Rugby Union: Shaun Johnson, Warrior star, will sign this afternoon with Cronulla Sharks, according to reports

Shaun Johnson did not take long to overcome his bitter split with the Warriors.

According to Australian news, the star half-star is expected to sign a short-term contract with Cronulla sharks this afternoon.

After the release of the Warriors this morning, the NRL clubs began to circle for the services of the game maker.

Brent Read, a respected rugby league reporter, says Johnson will sign with the Sharks for a one-year contract, with discussions on a longer contract likely to be discussed between the club and the team. the player.

The Sharks are reputed to be one of the few clubs to be able to buy Johnson for 2019, although an agreement for 2020 and beyond remains unclear, with the club being investigated for pay caps.

The move would allow Johnson to team up with his former partner of the Warriors halves, Chad Townsend, returning Matt Moylan to his former role as a rearguard.

Earlier this week, retired great shark Luke Lewis pleaded for Johnson to join Cronulla's club, saying the decision would give him a "new lease of life".

Yesterday, the Raiders pulled out of Johnson's service race, leaving the Sharks at the forefront after their starter Valentine Holmes left for the NRL.

The Dragons are also another possible destination for Johnson, with the new star of the night, Gareth Widdop, asked for a release after the end of 2019.

Widdop, who earns about $ 1 million per season and is under contract until 2021, is said to be homesick and wants to return to England.

Johnson would be a huge hit for the NRL clubs looking to stock up, but where does that leave the Warriors?

Now that Blake Green is the number one club, research is underway to find a strong partner to advance the Warriors.

About a million dollars of club salary were released for 2019.

Warriors CEO Cameron George remained silent today on a replacement, without confirming nor denying whether the Warriors would pursue a half-marquee or reinvest the remaining ceiling in the wider team.

REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR SHAUN JOHNSON

It has been widely reported that Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses, both out of contract, are outsourcing by the end of 2019.

The ball race Corey Norman would prove a viable option on the left edge of the warriors. His left foot would also give the Warriors a different typing option around the park.

However, according to Michael Ennis, Norman currently earns $ 920,000 per season, which means that the playmaker may have to accept a pay cut to play with the Warriors.

Last season, Norman had 12 assists, 4 assists and 10 assists online in 22 games.

The Eels would also be open to offers for Norman's teammate Mitchell Moses following a mixed 2017 season.

There is no denying Moses' ability, with his decision-making and running attributes, a reason he attracted the interest of the Warriors.

Eels are thought to explore a player exchange option between Moses and Johnson.

Warriors could explore other options: Tigers at Half Luke Brooks who is out of contract at the end of 2019, although the Sydney club is reluctant to let his playmaker walk.

Cowboys young pistol Mayor Martin has also struggled to gain time in northern Queensland and is out of contract at the end of 2019.

The playmaker suddenly became a star when he scored the winning goal for the Penrith Panthers in his debut.

However, the elusive ball runner lacked consistency, which means that the Warriors could bet on gross capacity at the expense of the experience.

The Warriors have options closer to home and may decide to promote a Penrose franchise player to replace Johnson.

Utility return Peta Hiku has limited experience in the semi-finals, but could provide coach Stephen Kearney with a gap in 2019.

Recently signed out of season, promising mid-center utility Adam Keighran is an option after impressing with the reserve reserved for Penrith Panthers in 2018.

Keighran was named to the NSW Intrust Super Premiership team of the year, but spent most of the season at the center.

Junior Kiwis Star Chanel Harris-Tavita is another option in the left field after an impressive display in reserve rank.

At 19, he is considered by many to be the next big Kiwi sensation and has confirmed the hype with seven attempts, nine assists and 10 assists in 20 caps.