They call him a once-in-a-generation player, but for Shaun Johnson, the journey back to the NRL has been a hard slog since breaking his ankle last July.
Johnson set himself the goal of returning to Rugby League in time for the NRL Nines in Auckland, a two-day tournament that takes place in February.
During a match against the Manly Sea Eagles back in July, a firing Shaun Johnson broke his ankle in the act of scoring a try and has been sidelined ever since. After much rehab, Johnson returned to training last November.
Johnson has been running well in training as pre season kicks on but looks hesitant to take the ball into contact.
Johnson admitted that it is currently an issue of mind over matter.
Johnson knows full well that Warriors coach Andrew McFaddon won’t select him for the Nines tournament if there is any risk to re-injuring the just healed ankle.
The 25-year old has become the face of The Warriors, New Zealand’s only franchise to compete in the NRL.
Despite coming close, the Warriors have never been crowned Telstra Premiership champions. In fact, the two finals the Warriors made weren’t close encounters.
Johnson was there in 2011 when his side went down to the Manly Sea Eagles 24-10 in the Grand Final. Since that day, Johnson has risen to become arguably the best halfback in Rugby League, representing New Zealand Rugby League at every elite possible including featuring in the 2013 All Star Game and amassing 134 points at an international level for the New Zealand Kiwis.
For the Warriors, Johnson’s stats stand out well.
In four years at the franchise, Johnson has scored 45 tries, has a winning record of just under 50%, and a total of 542 points across 101 appearances.
The Warriors, in terms of player talent, head into the 2016 NRL season with the best chance of winning a premiership than ever before.
As well as Johnson, the Warriors have signed NRL superstars Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from the Sydney Roosters and Issac Luke from the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Both Tuivasa-Sheck and Luke are former NRL Premiers.
The Warriors will start their 2016 campaign with two pre season hit outs against the Gold Coast Titans and the St George Dragons, both taking place in New Zealand. The regular season begins with a clash against the West Tigers on March 5th.
But before all that for Johnson is the NRL Nines in Auckland, no better place for the light footed speedster to make an impressive return.
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