Warriors legend Monty Betham is on the fence over Shaun Johnson's messy break up with the New Zealand rugby league club saying "it's not personal."
Betham, 40, played over 100 NRL games for the Warriors from 1999-2005 and said he has seen a lot stars come and go at the club.
"Look it's not personal, I have seen some guys that have worn the jumper for a very long time, being admired and revered and one stage gone," said Betham.
"Because they are not producing or the club wants to go in a different direction. I love the club and I love the players that have been there and have died for the club."
The New Zealand NRL club made the announcement yesterday morning that Johnson was released from his final year of his contract and was a free agent effective immediately.
"When this came in I thought it was a challenge thrown down by the club, 'show me you're worth a million dollars' - whether that be someone else willing to pay that or Shaun showing what he can do on the field.
"Shaun is 28-years of age I'm not surprised that he has taken this stance too because he has never been in that situation, he normally gets signed up early in the piece, he has stability and longevity.
"He's not used to being questioned by a club that he has shown x-factor for so many years."
Reports have come out of Australia that he is set sign with 2016 NRL winners the Cronulla Sharks.
Cameron George said the club comes first, no matter the player.
"So Shaun is in a position now where he thinks maybe stability is what he wants and he can get that offer from overseas.
"Look I think anyone when they leave home and go overseas it is that time you have got to test yourself and you have got to step away from your comfort zone.
"I think in an Australian environment he will be good."
Betham said he wishes the former Warriors star playmaker all the best in his NRL career.
"But for me just for Shaun from an ex-Warrior player and a fan of the club, sorry you didn't get your send-off the way you probably should've, which was on the field where many people would be clapping," said Betham.
"But wish you all the best and I wish the club all the best too, it's like two parting of two people that I'm very keen on but I wish them both the best.
"And I understand both decisions."
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