Webster says Johnson has a spot in 2024 'if he wants it'

The ball is in Shaun Johnson's court when it comes to whether or not he plays for the Warriors beyond this season.

Following the club's announcement this week that Chanel Harris-Tavita will return on a two-year deal next season – which gives the Warriors four specialists halves for 2024 – coach Andrew Webster confirmed Johnson will still have a roster spot next year if he wants it. 

"If he is doing the business, there’s always a spot here for Shaun," Webster said. 

If he wants it [there's a spot]. I love Shaun… there’s definitely a place here for him. We will work it out. 

Andrew Webster

"The dialogue between Shaun and I is ongoing and the way we work together is open, honest feedback."

Johnson has been one of the Warriors' best players so far in 2023, averaging 591 kick metres per game and forcing 13 dropouts through his opening 10 games. 

On the ball he's set up 10 tries and nine line breaks, and while his current style is very different to the flashy player who wowed the competition through the mid 2010s, the 32-year-old is arguably playing as well as he ever has. 

The Warriors are contractually committed to all of their other halves for next year, with both Te Maire Martin and youngster Ronald Volkman signed through until the end of 2025, while Luke Metcalf – who will make his club debut against the Broncos in Napier this Saturday – has a deal until the end of next year. 

While acknowledging Harris-Tavita is a half, Webster said he could potentially be used in a number of other positions.

The first-year head coach also insisted the 24-year-old wasn't signed to replace anyone currently on the roster. 

"We’re not recruiting over the top of people and saying that they’re not good enough, ‘we don’t want you here, so we’re going to get someone else'," Webster said. 

"You’ve got to have depth, particularly in the halves which is such an important position. Chanel offers that. 

"Chanel could play fullback, lock, hooker, he could play just about anything. But he is a half and we just feel like he is going to add great depth for us. 

"He’s also a left foot kicker on that side of the field, so that adds a different dimension to our team.  

"There’s also a long, long-term future… there’s 2025, 2026, you have got to look ahead. It’ll work itself out."