Shaun Johnson's departure from Mt Smart Stadium has left the Warriors with a million dollars in their salary cap, but don't expect them to use it to attract a superstar to New Zealand.
Former assistant coach Justin Morgan believes the Warriors will be careful with their money and bank on an up-and-comer, rather than a big name.
The side completed their first training session today without Shaun Johnson.
His departure has left Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as their only genuine superstar and the team are set to stay that way in 2019.
"I think they can get by without bringing a high-quality player in for the next 12 months," said former assistant coach Justin Morgan.
Morgan expects the Warriors will replace Johnson with someone whose game is more "solid" than "sensational".
"They need to bring in somebody that's highly competitive, somebody who really adds value Monday to Friday."
Parramatta prodigy Dylan Brown's name has been mentioned, while teenager Chanel Harris-Tavita is already on their books - the halfback whose "scorpion kick" for the Junior Kiwis went viral this year.
"The one thing the Warriors have done traditionally well is introduce good halfbacks.
"There's a few untested at NRL level, but all halfbacks are untested at some point."
James Maloney was untested when he came to the club in 2010 and left as one of the competition's best players.
"The club is talking about doing what's best for the club and if they can live by that mantra, then everyone will be pleased."
That would prove what the Warriors brass have been saying all along - that no one player is bigger than the club.
Newshub.
