The Canberra Raiders are reportedly trying to lure Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson to club for the 2019 NRL season.
The Daily Telegraph reports the Raiders are tabling an offer to Johnson and his management that would be for next season, not 2020 when he is off contract.
For the deal to happen, the Warriors would have to release the 28-year-old from his contract.
New Canberra assistant coach Andrew McFadden is believed to be driving the approach, after developing a close relationship with Johnson while coaching the Warriors over the last six years.
Even though the halfback isn't off contract until the end of the next NRL season, he's been given permission by the Warriors to explore other options.
November 1 marks the day clubs can officially start signing and registering players for the 2020 season.
The Raiders have plenty of New Zealanders on their books, including Brad Abbey, Ata Hingano, Jordan Rapana and Joseph Tapine.
As it currently stands, Aidan Sezer and Sam Williams would be Canberra's likely starting halves pairing next season, with Blake Austin released and Hingano missing the opening rounds with injury.
The Sydney Roosters have also been linked with a bid for Johnson, with the 2018 premiers looking at options to replace Cooker Cronk, who’s expected to retire after the 2019 season.
Unwanted Parramatta playmakers Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses have both been linked with the Warriors, but the club has denied those rumours.
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