if the the club will relent and consider tabling a reduced offer to tempt their record pointscorer to stay put.
Cronulla were immediately linked to the 28-year-old, with space free in their salary cap following the departure of NFL hopeful Valentine Holmes.
The Sharks refused to rule out a play at the Kiwi halfback in the future when contacted on Tuesday, although they have Shane Flanagan’s son Kyle as an up-and-coming playmaker at the club.
Canberra have also been reported to be interested in former Golden Boot Award winner, given he would be a logical solution to their halves issues.
The Sydney Roosters were previously considered another option for Johnson as a replacement for Cooper Cronk, however that space wouldn’t open up until the end of next season.
Parramatta are another club who could be in the market for a half at that point, with both Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman off contract at the end of 2019.
The pair have reportedly been shopped around in recent months, with the Eels in a tight fit on their salary cap as shown by their struggles to re-sign Jarryd Hayne before his latest off-field developments.
Regardless, Johnson’s departure would leave the Warriors scrambling to find a halfback next year to partner Blake Green.
Their backup for the last two seasons, Mason Lino, has left for the Newcastle Knights.
Johnson’s form has been inconsistent in recent seasons, including this year’s campaign in which they reached the finals for the first time since his debut in 2011.
His current two-year contract was believed to be a club record seven figure deal, which he is halfway through.
