26 Oct 2018

League: Warriors reportedly ready to let Johnson go

2:24 pm on 26 October 2018

The Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has reportedly been told to test the open market and look elsewhere for the 2020 National Rugby League season and beyond.

The Warriors' biggest-name player since his debut season in 2011, Johnson is unsigned beyond the end of next year and will be free to be approached by rival clubs come November 1st.

Johnson is currently overseas on Kiwis duties, but has been told he can test his value on the market as the club consider taking another option at No.7, according to a report in the New Zealand Herald.

Shaun Johnson has made it clear he wants to stay with the Warriors.

Shaun Johnson has made it clear he wants to stay with the Warriors. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"The club are open-minded about the future and we'll talk to Shaun and his management when he gets back from overseas about the future," Warriors chief executive Cameron George said.

"We want to win the competition and we'll be doing everything recruitment-wise to get the best people in the club to do so.

"We are not scared about making any big calls on our roster because we want to win this competition and everyone's always under review."

Johnson has played 162 games for the Warriors, but this year's qualifying-final loss was the club's first play-offs match since their run to the 2011 grand final.

He is one of several playmakers who will be open to the market come Thursday, including Luke Brooks, Cooper Cronk, Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman.

-AAP