NRL: Confident Johnson shows he can step up to the mark

Johnson has stepped up from the Vucans. File photo / Brett Phibbs

One-cap Warrior Shaun Johnson offered a candid admission on his first tackle grubber to set up a try for captain Simon Mannering against the Roosters last week: it could have been a disaster.

Opposition winger Joseph Leilua knocked on picking up - belting away to score at the other end of the field before the video referee ruled in the Warriors favour; a try to Mannering.

"To be honest, I didn't know the tackle count had gone back to one," Johnson said sheepishly. Yet, even at 20, he appears to be a player willing to gamble.

It was instinct to slip in an awkward bouncing grubber for the Roosters defence and the halfback succeeded in creating the Warriors only points of the match. Criticism would have rained down if the tactic had gone awry with references to "inexperience" and "fallibility" on debut, but Johnson rarely suffers failure.

Such confidence bodes well as the mystery deepens over whether Brett Seymour will continue at the club next year. Seymour is recovering from a depressed cheekbone fracture suffered during the win over South Sydney.

It is difficult to establish if he is going to be offered another contract. Sources told the Herald on Sunday that, with Johnson contracted long-term and being given further opportunities to develop with five-eighth James Maloney, Seymour's chances of a Warriors future remain slim despite his vast experience. Other halfback contenders in the wider squad include Pita Godinet (signed until 2013) and Isaac John (signed until 2012).

The most important aspect from coach Ivan Cleary's perspective - and that of Dean Bell's recruitment team - is that Johnson has the confidence to play at the top level and is another endorsement of the local talent development policy. He is not intimidated by more senior players and understands his responsibility to direct play rather than be paralysed star-worshipping.

"The boys look to me to tell them what to do. You can't be daunted; you've got to do your job. If the boys are looking at you wondering 'what is Shaun up to?', you've got to step up.

"It's purely a confidence thing because some of the forwards can be pretty intimidating - but Ivan's been good telling me what he wants. His message is do the basics well. He wants nothing flash as long as I make my tackles and kick well, be strong and organise. If I do what he says, I'll get more chances.

"I don't think the public appreciate the level the NRL is at. A year ago I would have said I wanted to have a go but in the weekend I got a taste for how relentless it is - a massive step up from Vulcans and under-20s.

"It made me realise how important it is to get a quick play on the last tackle for kicks which gives you that split-second extra and makes my job easier."

Johnson has been quick to point out there is compassion for Seymour's situation but no lack of contesting for his position.

"I hate losing and I'm a competitive person," Johnson said. "It's a professional environment and I'm keen to take that spot. Buster had been playing some awesome footy. He's unlucky with his injury but I've got to make the most of my chance."

Cleary is reluctant to make comparisons. "Shaun had a tough first grade introduction but I thought he handled himself well. He'll be more confident giving the team direction this week."

He estimates Seymour will return in a couple of weeks.

"The surgery went okay. It was on the lower scale of what could have been done. It's a matter of how he feels over the next few weeks. Then he'll be back."