Warriors play hardball with Shaun Johnson

[Iafeta]

This is an absolute clusterf**k.

None of this had to be made public, espescially when the player is 12,000 miles away and representing our country.

Seems like management have got a hardon for playing hardball because it worked with Luke. The situations are polar opposites.

Absolutely. And let’s not forget, it backfired with Luke. He was committed to Newcastle but they reneged because of his shoulder surgery. Otherwise he was gone.

The market will always guide the price back to a correct market position. For them to think public grandstanding would get Shaun to sign well below his market worth is absolutely naive and incompetent. This Cameron George fellow is starting to be shown up a bit now.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Hard to know where I stand on this one, I don’t think he will lead the Warriors to the promised land, but still see him as fairly valuable to the franchise in many aspects

I still think as offer will be made, but the Warriors are playing a high stakes game of chicken here, because I don’t see a plan b that will improve things immediately

If he does leave, what’s the backup plan ? A solid journeyman entering his mid 30s and a junior Kiwis halfback ?

 

[Fufu Andronez]

This whole negotiation hasn't fully played out yet. Its a bit too early to be shitting on either party IMO.

Let's see where the chips fall

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

He's gone. Won't be resigned.

Of course a last minute change of heart is always a possibility, but I'm sticking to this.

 

[Rich102]

Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson says the Warriors have told him they won't be offering him anything beyond his current contract.

Last month, the Warriors said Johnson - who last year signed a two-year deal worth seven figures - could test his value on the free market, indicating they would be willing to let their star player go

Johnson, 28, the highest paid player in the Warriors' history, has now posted on Facebook, seeking to clarify the latest position.

"Firstly there is no contract for me to sign past 2019.

"Secondly if you saw the article that came out a few weeks back..In a round about way they said they are in no rush to re sign me. Since then they have told me again at this stage they won't be offering me anything.

That means I get to spread my wings and see what's out there so right now that's what I'm doing!"

It is understood that doubts among the Warriors that Johnson can lead them to an NRL title have intensified over the last year, after a number of inconsistent performances.

The Warriors' move has opened up the prospect Johnson could leave the club early, but that will depend on whether another NRL club is desperate for a halfback within their salary cap.

Comment has been sought from Warriors CEO Cameron George. When the initial announcement about Johnson was made, George said it was a sign that everyone at the club was under review as they strive to improve standards across the board.

"We're not scared to make big calls and whether that's any elite player in our squad, we'll do what's best for our club and our fans," George told Stuff last month.

"We're adamant that we need to win this Premiership and by having a club-first mentality and making whatever calls appropriate to achieve our desired outcome for the fans, is exactly what our priority is."

Johnson has scored a club record 917 points in 162 appearances during the past eight seasons, said nothing directly critical of the club in his post.

"All of you know how much the warriors mean to me and how grateful I am for the opportunity they have given me to live my dreams and play the sport I love!

"Hope that clears up any confusion..tell ya friends so i stop getting asked the same questions.

"No hate, all love as always."

Johnson said he would keep his fans posted on the next development.

www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/108884375/shaun-johnson-says-warriors-have-told-him-they-wont-be-offering-him-anything

 

[Rich102]

OPINION: Is Shaun Johnson leaving the Warriors or isn't he?

It doesn't actually matter. What's important here is that the club hold the whip hand.

They've told their highly-paid halfback he's free to explore other NRL, and maybe Super League, options if he can find them. Off-contract after the 2019 season, Johnson's been informed an extension isn't a formality and, if one does eventuate, it would likely be at a sum well below the seven-figure salary he currently commands.

He's now taken to social media to say there is "no contract" for him to sign post-2019. That was the situation prior to Johnson taking to Facebook on Monday, so no actual update. There's a report the Warriors still plan to meet Johnson, but haven't till now because of his commitments in England with the Kiwis.

The he-said, she-said stuff's not that significant anyway. What's noteworthy remains the club's original position, which is that Johnson doesn't have a job for life at the Warriors, nor a divine right to earn a fortune.


For too long the club have tolerated inconsistency and allowed star players to perform when and if the situation suited them.

That began to change when wing Manu Vatuvei was finally pensioned off last year. Since then we've seen, among other things, the Warriors play hardball with enigmatic hooker Issac Luke over a contract extension and now tell Johnson he's free to test the market.

It remains to be seen how attractive the halfback remains. Good on his day, his track record suggests he's not the player you can build a title-winning team around. That's a problem for Johnson, because he's on - and presumably still fancies - the type of money players such as Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston have commanded.

For a long time Johnson traded off his 2014 Golden Boot Award, which was said to indicate he was the best player in the world. Well, the most recent winner is some bloke called Tommy Makinson, so we can probably stop holding that up as an achievement.

That's for Johnson to worry about as he contemplates the chance to "spread my wings" and see what's out there. That might turn out to be joining St Helens' Makinson in the Super League, where Johnson could remain mercurial and maybe still command a high salary.

