NZ Warriors star Shaun Johnson has reportedly rejected Wests Tigers attempts to lure him back across the Tasman for next NRL season.
Currently sitting at the foot of the competition table with just two wins from 10 games, the Tigers are desperately searching for a game-changing half, targeting the resurgent Johnson, who has guided the Warriors back into playoff contention this season.
With very few other options on the open market, the veteran is a tempting proposition, leading the NRL in kicks (209) and kick metres (6507), but the Daily Telegraph reports he has turned down an approach from Kiwis hero and incoming Tigers coach Benji Marshall.
Johnson apparently met with Marshall in Sydney last week, as the Warriors prepared for their victory over Canterbury Bulldogs, but has rejected a two-year deal worth A$650,000 a year.
After three season with Cronulla Sharks, he is reluctant to move his young family back to Australia, but hasn't yet decided whether to extend his career into a 14th year with the Warriors.
Wests' approach was slammed as "a little bit desperate" by Queensland Origin legend Gordon Tallis on Fox Sport's NRL 360.
"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."
Tigers are now poised to offer much-maligned incumbent Luke Brooks a contract extension.
"It comes down to how much that offer is, and what other people are thinking and what he is thinking," said legendary Wests coach Tim Sheen. "That will happen in the next week and a half, through our bye."
