Following the early contract release of Shaun Johnson to Cronulla, Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has said that he was surprised to hear that Johnson felt they had a poor working relationship, as reported by Fox Sports.

Johnson has signed a three-contract with the Sharks, having sought an early release from his Warriors obligations, and cites his unhappiness with Kearney as one of the reasons for his departure.

โ€œIโ€™ve been there (Warriors) eight years and had six coaches,โ€ Johnson told reporters in Sydney.

โ€œThe sixth coach didnโ€™t like me, so what.โ€

Kearney and Johnson's history dates back to 2012, when Kearney, as coach of New Zealand, introduced Johnson as a replacement for Benji Marshall.

When Kearney became top dog at the Warriors in 2017, the playmaker was slated to be the jewel of the team's crown.

โ€œI can honestly say, after spending close to 20 Test matches working with him, and certainly at close quarters over the last two years ... the first time I heard about that (poor relationship) was two weeks ago following the request for a release,โ€ Kearney said.

โ€œIt came as news to me but Iโ€™ve been around the business long enough to know that that happens.

โ€œItโ€™s unfortunate that it happens and we all move on. Iโ€™ve got no problem with Shaun.โ€

Kearney reiterated that Johnson was a crucial cog in the Warriors' plans for 2019 and that he was committed to helping him improve.

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