New NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has the utmost belief in halfback Shaun Johnson, as the Auckland club prepares to begin its 2023 NRL campaign.
Johnson, 32, has often been a frustrating figure for the Warriors, unable to regularly hit the heights that his undeniable potential teases. Across two stints with the club, he has often been maligned, bearing the brunt of expectations on the Warriors.
Entering the final year of his current contract with the Warriors, Johnson has been given the keys to steer the side around the park against Newcastle Knights on Friday, starting at halfback for the season-opener.
About to begin his first season as an NRL head coach, Webster has no doubt he is the right man to wear the Warriors No.7.
The pair have already worked together, when Webster served as an assistant coach to Andrew McFadden at Mt Smart Stadium. Off the back of a season that saw Johnson continue to improve after the Warriors' first home match in three years, a full campaign at home can be the catalyst for him.
"I just think the biggest thing for Shaun is just wanting him to know I have faith in him," Webster told AM. "I was here last time with Shaun, he had a brilliant year.
"The year I was here, he was coming off the Golden Boot.
"I've seen Shaun at his best. I've seen when he's around his family, just how happy he is.
"Being home in New Zealand, I just thought it was time [for Johnson] to believe in himself and not to worry what everyone else thinks, just to worry what we think about him here at training and at the Warriors.
"We love him and have complete faith in him [that] he's going to get the job done."
Helping Johnson, is the acquisition of NZ Kiwis half Te Maire Martin, signed on a three-year deal from Brisbane Broncos.
Still only 27, Martin also boasts NRL experience with the likes of Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys, before he was forced to retire from the game with a brain bleed.
Now back playing rugby league at the highest level, Martin's signing for the Warriors is arguably one of the most exciting bits of business the club has done in recent years.
Martin and Johnson have already shared the field at test level for NZ Kiwis, and Webster is confident the duo can continue to thrive at the Warriors.
"They're good friends off the field, they know each other's games. Te Maire's been a great inclusion for us.
"His demeanor around the group is exactly what we need, he's pretty passionate about getting home to New Zealand.
"I can only see that combination being a success. They've had the whole pre-season working together.
"Te Maire's going to be good for Shaun and Shaun's going to be good for Te Maire."
Join Newshub for live updates of NZ Warriors v Newcastle Knights from 8pm Friday
