Shaun Johnson has declared the Warriors are the only NRL club he’ll play for next season - if he plays at all.
Fronting media for only the second time this year, the 32-year-old halfback was upfront about his future, which has been a hot topic given his excellent form in 2023.
“If I do play, I want it to be here,” said Johnson on Wednesday.
“I’m pretty happy with where things are at. Mentally, physically, being back home with family and friends.
"I’m not writing anything off, but that decision is yet to be made.”
Johnson has been a key part in the unfancied Warriors’ resurgence this season. They are currently sitting in eighth position after winning only six games last year.
However, Johnson’s decision about playing on will factor in an increasingly-packed halves picture at the Warriors.
They currently have Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf and Ronald Volkman on the books, while news came last week that Chanel Harris-Tavita will return next year after spending time away from the game.
“We’ve certainly got our fair share of halves here and I think that’s certainly very exciting for the club," Johnson said.
"We all know what type of player Chanel is and that’s a positive move they’ve made to get him back here.
"All I can do is go out there and keep enjoying my footy.”
Johnson confirmed rumours that he’d been offered a contract for next season by the Wests Tigers, who were prepared to spend $700,000 a year on him.
“I had some chats with my family, and they were telling me I was stupid (for turning the offer down).
"It’s quite flattering to have a club come out and show how much they want you and they believe in you.
"If I’m going to put my body through another preseason, it’s to win. I believe the Warriors are in a position to win.
“I don’t want to go somewhere for the wrong reasons. Put it this way - I don’t want to go elsewhere and try to win. I want to win here, and that’s simply what it came down to.”
Johnson hinted at a future in coaching, saying that he wanted to “give back to kids, educating some of our younger players and helping develop future halfbacks and spine players in particular.”
For now, though, Johnson is focused on a crucial period for the Warriors.
They play the Dolphins on Saturday at home, before meeting the Raiders in Canberra, a bye week and then the last-placed Dragons in Wollongong.
“I’ve certainly been very content with what I’ve been able to achieve in my career,” said Johnson.
“If it was to finish right now, I would leave smiling. I don’t have a chip on my shoulder, I don’t have a point to prove to anyone. I play this game because I love it.”
