After victory in their first game together for the club, NZ Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson is excited about what he and fellow playmakers Chanel Harris-Tavita and Reece Walsh can create for the team.
Walsh, Harris-Tavita and Johnson all started in their side's 20-6 win over Brisbane Broncos last Saturday, with the veteran relishing the chance to build a solid combination with the duo going forward.
As well as forming a bond on the field, Johnson can especially empathise with Walsh, who has experienced a rapid rise to stardom much like he did a decade ago.
"I've walked in similar shoes to probably what he is going through right now," he said. "I don't think I was near as silky or as skilful as he is.
"I think just that rise into first grade and that trajectory, it happened pretty quick as well."
Like Warriors fans, Johnson enjoys what the Queensland teen brings to the NRL each week.
"It's quite refreshing for me to see him just attack with so much flair and carefree almost.
"He's a special talent, and they're very few and far between. I think the club would be silly not to lock him in long term and put some pieces around him that can really establish some sustained success here."
Johnson's experience, which the side missed while he was sidelined injured against the Titans and Tigers, was on full display against Brisbane, as he guided his side around the park. The Warriors controlled much of the game, completing 80 percent of their sets - their best of the season so far.
He also created chances, setting up Jesse Arthars for his first try and having a hand in his second against the Broncos.
"There are areas where I feel that's the reason the club maybe brought me back, just that composure, and a bit of leadership and building pressure, particularly around the last tackle," Johnson explained.
"At times, it can be a bit frustrating, because you want things to click straight away, but at the same time, understanding that's the first time the spine has actually played together."
He feels the trio have great potential, but just need time together to build on what they’ve already started.
"Once we get in sync and we get on the same page, really understanding how each one of us move on the field and what each of us like to do in certain parts of the game, it's almost like it's less talking and more moving just through flow. It's really really exciting actually, but it's only going to come through minutes played together."
That should be an exciting prospect for fans, with the more successful sides in the competition, like the Panthers and Storm, having settled spines. It’s also something the Warriors have missed throughout Nathan Brown's coaching tenure.
Johnson admitted their work is made easier by the efforts of their forward pack, particularly when props Matt Lodge and Addin Fonua-Blake fire as they did last week.
"It's an absolute treat to have a couple of big boys that roll their sleeves up and more times than not sort of fall through the line. I haven't actually done my job as well as I should have off the back of it - I'm still learning how these boys play.
"It certainly helps out the team. It makes everyone's job a lot easier, when you've got two middles, then you look at the punch coming off the bench in Bunts [Bunty Afoa] and what he's been bringing. It's pretty nice."
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