Rugby Union 13: Shaun Johnson to leave Warriors immediately, club confirms

Cameron George, CEO of Warriors, announced that halfback Shaun Johnson had been released from his contract with the NRL club.

This comes after Johnson, who signed a two-year contract with the club in 2017, called for publication Tuesday.

George said the release was effective immediately.

"Yesterday (head coach) Stephen Kearney, (Recruitment Manager) Peter O & Sullivan and I met with Shaun and his manager Peter Brown," he said.

"During the meeting, Shaun made it clear that he did not want to be in the club in 2019.

"Based on what Shaun told us, we will not compromise our culture on and off the field with people who do not wish to represent our club, our members and our fans in the way we expect.

"All we do is make the club the first and the best for our future, our development and ultimately our results."

"Although disappointing, we must recognize Shaun's contribution to the Vodafone Warriors, we are proud of what he has achieved at the club and wish him the best for the future."

Johnson ends his warrior career with 917 points on 162 appearances.

"Shaun has been a fantastic player for this great club … but it 's about a club mentality first," George said.

"Once we have finalized the paperwork today, Shaun will be released immediately … It's a business, it's our club first." We have a vision and a future . "

Johnson made his Warrior debut against the Roosters in 2011 before leading the team to the grand final in his first season. But the team failed to qualify for the playoffs until this season when she was defeated by the Panthers in the first week.

It is unclear exactly where the former Golden Boot winner might land, but Cronulla would be among the first among a group of at least four clubs willing to bid for his services. The Sharks could face wage cap dramas, but might have room for the half kiwi with Valentine Homes leaving to try his luck in the NFL.

St George Illawarra has also become a potential destination with overnight news that star playmaker Gareth Widdop has called for the release of his three-year return contract for his return to England.

Johnathan Thurston, a top League player, told Radio Sport Breakfast last week that a club like the Roosters would be a great place for Johnson to land.

The developments come after the club announced last month that they had informed Johnson and his agent that they were in no hurry to sign the mercurial playmaker again next season.

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

Johnson learned that he was free to test his value and explore his options in the free market.

It is believed the Warriors are planning to replace the veteran of the 162 games in the long-term, but it is unclear who they plan to place in both halves, alongside five-eighths of Blake Green next season.

"It's not a difficult time – it's an exciting time, it's a great opportunity to restore the balance of our team," George said.

"We are in the best position in terms of salary cap Two busy people in the back office are looking at options for 2019."

"It's the business – it's the club's first."

As it happened: