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Shaun Johnson and consistency key for Warriors success against Panthers in NRL play-off - Jamie Soward

September 6, 2018
Shaun Johnson.
NRL Premiership rugby league. Vodafone Warriors v Penrith Panthers. Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Friday 24 August 2018. © Copyright photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.Photosport.nz

Former New South Wales and Panthers half Jamie Soward believes the Warriors have got the goods to create an upset over his former side Penrith come Saturday in Sydney.

The Warriors have had 15 wins and nine losses in the NRL this year. 

Soward said New Zealand's consistency throughout the 2018 season has been the key to their success in making the top eight in the NRL.

"They have been able to be consistent enough with their offloads and also play that style of football (second phase) that has been able to keep them in games," Soward told NRL.com.

"Their kick chase, look Shaun Johnson is going to be important, Blake Green coming back from injury he helps them as well."

Penrith went down to the New Zealand club 36-16 in Auckland, the last time they played in round 24 in August.

"They are certainly a dangerous side and their form in Australia has been great this year too."

Warriors half Shaun Johnson hasn't played in the NRL play-offs since 2011, when the Warriors lost in the grand final against Manly 24-10.

Soward says Johnson will have a big part to play in the Warriors' play-off match against Penrith.

"He (Johnson) needs to go to another level though, if they are to cause an upset this week, come to Australia and compete for a premiership.

"Shaun Johnson has all the talent in the world, he's won a Golden Boot. He's been involved in a New Zealand (Kiwis) side that has been successful.

"But for me this year has been his best year because he has been more consistent throughout the year."

Parramatta Eels star Clint Gutherson says the Warriors unpredictability will cause the Panthers headaches in their Saturday clash.

"You don't know when they (Warriors) are going to turn up, you don't know what they are going to do," Gutherson told NRL.com.

"But when they do (turn up), they are the best team in the comp."

The Warriors play the Panthers at 7.30pm on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

The Warriors have also had a solid record on the road this year, winning 8 of 12 games on Australian soil.

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