LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Warriors fans were left devastated on Thursday as star halfback Shaun Johnson was ruled out of the club's finals showdown against Penrith.
According to a report in the NZ Herald, Johnson had been under an injury cloud due to a lower leg injury but was officially ruled out with "calf soreness." The news comes as the Warriors flew into Sydney on a private flight to ensure a seamless preparation for the game.
Johnson, who has been the Warriors' most important player during their revival in 2023, was mobbed by reporters at Sydney Airport upon arrival.
Frustrated with the questioning, he expressed his determination to win the game.
"We've come here to win a game and we're going to do that," Johnson said.
This unfortunate setback for the Warriors puts them at a significant disadvantage going into the finals showdown.
Johnson's absence will undoubtedly leave a void in their attacking strategy and playmaking abilities.
The team will have to rely on their other key players to step up and fill the void left by their star halfback.
The loss of Johnson is a blow to the Warriors' chances of advancing further in the finals.
His absence will be keenly felt by fans and teammates alike, as he has been instrumental in the team's success this season.
However, the Warriors have shown resilience throughout the year and will need to draw on that strength to overcome this setback.
The club's coaching staff will now have to make some tactical adjustments to compensate for Johnson's absence.
They will need to devise a game plan that maximizes the strengths of the remaining players and ensures they can still compete at a high level.
It will be a challenging task, but the Warriors have proven themselves capable of overcoming adversity in the past.
Despite the setback, Warriors fans will continue to support their team and remain hopeful for a successful finals campaign.
The absence of Johnson will undoubtedly be felt, but the team has shown resilience and determination throughout the season.
With the support of their loyal fan base and the remaining players stepping up, the Warriors will aim to defy the odds and secure victory in their finals showdown against Penrith.