Putting star five-eight Shaun Johnson on the open market is a massive gamble that may backfire on the NZ Warriors, insists former NRL star Greg Alexander.
The Fox Sport league commentator and former Warriors half claims the Auckland-based club would struggle to replace Johnson with a comparable player, but is obviously out to reduce the asking price on his next contract.
With Johnson's current deal due to expire after next season, the Warriors gave him permission to test the market for his services last month, interpreted by many as a sign they were prepared to party company with their marquee player.
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Alexander sees it differently.
"It's pretty clear what the Warriors are saying," he told RadioLIVE's Sunday Sport. "They think they signed him for too much money on the last contract and they don't know if he's worth that much again.
"I'm sure they'd be looking to keep Shaun Johnson, but they want to do it on a reduced rate.
"I can understand the headlines, because he's been New Zealand's and the Warriors' superstar for so long. He hasn't always delivered, but I still believe no-one in the game can do things with the ease that Shaun Johnson does.
"He's a rare talent and he's still got plenty of good years left in front of him."
Alexander was sure there would be no shortage of clubs chasing Johnson, with the notable proviso that he play at five-eighth, not half, where he has often turned out for the Warriors.
Last season, Johnson showed he was far more comfortable playing off a specialist half like Blake Green.
"He's shown that he's a reluctant general. He can do it, but I think his game is much more suited to just floating around both sides of the field and worrying the edges.
"He can jump in and control a game, but it probably hasn't been his strength."
Alexander was impressed with Johnson's performance, as he helped guide the Warriors to the 2018 NRL playoffs, where they fell in the first round to Penrith Panthers.
He recalled the Sydney Roosters made a similar call on Mitchell Pearce, whom they decided would not lead them to a premiership, even after a solid 2017 season.
"But I think this is more about the money," said Alexander. "He's reported to be paid a million dollars and they obviously don't think he's worth it.
"It's a massive call from the Warriors. It might pay off, if they can get him cheaper, but I suspect there's plenty of Australian clubs that will have their eye on him.
"If the Warriors are happy to see him go somewhere else, I'd like to see who they've got in mind to fill the role that Shaun Johnson does, because there's not many that have his talent."
Johnson is currently on tour with the NZ Kiwis in England.
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