Shaun Johnson makes stunning return to Warriors

Shaun Johnson is set to make a fairytale return home, as the New Zealand Warriors announced they snapped up the halfback on a two-year deal.

Johnson made 162 appearances for the Warriors over eight seasons, before linking up with the Cronulla Sharks in 2019.

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It marks a stunning return for the 30-year-old, who will likely see out his career with the club that made him a star.

There are no confirmed details about his new salary with the Warriors, but it isn’t in the same ballpark of when the halfback became the club’s highest-paid player in their history.

According to reports, Johnson agreed to a two-year deal with the club worth around $450,000 a season in a massive pay cut from his Cronulla contract expiring at the end of 2021.

Johnson departed the New Zealand side in 2018 amid a public loss of faith in him from both the club and then-coach Stephen Kearney.

“While he left to join the Sharks, Shaun’s heart has always been with the Vodafone Warriors after starting his career here,” said Cameron George, Warriors CEO.

“Shaun stands among the top playmakers in the competition and he’ll give us a significant boost from next season.”

Warriors coach Nathan Brown echoed the sentiment of excitement.

“Shaun’s homecoming is hugely exciting for both the team and the club as a whole,” said Brown.

“I know how much our club means to him and we also know how much he will bring to the side with not just his proven ability but also with his experience, leadership and the value he’ll provide as a mentor for our halves.”

Johnson had faced an uncertain future after being told by the Sharks they weren’t planning on re-signing him for next season.

“I got the news a couple of weeks back and it wasn’t the news I wanted to hear,” Johnson said.

“I’d hoped to see my career out at this club. They gave me an opportunity three years ago and I certainly enjoyed my time here.

“It’s not meant to be, they want to head in a different direction and I do respect that but for me all I can focus on is coming out here and getting some games under my belt and trusting that next year will take care of itself.

“Tonight hopefully helps and if there’s any clubs out there after a halfback, I’m your man.”

With Roger Tuivasa-Sheck leaving the side — and the code — to shift to rugby union, a gaping playmaker hole had emerged.

The Warriors have got their man, and Johnson will look to repay the faith his former employers have showed.

The halfback joins the Storm’s Aaron Pene as the two incoming transfers for the New Zealand side for 2022 at the time of writing.