Shaun Johnson has been released from the New Zealand Warriors effective immediately, and while he’s already received criticism for his form at the club, it’s the club itself that deserves the criticism.
Johnson made his NRL debut during the 2011 season, leading the side to the Grand Final, and painting his name in lights in the process. Six months later he was an international halfback, and he’s carried the weight of his nation on his shoulders ever since.
But while Johnson has been criticised for his consistency and the ability to deliver in big moments, it’s unfair that he alone bares the brunt when it’s the club that deserves it.
During his eight years in the top grade, Johnson has seen six separate coaches come through the doors of the club, while he’s been forced to partner over half a dozen halves in his 162 game career.
While there’s undoubtedly some quality partners in there, Kieran Foran, James Maloney, Blake Green, Chad Townsend and Thomas Leuleuai to name a few, he hasn’t been given any time to settle in alongside them.
Nor has he had time to adjust to a coach’s playing structure when he’s dealt with so many coaches in such a short time.
How can people expect Johnson to be consistent when he’s surrounded by inconsistency; from the front office to the training field?
Expected to join Cronulla, the Sharks will provide Johnson with what he’s been lacking - a winning culture and a long-term coach.
Shane Flanagan is one of the longest serving current coaches in the NRL today, starting his head coaching career in the Shire back in 2010. And while he is off-contract in the near future, he’s not under any immediate threat of being sacked, a simplistic yet integral form of stability for the Kiwis’ halfback.
A move to the Sharks will also give Johnson an opportunity to reunite with Townsend, who partnered him for the 2014 and 2015 seasons across the ditch, and struck up a strong combination in their short spell together.
Townsend’s steady hand alongside Johnson’s electric energy is a deadly duo, and could truly spark a Cronulla side sure to lack the impact of Valentine Holmes.
While the likes of Stephen Kearney, the Warriors’ fans and their board will sure to be somewhat happy to see the ‘inconsistent halfback’ leave the club, they can only sit back and watch as they see what a change of scenery and a consistent backdrop can do for Johnson.
Johnson may have had his inconsistencies during his career, but he’s simply dished up the best he can given the lack of tools in front of him. But with a more wholesome and complete roster, a winning culture and stable coaching structure, it’s time for Johnson to prove that he’s not the inconsistent one, it’s the Warriors organisation as a whole.