Michael Brown: Warriors must retain grand final team

The priority for the Warriors now is to lock Shaun Johnson into a long-term contract. Photo / Getty Images

It's said teams need to lose a grand final before they can go on and win one.

It doesn't really ring true any more in this salary cap era but there should be considerable optimism the Warriors have the talent to be able to not only return to the grand final stage next year but go one better.

It will be interesting to see how new coach Brian McClennan moulds this squad but he has considerable talent to work with. They have mettle, skill, youth and experience. It was one of the youngest sides to contest a grand final and they will be better for the experience.

The obvious jewel in that crown is wunderkid Shaun Johnson. He's only recently turned 21 and was playing just his 16th first-grade game last night but looks so comfortable even on the biggest stage.

When the Warriors needed something special to get themselves in the game, it was Johnson who produced the magic. He danced his way around to set up Manu Vatuvei's 62nd-minute try and then flung out a wide ball to send Elijah Taylor in the corner six minutes later.

"The kid has obviously got some ability,'' departing coach Ivan Cleary said. "He has been fantastic this year and was the catalyst to get us back in the game. That's part of his job but I thought he was great. That try he set up for Manu was outstanding.''

The priority for the club now is to lock Johnson into a long-term contract. His present deal runs out at the end of 2012 - the same time as halves partner James Maloney - and he declared his interest in staying at Mt Smart Stadium.

"I would love to stay,'' he said afterwards.

It's fair to say 15 other clubs would love to have him, too.

It's not only Johnson, though, who possesses so much potential. Just 12 months ago he was playing in the Toyota Cup final with Elijah Taylor and Bill Tupou was also a large part of that squad. Kevin Locke, Ben Matulino, Russell Packer and Sam Rapira are in their early twenties and there is a gaggle of young talent coming through the juniors.

Even hardened professionals like Simon Mannering, Lewis Brown, Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo have time on their side.

The Warriors have always admired what the Broncos achieved over the past decade or so. It's not easy to achieve but this Warriors outfit might just be capable of delivering.