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NRL experts predict Chanel Harris-Tavita to fill Shaun Johnson's boots at Warriors

January 4, 2019

Chanel Harris-Tavita and Hayze Perham have earned Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's approval.

NRL pundits across the ditch are backing young Warriors halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita to fill the void left by Shaun Johnson, tipping the youngster to start the 2019 season in the number seven jersey.

With Johnson having traded the Warriors for the Cronulla Sharks at the end of 2018, the Warriors are seemingly short of options in the halves, having also lost the likes of Mason Lino and Ata Hingano in the past few seasons.

In a series predicting each side's starting line-up for the new season, NRL.com's Chris Kennedy and Jamie Soward expect Harris-Tavita to be given the first shot at replacing Johnson.

As things stand, Harris-Tavita, Penrith recruit Adam Keighran or Hayze Perham could all find themselves competing for the starting halfback role in the Warriors' season opener against the Bulldogs.

Speaking to NRL.com though, 2010 premiership winner Soward urged not to give Harris-Tavita too much, too soon.

Chanel Harris Tavita. NZ Warriors v Wyong Roos, 2018 ISP Intrust Super Premiership Rugby League season at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. 22 July 2018. Copyright photo: Renee McKay / www.photosport.nz

"Chanel Harris-Tavita played in the ISP last year, been in all the rep sides but you don't hand the keys straight away to a guy that's still learning, I think it will be Blake Green's side."

"I wouldn't be surprised if at some stage they play Blake Green at seven with someone like Peta Hiku at six until they find their feet.

"It will be a weird transition because Shaun Johnson was such a big part of their side for so long."

The Warriors open their season against the Bulldogs at Mt Smart Stadium on March 16.

NRL's Warriors predicted line-up: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. David Fusitu'a, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Blake Green, 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 8. Bunty Afoa, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Agnatius Paasi, 11. Tohu Harris, 12. Isaiah Papali'i, 13. Adam Blair.

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