Fisher-Harris signing could help sway future: Johnson

Veteran halfback Shaun Johnson has described the Warriors' signing of Test prop James Fisher-Harris as massive and something that could entice him to play on.

ANDREW WEBSTER.
ANDREW WEBSTER. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Warriors coach Andrew Webster wants to see Shaun Johnson suit up alongside boom recruit James Fisher-Harris in 2025, saying the star halfback is "huge for the team".

Aged 33 and off contract, Johnson is starting talks with the Auckland-based club and says the signing of fellow Kiwi international Fisher-Harris has made him think deeply about a new deal.

Penrith's triple premiership prop will join the Warriors at the end of the current season on a four-year contract.

"It's certainly something to celebrate and want to play on for - it's a massive scoop for the club," Johnson said following training at their Auckland base on Monday.

"So much goes into making a decision about whether you play on. I'm open- minded and am taking it week by week.

"For me to make the decision to play on I have to receive a contract offer, and that hasn't happened yet, but I am certainly starting those conversations with the right people."

While Johnson wasn't firm on his future, Webster was adamant he wanted the veteran at the club in 2025.

"A hundred per cent, would love to have Shaun around again," Webster said.

"I think he's huge for our team, he's important, love the way he is playing but it's only early in the season.

"We've got a good relationship, we'll work it out when we can."

The Warriors suffered a 30-12 loss to St George Illawarra on Friday night but will fancy their chances against winless Gold Coast in their Anzac Day match in Auckland.

They are looking to create their own annual fixture after travelling to Melbourne for 13 Anzac Day games since 2009.

Johnson said the loss to the Dragons was disappointing but the Warriors were confident they could quickly recover.

"The best part about it is that we don't have to wait long to right our wrongs or build on the things we did well because although we got blown out, there were things I was really happy with," said Johnson, who has been carrying an achilles injury which has restricted his training.

"Just too many moments where we lapsed in concentration or let them off the hook and just didn't defend our errors, so they are the sort of things we want to get right this time.

"I don't think there's a better time than Anzac Day to get things going for ourselves."

Webster meanwhile confirmed utility forward Dylan Walker was likely to be available to play the Titans after five weeks sidelined with an ankle issue.