NRL: Veteran half Shaun Johnson returning to health, as NZ Warriors try to end winless drought

NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has revealed star half Shaun Johnson is nearing full health and expects team performance will improve as he spends more time on the training field.

Johnson, 33, hasn't missed any games during the team's rollercoaster ride through their 2024 NRL campaign, but the veteran is carrying an Achilles tendon niggle that must be nursed through training each week to have him ready for gameday.

After missing out on the Dally M Medal by a single vote last season, he is currently 14 points off the pace set by Penrith Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards, an indication that he is a step or two off pace, as the Warriors try to snap a four-game winless run.

Webster had hinted he may consider resting Johnson to preserve his long-term health, but now seems optimistic the injury is under control. 

"He's improving actually," he said. "Last week was the first time he did more than captain's run - that's all he's been able to do.

"He's been very tough just to get out on the field for us, but he's only been doing 20-30 minutes a week with the group. Last week, he did a little bit more than that and this week he's tracking like he might do 80 percent of the week.

"That's great for us, because we're getting more reps with him, he's getting more reps with the team and it's good news because, at this stage, the injury's improving."

More to come

NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has revealed star half Shaun Johnson is nearing full health and expects team performance will improve as he spends more time on the training field.

Johnson, 33, hasn't missed any games during the team's rollercoaster ride through their 2024 NRL campaign, but the veteran is carrying an Achilles tendon niggle that must be nursed through training each week to have him ready for gameday.

After missing out on the Dally M Medal by a single vote last season, he is currently 14 points off the pace set by Penrith Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards, an indication that he is a step or two off pace, as the Warriors try to snap a four-game winless run.

Webster had hinted he may consider resting Johnson to preserve his long-term health, but now seems optimistic the injury is under control. 

"He's improving actually," he said. "Last week was the first time he did more than captain's run - that's all he's been able to do.

"He's been very tough just to get out on the field for us, but he's only been doing 20-30 minutes a week with the group. Last week, he did a little bit more than that and this week he's tracking like he might do 80 percent of the week.

"That's great for us, because we're getting more reps with him, he's getting more reps with the team and it's good news because, at this stage, the injury's improving."

More to come

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