Warriors star Shaun Johnson to rediscover attacking flair with arrival of Blake Green

Warriors' halfback Shaun Johnson's preaching patience in his latest NRL partnership with Blake Green.

Johnson will partner Green in the halves for the first time in the club's final pre-season hit out against the Gold Coast Titans on the Sunshine Coast this weekend.

They are a part of a near full-strength side for the Warriors as coach Stephen Kearney looks to treat it as a regular season match.

Johnson admitted the pair have had limited time training together during the offseason due to last year's World Cup and his recent eye operation, but the 27-year-old insists that their combination is coming along nicely.

"There are elements of our game plan that I am really excited about, things that we want to implement and when you have a lot of new faces around it keeps things fresh," Johnson told reporters.

"Blake and I have had pretty minimal time on the field together but I have got to know him off the field a bit and he's a good fella.

"He brings a lot of experience obviously so he has been really helpful not only to myself, but to the other halves as well."

The NSW-native brings much-needed experience and leadership to the Warriors backline having featured in over 200 first class rugby league games during his 11-year career.

Signed to a three-year deal, the Green will take over as the club's main playmaker allowing Johnson to attack the line more, something he shied away from over the last two seasons.

"Blake will have full responsibility for getting us around the park, he has the reins.

"And that releases me to have my eyes up and pick my moments. I'm looking forward to it. It's a different role for me but something I can hopefully grab with both hands."

The Warriors are hoping to get off to a strong start to the season after a poor finish to their 2017 campaign which saw them lose a club record nine matches to finish the season.

Johnson said the players have a different mindset heading into the season as they look to break their finals drought, having missed the playoffs for the last six seasons.

"I thought last year we probably went a bit into our shells and focused on completion more than playing a bit of 'Warrior football'.

"I can't tell you exactly how it's going to look; it's probably something that's going to change throughout the year. But as of right now we definitely want to play what we see, with not having to stick with what's called at the start of sets."

Newshub.