NRL pundits are bemused by the Wests Tigers' reported interest in NZ Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson, describing it as a "desperate" move.
Johnson, 32, has been one of the competition's standout players, helping the Warriors to six wins in the opening 11 rounds, but his resurgence hasn't gone unnoticed, with the Tigers apparently tabling a two-year deal to lure him back to Sydney in 2024.
The Daily Telegraph has revealed the deal would be worth A$650,000 a season, with former NZ Kiwis star Benji Marshall playing a key role in discussions.
Marshall, who is a current assistant coach at the Tigers and expected to take over from Tim Sheens in 2025, is reported to have met with Johnson.
As reigning NRL woodenspooners and are currently on course for an unwanted repeat, the Tigers are in need of a sharp turnaround, but with very few halfbacks on the market beyond next season, their attempt to lure an aging Johnson has left pundits puzzled.
"It's a leftfield play for me," said NRL 360 panelist James Hooper. "Take nothing away, he's been one of the stories of the season, the way he's been able to recapture career-best form.
"Those couple of years at Cronulla, he had some good moments, but he also had some really poor moments. He was called out for a lot of those.
"Without his influence this year, there's no way the Warriors are going as strongly as they are and they don't sit where they are on the ladder at the moment, but for the Tigers to make that risk at his age, bringing him back to Sydney…
"I think the fact he's settled in New Zealand has been a huge element of why he's been so successful."
Queensland legend Gorden Tallis warns the Tigers against the move and implores them to look within their system.
"It's a little bit desperate, isn't it?" he said. "You'd think there would be a good, young kid that's going to play for the future, because in two years' time, they're going to go out and do exactly the same thing they're doing now."
