Rugby League: The Australian commentator launches a stinging attack on Warriors after the release of Shaun Johnson

A veteran rugby league commentator launched a sensational attack on the Warriors' leadership – and in particular the club's general manager, Cameron George – for breaking ties with half-star Shaun Johnson.

Johnson was released from the last year of his contract Wednesday, after the club informed him that he would not extend his contract next year, despite eight seasons at Mt Smart.

Peter Peters, a former Manly official and commentator on Sky Sport radio, described the move as "staggering, unworthy, useless and excessive" and said the Warriors stole thousands of heroes from the young New Zealand League fan.

"Thousands of children must wake up today in New Zealand with the No. 7 jersey, wondering what's going on, they've been robbed of their hero, they've been virtually fired from the club." where he played so much, "Peters told the Radio Sport breakfast.

"He's a special player, he's the top scorer in the history of the club, he's in the New Zealand rugby league what JT [Johnathan Thurston] was at the Australian Rugby League ".

The controversial Peters attributes "Australian influence" to the Warriors from Johnson.

"On this side of the gap, it seems that the Australian influence of Brian Smith (General Manager of Warriors football), Todd Payton (new assistant coach), Peter O. Sullivan (Head of Recruitment) and from an ears in terms of being a CEO of rugby league pushing the face of the game in New Zealand [in it] and Shaun Johnson at the door.

"There is no other way to look at it." They practically did it while he was there. [Johnson] was touring the UK with the Kiwis. This makes matters worse, it seems that warriors have fallen into the trap of the old trap of having too many influential people. "

Peters criticizes particularly severely George, who joined the Warriors last year after a great success as Auckland Racing's CEO and his head coach Stephen Kearney.

"The coach played a significant role in his absence in all of this.He did not say a word.Everything goes to a guy who was organizing the races there in Auckland just 12 months ago . It does not count."

The Warriors will have a hard time finding a replacement for Johnson's quality, Peters warned.

"While they are beating their chest and letting Shaun Johnson go, I can not see them getting closer to the top 8 next year," he said.

"Just do not think that there is planning in the Warriors, we are talking about this new regime among the Warriors, about the responsibility of everyone … well, they came eighth. eight to the NRL. "

Johnson is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Cronulla Sharks and thanked former captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on Friday for his support of social media.

"Shit, it's going to be weird to play with the boys, thank you brother, pleasure has been my passion," said Johnson.