Rugby League 2: Sharks title winner Luke Lewis pleads for Shaun Johnson Warriors' half

The Sharks did not take long to go around in circles.

The star of the Jilted Warriors, Shaun Johnson, yesterday asked to be released from the last year of his contract with the Auckland club, as revealed by the Herald.

A tall Cronulla has already called for the 28-year-old half-half to join the Sydney club.

Johnson still has a year to go with his current $ 1 million contract a season, but he wants to go out immediately after the Warriors have made it clear they're in no hurry to sign him out. new beyond 2019.

As the Herald reported for the first time last month, the Warriors informed Johnson and his manager that they would not be willing to offer him an extension of contract and that he was free to test his market value. free.

Valentine Holmes leaves the rugby league to try to break into the NFL. The winner of the 2016 NRL title, Luke Lewis, wants the team to make a move for Johnson.

"It would be a new life for Shaun," Lewis told the Daily Telegraph.

"It would take him out of his comfort zone and make him want to prove to all his new teammates that you have what you need.

Lewis, an 18-year-old NRL veteran who retired at the end of last year, winning titles with Penrith and the Sharks, said Johnson had exactly what the Sharks wanted to replace the international international Kangaroos Holmes.

"He would bring the X factor that we are (Cronulla), now seeking that we lost Val.

"He ticks virtually every box for us – he's a leader, he's played a lot in the football test and he's played at every level," Lewis told the Daily Telegraph.

"Moreover, it would open many doors to Shaun here in Australia.

"He has always been a New Zealand boy, but his networking ability here in Sydney would go to another level."

In an explosive development in a turbulent history, an upset Johnson met yesterday with Warrior boss Cameron George and coach Stephen Kearney, and called for an immediate release as he explored options with several rival clubs in Australia. .

[[[[Johnathan Thurston's warning to the Warriors: Shaun Johnson would fly away]

It's hard to know where the former Golden Boot winner could land when he's finally released, but at least four clubs are willing to bid for his services.

However, Johnson's request was denied and the Warriors are holding firm until he sees the rest of his contract.

But the developments of the day before were held a few hours before the club held a supporters' forum at Mt Smart Stadium last night, where it is understood that members of the Warriors were informed that a decision was made on the day. Johnson's future was to be taken in the next 24 hours.

The Penrose-based franchise would likely have the intention of replacing the 162-game veteran in the long run, but currently it seems that they still want it on Mt Smart's deck next season.

The Warriors have not ruled out signing the mercurial playmaker again for 2020 and beyond, but concerns over its consistency prevent it from paying him the amount of money reserved solely for gamers. Elite of the game

[[[[It was Shaun Johnson's great chance to prove a point to the Kiwis – he did not do it.]

Johnson, a renowned player and club poster since his debut in 2011, has not taken the news well.

Until now, it was the club's priority every time his contract had to be renewed and Johnson was now in unknown territory.

Johnson, who scored 63 tries for the Warriors and is the club's top scorer, became last year the highest paid player in the club's history when he signed an extension of two years of seven digits.

However, just as the club does now, he took his time before starting again and had discussions with rival clubs, including the Sydney Roosters.

With a cloud of uncertainty weighing on his future in the Warriors, Johnson is now ready to get up and go instead of staying and prove his value and value to the club.

Calls to the Warriors have remained unanswered but the ball is now on their side regarding Johnson's future.

The eventual break-up could prove to be the best solution for both parties.

Johnson struggled with expectations in New Zealand and could flourish with a change of scenery, as the club could end up with a million dollars to spend on new talent in the coming weeks.

If the Warriors decide to grant him his wish and release Johnson, it will send a clear message to the fans: the club does not just do what it always does by re-signing it automatically.

The news comes after Johnson broke his silence on the issue via an emotional message posted yesterday on social media, expressing his frustration with the situation and explaining that the stalemate made him say that he was doing his shopping .

"I thought it was better that I clarify a few points about my situation at this point with the Warriors," Johnson said.

"First of all, there is no contract for me to sign after 2019.

"Second, if you saw the article published a few weeks ago […] they said that they are in no hurry to sign me again. Since then, they have told me at this stage that they [won’t] M & # 39; s offer anything.

"It means I'm going to be able to spread my wings and see what's going on there, so that's what I'm doing!"

– With David Skipwith