Rugby League: The Warriors are looking for a replacement for Shaun Johnson while Parramatta Eels responds to the rumors

The search for Warriors to replace Shaun Johnson continues.

Parramatta's young young gunman, Dylan Brown, would top the Warriors list as Johnson's long-term replacement. The 18-year-old New Zealander would be her target.

Brent Read, editor-in-chief of the Australian Rugby League, went on social media last night, claiming that sources suggest that the Warriors are willing to spend a lot of money to attract Brown on the Tasman for a gigantic long-term contract.

However, eels responded to speculation with a firm response, saying that Brown is under contract until 2020.

"In response to recent speculation on Dylan Brown, the Parramatta Eels club can confirm that Dylan is under contract with our club until the end of the 2020 season," the club said in a statement.

Although the type of money that Read describes seems unlikely, as evidenced by the events of recent days, anything is possible in a rugby league.

Brown – a fervent defender and organizer – would have been named by Warriors' recruiting director, Peter O. Sullivan, as a candidate to fill the void left by Johnson's departure.

But the answer from the Eels suggests that they intend to fight to keep the talented young back-half.

The Warriors do not put all their eggs in one basket and explore many options. The young Cowboys and former Kiwi playmaker Te Maire Martin is also considered another player of interest.