Warriors refuse immediate release of Shaun Johnson

After helping the Kiwis inflict Mal Meninga's first defeat as Australia coach at Mt. Smart Stadium in October, Shaun Johnson told reporters that he would enjoy the moment.

"It's just nice to be here talking to you after a positive win with the Kiwis," Johnson said. "Obviously, I'm often on the front when things are not going well."

For those who do not deal regularly with Johnson, the comments and body language of the 28-year-old helped to better understand the pressure he feels as a Warriors and New Zealand playmaker.

Even in times of prosperity, such as New Zealand's first triumph against the Kangaroos since 2015, Johnson could not shy away from the critics he receives when things do not go as well.

Johnson's response Tuesday to the Warriors decision to let him test the market before the opening of negotiations on a contract extension for the 2020 season goes in this direction.

He interpreted their approach as meaning that the club for which he has played his entire career no longer wants him. He used social media to express his feelings before warning Warriors CEO, Cameron George, and his trainer, Stephen Kearney, that he would request an immediate release.

This may seem understandable, but given Johnson's reaction, it is not surprising to hear that the club has not totally ruled out letting him play elsewhere next season after informing his coach of his intentions in September. .

It remains to be seen whether a club will welcome him, although Cronulla may consider Johnson a substitute for Valentine Holmes.

The difficulty for the Sharks is that they are waiting for the outcome of an NRL investigation into alleged salary cap violations and that they must keep a place on their list for Holmes after only agreeing to release him to the provided he returns to the club next season. The auction for an NFL contract fails.

Canberra does not have enough money for a player who earns $ 1 million per season with the Warriors, while Parramatta tries to move famous players to free up space for other signatures without success.

Peter O & # 39; Sullivan, Head of Recruitment at Warriors and George Warriors, decided to stop paying this type of money to Johnson as captain, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – D1 2018 Player of the Year – is now considered the face of the club.

The Warriors proved last year that they were ready to play hard with renowned stars by not negotiating with hooker Isaac Luke until the end of the season. If Johnson stays beyond next season, his bid will be reduced.

Johnson's contract was compared to offers ordered by likes of Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans, but unlike the trio of superstars, he has not led the Warriors to a prime minister position during his eight years at the club and is doubtful whether his position is better.

New Zealand coach Michael Maguire put Johnson in eighth place in the recent series of tests against England and entrusted Kodi Nikorima of Brisbane with the task of leading the Kiwis.

Had it been a Maguire ploy aimed at getting the most out of Johnson by easing the pressure on him, that would not have had the desired effect because he needed to step up his responsibilities and take responsibility for winning the game in the final minutes of the first and second match. Tests but failed to get involved enough.

Johnson has won single-handed games for Kiwis and the Warriors in the past – it's worth noting that England's epic defeat in the World Cup semifinal against Wembley Stadium in 2013 – but he's not considered a clutch player in Thurston's clbad, Cronk Cherry-Evans.

The Warriors also seem to come to the conclusion that Johnson is best at five-eighths but they are currently paying him to play the role of semi-organizer and do not want to do it anymore.