The thing you come back to here is the club the Warriors are becoming under chief executive Cameron George and coach Stephen Kearney. They're bringing respect to an outfit that's had fairly disreputable history, talking sense, setting high standards and hiring quality people.

Recruitment officer Peter O'Sullivan and strength and conditioning coach Alex Corvo have proven records of achievement, while general manager of football Brian Smith is as astute as anyone in the game.

Whether Johnson stays or Johnson goes, the Warriors are the becoming the kind of club you can have faith in. It's not often you've been able to say that.


Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/108890014/the-warriors-are-making-every-post-a-winner-in-their-dealings-with-shaun-johnson

 

[Rich102]

Well, it's certainly going to be interesting to see how Johnson responds this season if he is looking for a contract elsewhere.

Personally I like this new hard-nosed approach from the club. They pay these guys big money and they have a right to expect the best out of the players in return.

I don't think there will be any shirkers this year. Whether that translates into wins is yet to be seen.

 

[Iron Lion]

They have lit a fire under Johnson and he is acting a bit like a princess. Hopefully, this forces him into an incredible last season at the warriors where he delivers on his potential finally and there will be a change of hearts and he resigns a new 3-year deal.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

Does anyone here think Shaun Johnson will bring us our maiden premiership?

If "Yes" then I understand people thinking this is crazy stuff. But if it's a honest "No" deep within yourself then you know George and co are challenging the players for the betterment of our club.

This stance has got me excited. Both SJ and Luke need to pull finger for 2019 if they want to get a better deal. I love it.

 

[JJ]

They have lit a fire under Johnson and he is acting a bit like a princess.

It's how he rolls...

I can't get past his petulant response to Fittler's constructive criticism

 

[VillaTheGorilla]

It's how he rolls...

I can't get past his petulant response to Fittler's constructive criticism

I agree with most of what Iron Lion said, but not specifically with that point.

We all know SJ can be a princess and has been many times in the past. I'm not sure if I've seen anything with this whole saga that paints him as a princess..... yet.
Both have said contridicting things and I don't think either are clear on what's happening, but even then you can't really say SJ has thrown his toys out of the cot

 

[Iafeta]

I wonder how the rest of the squad is thinking about this. Shaun’s their OG. And for the Warriors to play this card on him and Issac has got to be causing some concerns. Particularly George’s inexperience in blurting it to the media while Shaun was on tour with the Kiwis.

Also new blokes looking to coming to the club, wonder if they ask their manager for more because of what’s happening.

It’s not so much what’s happening. It’s because it’s so public. And very much smacks of us v them.

I have a feeling tbh we may get a 2004-esque fall out.

 

[Mixmasterreece]

Let’s keep in mind that before we signed him to his billion dollar contract he f*cked us around, created uncertainty and angled for a contract with the Roosters.

He’s gone burgers. Likely before the start of 2019

 

[Izz]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12167098 - Warriors superstar Shaun Johnson asks club to be released from his contract

 

[JJ]

I agree with most of what Iron Lion said, but not specifically with that point.

We all know SJ can be a princess and has been many times in the past. I'm not sure if I've seen anything with this whole saga that paints him as a princess..... yet.
Both have said contridicting things and I don't think either are clear on what's happening, but even then you can't really say SJ has thrown his toys out of the cot

I think the point I was trying to make earlier is similar to what others have done, it's not a good look for the club or Johnson for them both to be playing this out through the media and social media... the club seemed to initiate that, and now Johnson's responded.

Personally I don't mind him leaving, but if they are going that path they sure as shit better have a good plan - and that plan can't be Norman or Moses... and Green is a good player, but needs help - Brooks is an option IMO under normal circumstances, but I don't think our club has shown any ability to develop halves

 

[JJ]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12167098 - Warriors superstar Shaun Johnson asks club to be released from his contract

Wow!

 

[Scott]

He's gone!

I look forward to seeing how he goes in another team.

 

[JJ]

Let’s keep in mind that before we signed him to his billion dollar contract he f*cked us around, created uncertainty and angled for a contract with the Roosters.

He’s gone burgers. Likely before the start of 2019

He's always entitled to explore options when negotiating though, that's not a big deal surely?

If everyone is holding grudges that's childish all round imo

 

[Mixmasterreece]

He's always entitled to explore options when negotiating though, that's not a big deal surely?

If everyone is holding grudges that's childish all round imo

Of course he is but the way he went about it was poor - refused to communicate, delay, delay, delay.

Just like how the club should be able to explore their options about whether putting a million eggs all in the Johnson basket is the best call.

 

[JJ]

Of course he is but the way he went about it was poor - refused to communicate, delay, delay, delay.

Just like how the club should be able to explore their options about whether putting a million eggs all in the Johnson basket is the best call.

I agree with the second part especially - but quality halves are few and far between

And Johnson really does seem to have a strong princess gene - he will have suitors for sure though, and a risky move for the Warrior (perhaps reputationally more than on field)