NRL: Maturing Johnson making strides with all-round game

Shaun Johnson of the Warriors knows more than one way to win. Photo / Getty Images

Shaun Johnson turns 21 this week, and is showing real signs of maturity in his burgeoning NRL career.

Usually associated with flash and dash, the halfback delivered a truly no-frills performance in last night's 18-6 win over the Cowboys.

It was functional rather than flash, more deliberate than dynamic in a grinding game, in less than ideal conditions for the speedster.

"I think he showed another side to his game," said coach Ivan Cleary. "He is learning to play with patience. He learns fast - you don't need to tell him things twice."

Johnson was judicious with his option-taking, came up with a measured kicking game, and fronted up on defence.

"He marked up well on Brent Tate which is never an easy assignment - but I thought he handled it well," Cleary said.

Johnson deferred most of the defensive credit to Joel Moon, who did "90 per cent of the tackling" but is satisfied with the improvement there.

"After the Tigers match [a 26-22 loss in round 14] I was really down on myself," admitted Johnson. "I had some bad reads that day and paid the price. It was a harsh lesson."

For all the stardom already bestowed upon him, Johnson seems a grounded individual, quietly determined to make his mark on the playoffs.

"I can't wait for finals football, it is the ultimate," said Johnson. "We know there will be less time and space but we will have to adapt."

Johnson's development has given the Warriors genuine attacking threats on either side of the ruck, and just 12 games into his NRL career he is willing to over-call James Maloney.

"It is not easy for a young guy but he has become a lot more vocal," said Lance Hohaia. "As a halfback you have to talk a lot anyway but he is definitely more assertive now."

Hohaia remembers being the new young gun in the halves in the finals campaign of 2002.

"Teams do target you," said Hohaia, "but it is all about preparation. Shaun needs to do all the work this week."

Both of Krisnan Inu's tries on Saturday came off instinctive Johnson passes; the first showed great presence of mind to palm on a Maloney bomb, the second an inch-perfect ball on a congested blindside.

Johnson and Kevin Locke also exhibited some dazzling wrap-around plays done a full pace; they didn't pay off on Saturday but surely will at some stage.

And so to this week. The Warriors have a respectable record against the Broncos (11 wins, 17 losses) and thrills are almost guaranteed whenever the two sides clash.

Who could forget that first game in 1995, with more than 32,000 jammed in to see an Allan Langer inspired Broncos win a thrilling clash. There was the Evarn Tuimavave miracle try from a 'skyhook' pass from Sione Faumuina in 2003. Think of Kevin Campion belting Shane Webke in front of the Mt Smart goalposts a year earlier, or Johnson's wondrous try in the clash last month.

The Warriors will need to lift another several notches from Saturday. Their defence on the edges remains a potential weakness and while their off-the-cuff attack is some of the best in the business, their set plays in the opposition 22 lack the variety of most other top eight teams. One also hopes there will be some serious work done on drop goal options and plays in the last few minutes.

Saturday will be yet another Darren Lockyer farewell but fairytales have to end at some stage, and surely Queensland - with the Reds, Firebirds and Roar - have enjoyed enough glory this year?

- APNZ