djdeep4172
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As far as auditions for a new gig go, Shaun Johnson put himself in the shop window after delivering the matchwinning play on Friday night.
With the game on the line against the Panthers, Johnson came up clutch for the Sharks – the club that bizarrely doesn’t want him for 2022 – to seal the two points. His scrappy field goal made it 19-18 and fended off a Panthers comeback after the Sharks raced out to a 18-0 lead.
His composure at the death will no doubt have rival clubs pondering whether to take a punt on Johnson.
Now The Australian’s Brent Read has named a ‘wildcard’ among the list of places he could land – but the club faces a tricky conundrum over a young gun’s future.
He’s in a really interesting position, Shaun,” Read told Triple M on Saturday. “Obviously he’s been tapped by Cronulla. I’m not sure how much interest there is out there, particularly at the original asking price. He was originally asking for about two years, $1.6 million.
“There are clubs looking at him. The wildcard is Canterbury. I think they are mulling over what they will do because obviously [there’s] the Kyle Flanagan situation but I’m sure watching last night may convince them it is worth getting him next year. He’s a big game player and did the job last night.”
With Canterbury already bringing in 21-year-old Matt Burton for 2022 on a three-year-deal, Johnson’s experience – totalling 201 NRL games and 32 Test caps – would form an enticing pairing.
But the club still has Kyle Flanagan on its books for another two-and-a-half years, despite the former Sharks and Roosters playmaker having been brutally hooked at halftime in Round 9 and subsequently not being named in the squad.
The 22-year-old has promised not to ‘wave the white flag’ and is battling for his long-term future as an NRL halfback – but Johnson’s strong run of form could convince the club to try and nudge Flanagan out the door.
After proving the difference on Friday, Johnson was quick to make his feelings known about his future.
“I got the news a couple weeks back and it obviously wasn’t the news I wanted to hear,” he told WWOS.
“I had hopes of seeing my career out at this club. They gave me an opportunity three years ago. I have certainly enjoyed my time here. So, it’s not meant to be; they want to head in a different direction, I really do respect that.
“But for me all I can focus on is coming out here, getting some games under my belt, and trusting that next year will take care of itself. Tonight hopefully helps and if there are any clubs out there that are after a halfback, I’m your man. Come on.”
Johnson comes onto the open market when a number of rival clubs are hunting for a halfback or five-eighth.
Canberra is the most obvious destination for Johnson given they just released homesick English playmaker George Williams.
With the game on the line against the Panthers, Johnson came up clutch for the Sharks – the club that bizarrely doesn’t want him for 2022 – to seal the two points. His scrappy field goal made it 19-18 and fended off a Panthers comeback after the Sharks raced out to a 18-0 lead.
His composure at the death will no doubt have rival clubs pondering whether to take a punt on Johnson.
Now The Australian’s Brent Read has named a ‘wildcard’ among the list of places he could land – but the club faces a tricky conundrum over a young gun’s future.
He’s in a really interesting position, Shaun,” Read told Triple M on Saturday. “Obviously he’s been tapped by Cronulla. I’m not sure how much interest there is out there, particularly at the original asking price. He was originally asking for about two years, $1.6 million.
“There are clubs looking at him. The wildcard is Canterbury. I think they are mulling over what they will do because obviously [there’s] the Kyle Flanagan situation but I’m sure watching last night may convince them it is worth getting him next year. He’s a big game player and did the job last night.”
With Canterbury already bringing in 21-year-old Matt Burton for 2022 on a three-year-deal, Johnson’s experience – totalling 201 NRL games and 32 Test caps – would form an enticing pairing.
But the club still has Kyle Flanagan on its books for another two-and-a-half years, despite the former Sharks and Roosters playmaker having been brutally hooked at halftime in Round 9 and subsequently not being named in the squad.
The 22-year-old has promised not to ‘wave the white flag’ and is battling for his long-term future as an NRL halfback – but Johnson’s strong run of form could convince the club to try and nudge Flanagan out the door.
After proving the difference on Friday, Johnson was quick to make his feelings known about his future.
“I got the news a couple weeks back and it obviously wasn’t the news I wanted to hear,” he told WWOS.
“I had hopes of seeing my career out at this club. They gave me an opportunity three years ago. I have certainly enjoyed my time here. So, it’s not meant to be; they want to head in a different direction, I really do respect that.
“But for me all I can focus on is coming out here, getting some games under my belt, and trusting that next year will take care of itself. Tonight hopefully helps and if there are any clubs out there that are after a halfback, I’m your man. Come on.”
Johnson comes onto the open market when a number of rival clubs are hunting for a halfback or five-eighth.
Canberra is the most obvious destination for Johnson given they just released homesick English playmaker George Williams.
