Warriors linchpin Shaun Johnson has confirmed that he has no interest in occupying the impending halfback vacancy at the Melbourne Storm with the departure of superstar Cooper Cronk.
Cronk sent shockwaves through the NRL landscape on Tuesday when he announced his desire to leave the Storm for a Sydney-based club at the conclusion of this season in order to be closer to his family, sparking what is sure to be a recruitment feeding frenzy.
However, speaking to the media before Wednesday's training at Mt Smart, Johnson was adamant that the Victoria-based club weren't in his calculations when considering his own options for 2018 and beyond.
"Nah, that's not happening," said the 26-year-old when pressed about the possibility of a shift to the Storm.
"I've been completely honest with [the Warriors] about my options and they know where I stand.
"I'm in discussions with the club, hopefully we can come to an agreement soon."
One thing is certain, Johnson is savouring every moment playing alongside his new halves partner and long-time friend Kieran Foran.
After a false start against the Dragons the week prior, the pair reignited their ex-Kiwis partnership to excellent effect during the win over the Titans on Sunday, with Foran's direct play and stern defense allowing Johnson more space and time to employ his dynamic running game.
The former Kiwis standout, also off-contract the end of 2017, has been forthright regarding his family commitments across the Tasman, and many expect the desire to be closer to his Sydney-based children and their mother to be too much to look past when it comes to determining his next playing destination.
Johnson is equally unsure what his teammate's intentions are, but couldn't deny that the potential extension of Foran's contract would be a significant draw card in keeping him in Warriors colours.
"I think that would definitely probably help the situation. You want to play with the best players don’t you, and he's definitely one of them.
"It's no secret how good a mate he is to me, and you want to play with your mates.
"I'm sure that not just me, but the club in general would want to have him on for however long he wants."
Despite the uncertainty, Johnson is clearly determined to optimise every moment of the time the duo spend on field together no matter how long it may ultimately be, gushing about Foran's impact on the club since his arrival.
"We've both said that for however long it is, we're going to make the most of it. We're just enjoying our footy at the moment.
"We've loved having him at the club, having him around has just been positive for this whole group. His energy, his professionalism and his competitiveness."
Johnson's initial response when asked of his preferred landing-place post-2017 spoke volumes as to the bond the two share.
"I'll go wherever Foz [Foran] goes," he laughed.
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