Shaun Johnson's departure elicits mixed reactions from former teammates

Whether it's crazy greetings or scathing criticism, the rugby league world is a mix of reactions after Shaun Johnson's bomb.

Wednesday's news that the Warriors were going to grant the half-star immediate release was a shock to many.

Some were angry and hurt, others relieved and rejoiced – reactions to be expected given the enigmatic nature of Johnson's career as a warrior.

But if the timing may have shocked some fans and media experts, some former teammates, who wanted to remain anonymous, were scathing in their opinions and felt that this decision should have been made years ago.

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A former teammate Things told Johnson that this was not the ideal solution for the club for a long time.

He stated that the winner of the Golden Boot 2014 was not the type of player who had always wanted the ball in the big moments and that he had too often narrowed under the spotlight, which had struck many players.

Johnson has received many critics throughout his career at Mt Smart for these reasons, but he will probably be remembered more for his talent than for any perceived flaws.

The majority of former teammates and opposition NRL players have praised the praises since their announcement. Former warrior Elijah Taylor and former Cronulla striker, Michael Ennis, are among those who believe that this move will bring the best of Johnson.

Micheal Luck, a player who was part of the 2011 grand final and watched a Johnson knock on the open air on the NRL stage, said the move had the potential to go both ways, but congratulated the club to stay true to its position.

"With all the huge decisions like this, there is always a chance that things will not go well, but that's how your club grows up," he said.

It was finally Johnson's call, and Luck hoped that both parties would get better.

The former Warriors group, Francis Meli, was among the "shocked" to learn that Johnson had played his last match as a warrior, but he understood that "business is business".

"He's a disappointing player because he's a brilliant player to watch and he's been very loyal to this club for a long time," said Meli.

"But you also understand where the club comes from and I like the fact that" the team is bigger than the mindset of a player with which he evolves ".

Meli thinks the Warriors would have handled the situation differently if given the chance again, but think it's ultimately the best outcome for both parties.

With regard to Johnson, Meli thinks that it should be a two horse race between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys.

However, Luck believes the Cronulla Sharks have the best chance of winning the $ 1 million signing, but that depends on Johnson's motivation.

"It all depends on him, if he wants seven figures to reduce it, but if it 's about winning, he has some options. hope he'll make the right choice for him first and foremost. "

There have been rumors that an agreement with Cronulla would be imminent in the Tasman. Veteran Rugby League reporter Brent Read announced that Johnson had to sign a one-year deal on Wednesday.

Things called potential contenders to see if the lines of communication had been opened with Johnson.

All those who would actually be in the race did not respond, such as Cronulla, Melbourne and the Cowboys, while Parramatta responded that they would not comment on the rumors.

The Western Tigers seemed to be interested, but said they had no discussion with the Warriors' greatest point marker.

The Newcastle Knights also confirmed that they had not been in contact.