NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster is confident of retaining halfback Shaun Johnson, as rival NRL clubs circle to potentially sign the off-contract star.
In the final year of his current contract with the Warriors - after only returning to the club in 2022 after leaving Mt Smart once already - Johnson has been a standout in Webster's impressive start as a new coach.
So far, the 32-year-old has played all 10 of the Warriors' games this season, and leads the NRL in kicking metres with 5731.
Jonson has also scored two tries, created a further eight, and thrown nine line break assists. On defence, Johnson has made 192 tackles at a success rate of just under 95 percent.
But according to Australian outlet Newscorp, Wests Tigers have entered discussions with Johnson in an attempt to lure him to Sydney on a one-year deal from next season.
As a key player under Webster, arguably the face of the club, and one of the most experienced players on the Warriors' books, Johnson would be a huge loss, if he was to leave at the end of the year.
However, the Warriors will be weighing up the length of any contract offer, with one-year contracts for players over 30 commonplace, as players themselves seek job security through multi-year deals.
Despite the potential of losing Johnson, Webster says while no formal discussions have taken place, his friendship with his halfback will play a part in his decision-making.
"Shaun and I have got a really good relationship," said Webster. "When the time comes for that to be brought up, we'll sit down and have a good discussion around it.
"I've got a good dialogue with Shaun about [what] that looks like at some stage.
"But we're not crossing that bridge [yet]."
Since Webster arrived at the Warriors to take over as head coach, the 41-year-old hasn't shied away from his belief in Johnson to lead the side around the park.
But while talk of his contract will naturally be at the fore until Johnson puts pen to paper somewhere, the Warriors coach wants to keep any discussions - with all parties - behind closed doors.
"I think also, keeping recruitment and especially retention out of the media is really important," he continued.
"[We'll] keep it between the player and us. I understand there's going to be speculation, but I won't be diving into that.
"All I can say is that Shaun and I get on great. We'll work that out."
