NZ Warriors star Shaun Johnson has reportedly turned down a substantial bid by Sydney Roosters to lure him back across the Tasman for the next two years.
Fox Sports claims the veteran half was offered a deal worth A$850,000 (NZ$929,000) a year to replace Luke Keary, who has announced his impending retirement at the end of this season.
Johnson, 33, is currently on a one-year contract with the Warriors, but is negotiating his future with the Auckland club. Fox Sports reports he will stay at Mt Smart for A$700,000 (NZ$765,000).
Ironically, Johnson is sidelined by a shoulder injury suffered against the Roosters last weekend and won't line up against three-time defending champions Penrith Panthers on Sunday.
His Warriors career began in 2011, but was interrupted by three years at Cronulla Sharks during the COVID-10 seasons, which saw him separated from his family.
He returned to the Warriors in 2022 and responded with career-best form last season, falling just one point short of the Dally M Medal for the competition's best player.
When his contract ended, Johnson insisted he wanted to stay in Auckland, and would re-sign with the Warriors or retire. He eventually signed a deal to play on this year.
Apparently, Johnson has re-affirmed that intention to the Roosters, who have missed out on other big recruits, as they brace to lose some of their current stars.
Kiwis centre Joseph Manu will take up a Japanese rugby offer next season, although they now believe he may return to the Roosters, when that stint ends. Winger Joseph Sua'ali'i is due to switch to rugby next year.
The club has also reportedly missed out on Newcastle centre Dane Gagai and Gold Coast forward David Fifiti.
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