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Cronulla Sharks emerge as frontrunners to sign Warriors star Shaun Johnson - report

November 28, 2018

The star halfback says the next period of time off will allow him to sort his future, saying the Warriors will always be a club he’ll love regardless of whether he stays or not.

The Cronulla Sharks have reportedly firmed as favourites to sign Shaun Johnson if the star half can get his desired release from the Warriors for next season.

Nine's The Mole reports the Sharks are ready to make a move for Johnson, with money now at their disposal following the shock departure of Valentine Holmes to the NFL.

The report says the club would likely move Matt Moylan to fullback which leaves a vacancy in the halves to team up with Chad Townsend and while the club has rookie Kyle Flanagan in the wings, the son of coach Shane Flanagan "isn't ready" for a full NRL season.

The report comes after news surfaced yesterday Johnson had requested to be released from the final year of his contract with the Kiwi club after CEO Cameron George said last month they were in "no rush" to re-sign the 28-year-old.

But the club threw a spanner in the mix by reportedly denying that request, wanting Johnson to see out the remainder of his deal which will end after the 2019 season.

Johnson vented his frustrations over the situation on social media earlier week, saying the club hasn't offered him a new contract and he was free to look at other clubs.

"Firstly there is no contract for me to sign past 2019," Johnson began.

"Secondly if you saw the article that came out a few weeks back. In a round about way they said they are in no rush to re sign me. Since then they have told me again at this stage they won't be offering me anything.

"That means I get to spread my wings and see what's out there so right now that's what I'm doing!"

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