Johnson hails 'exciting' RTS return as resilient Warriors face further test

Warriors star Shaun Johnson believes the shock return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck next year is ‘exciting,’ but has refused to say if it will have any bearing on his own future.

The evergreen halfback has been a competition standout so far this season to be one of the early frontrunners for the coveted Dally M Medal, but remains without a contract for 2024 when Tuivasa-Sheck will make his return to the Warriors.

Johnson described the signing of Tuivasa-Sheck as a big win for rugby league across the ditch.

“It (Tuivasa-Sheck’s return) is big news, and I think it is big news for New Zealand rugby league in general,” Johnson said after his side’s hard fought 30-22 loss to Melbourne Storm on Tuesday night.

“Just to have a player like that come back and choose rugby league over rugby, it doesn’t happen too often in New Zealand so it’s exciting. Obviously that’s still a year away, so we’ve well and truly parked it like Roger has as well.

“He’s got his commitments, but next year will come around and it’ll be good.”

When asked if the return of his former teammate might motivate him to try and stay another year and play with him, Johnson replied: “No comment mate, no comment.”

The star playmaker was more forthcoming when discussing his side’s gritty performance on ANZAC Day, pushing the Storm all the way to the final whistle despite finishing the game with no healthy players on the bench.

The Storm haven't lost to the Warriors in eight years and the Warriors haven’t beaten them in Melbourne in nine years, but Johnson could not help but rue what might have been.

“I mean, to say that I’m happy just because the effort was there would probably sell ourselves short,” he said. “I think that’s probably what everybody is going to say.

“Everyone’s going to talk about the effort, but I still feel like ultimately we could have won that game and ultimately that’s what is disappointing; the fact we didn’t.

“The effort was there, the fight was there.

“Our boys had a fair crack but we’ve certainly got to fix up a few areas to give ourselves a better chance of winning.”

The Warriors are counting the cost of a massive injury toll after what was a torrid night at AAMI Park.

They lost skipper Tohu Harris (knee) before halftime, fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Bayley Sironen to concussion, and forward Jazz Tevaga with an achilles strain. All four are set to be in doubt for their clash with the Sydney Roosters at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday given the short five-day turnaround.

“We’re just keen to get home and recover well,” he said. “Then we look forward to playing in front of our members, fans and family at Mount Smart (Stadium).

“That’s something we’ll never ever take for granted again, so we're looking forward to it.”