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https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2018/11/28/vodafone-warriors-grant-johnson-a-release/
Despite all the rumours it's still pretty crazy that he's left the Warriors. Linked the Raiders but thye have a tight salary cap apparently, so the Sharks seems most likely since they just lost Valentine Holmes (he is gonna attempt to sign for the NFL...).
Of course, in this yank-central sub-forum most won't have a clue even who Johnson or the Warriors is. This is a massive story in the NRL (Australian + New Zealand rugby league).
Basically, Johnson is one of the star "halves" in the NRL, that is one of the key positions (half-back and five-eighh) in terms of play-making and directing the team, somewhat like a QB. Johnson is basically a half who for most of his career has been an absolute electric player when running with the ball in hand - side steps/jukes, pace etc. - but has been criticised for his game management. On the other hand the New Zealand Warriors have been a horrifically underachieving team since they were introduced as an expansion team in the 90s (New Zealand is dominated by rugby union), including criticisms of their team culture, professionalism and so on...so some have wondered how Johnson would do on a better team, with a winning culture. I guess we will find out! Now the Warriors are also without any fucking good halves for next year, with no clear targets either (they also released their solid, young back-up Mason Lino a few months ago - hindsight is 20/20 eh....).
I support the Warriors, so this kind of sucks...some would say that he wasn't bringing the team anywhere despite his talent and they needed a change, but who else can they sign?
Any other NRL fans here?
Despite all the rumours it's still pretty crazy that he's left the Warriors. Linked the Raiders but thye have a tight salary cap apparently, so the Sharks seems most likely since they just lost Valentine Holmes (he is gonna attempt to sign for the NFL...).
Of course, in this yank-central sub-forum most won't have a clue even who Johnson or the Warriors is. This is a massive story in the NRL (Australian + New Zealand rugby league).
Basically, Johnson is one of the star "halves" in the NRL, that is one of the key positions (half-back and five-eighh) in terms of play-making and directing the team, somewhat like a QB. Johnson is basically a half who for most of his career has been an absolute electric player when running with the ball in hand - side steps/jukes, pace etc. - but has been criticised for his game management. On the other hand the New Zealand Warriors have been a horrifically underachieving team since they were introduced as an expansion team in the 90s (New Zealand is dominated by rugby union), including criticisms of their team culture, professionalism and so on...so some have wondered how Johnson would do on a better team, with a winning culture. I guess we will find out! Now the Warriors are also without any fucking good halves for next year, with no clear targets either (they also released their solid, young back-up Mason Lino a few months ago - hindsight is 20/20 eh....).
I support the Warriors, so this kind of sucks...some would say that he wasn't bringing the team anywhere despite his talent and they needed a change, but who else can they sign?
Any other NRL fans here?