Shaun Johnson ready to bring back magic

Shaun Johnson of the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

"Magic" Johnson is back.

It's taken nearly half the season but it feels as if the Warriors will finally get the best out of Shaun Johnson.

The star halfback has copped plenty of flak this year as he has struggled to control matches like we know he can.

Some of that criticism may have been warranted but he wasn't helped by the restrictive game plan at the Auckland club in the first few rounds.

The team played to a set pattern, with Chad Townsend looking after the playmaking on the left flank and Johnson guiding the right edge. Maybe it was a "slowly but surely" approach but it didn't work. It meant that sometimes Johnson would go an entire set without touching the ball and could drift out of games - for the club's most dangerous player that was a waste of talent. Johnson also wasn't helped by the constant personnel changes on the right.

The recipe is simple and it is good the club has finally adopted it. Johnson should be given licence to roam. We've seen how dangerous he is over the past month with time and space and if he can run with the ball he is a huge threat. And like any player, when he gets more involved he becomes more confident. Look at what happens with the Kiwis; okay, it is a different scenario and forward pack but their game plan revolves around Johnson and he thrives, with assists and tries in each of his last three game against the Kangaroos. It may mean that Townsend does more of the kicking in general play, taking some of the pressure off Shaun and allowing him to concentrate on orchestrating the attack.

It feels as if Johnson is ready to launch and he can be the catalyst for a good run for the team. He's improved his attitude - his defensive application has been outstanding recently - and he will also be helped by the imminent return of Sam Tomkins.

Tui Lolohea has done well at fullback - perhaps better than anyone expected - but the Englishman will add another dimension. He could be the missing ingredient. People don't give him the credit for what he brings to the team; his communication in and out of possession is vital and he is also an extra playmaker on the field.

Meanwhile, we need to back Ryan Hoffman's judgment in electing to play in the first State of Origin. He has all the best medical people around him and I don't think they would want to play anyone in jeopardy. Hopefully it is the right decision and doesn't affect the rest of his season with the Warriors.