Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson believes there are no more excuses for the club ahead of their first season since returning home after the pandemic.
The Warriors have had plenty of reasons for their inconsistency after being displaced to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Johnson believes the time for excuses is over.
“It’s almost like a re-set for the club and there’s not really any other club that is able to do that right now, so we’ve really tried to attack the start of the pre-season,” Johnson told SENZ radio.
Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
“I suppose you could look at it like the club has had many excuses into why things haven’t gone right the last few years; the position they’ve been put in, the travel, the uncertainty, everything that’s been spoken about so much.
“Well for us now, it was about sort of just parking that and drawing a line in the sand because there isn’t any excuse of why we shouldn’t do well next year.”
Johnson is entering the final year of his deal with the club and the second since returning from the Sharks and is excited to be in familiar surroundings as the Warriors plot a resurgence under new coach Andrew Webster.
“Being back at pre-season, being back at the club and being home…it just feels like a chance at a fresh start,” Johnson said.
MORE NRL NEWS
PACK RANKINGS: Bennett’s big reality check, Grand Final giants left with huge voids
‘LEAVING WITH EXTRA BAGGAGE’: Munster pops question to long-time partner
OFF-SEASON CENTRAL: Arthur’s plan to fill huge Papali’i void in four-man race
ORIGIN OVERHAUL: ARLC gives eligibility overhaul greenlight for review
“We’ve got everything we need…we’re all happy, we’re back where we belong. We’re back where we want to be.”
The Warriors have recruited well with former Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Broncos counterpart Te Maire Martin bolstering the spine around Johnson.
Webster told NRL.com that Nicoll-Klokstad will get first crack at the fullback role, with Martin likely to play alongside Johnson in the halves.
“Charnze, it’s his spot to lose,” Webster told NRL.com.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“Someone is going to have to take it off him or Charnze is going to have to play poorly, and I don’t see that happening. Charnze was definitely signed to be our No.1.”
Webster also revealed skipper Tohu Harris will be used in the lock role after switching from the back row to prop at times last season.
“I think it’s the best use of Tohu, I think you have got to have his hands on the ball as often as possible,” Webster said.
“He can do both, he can look like he’s about to pass and then run or look like he’s about to run and then pass.”
