Shaun Johnson returns to training

The Warriors have stepped up their preparations for the 2016 NRL season, with injured halfback Shaun Johnson returning to training.

New Zealand Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson

NZ Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has been spotted running and passing during pre-season training. (AAP)

It's the news every Warriors fan has been waiting for - Shaun Johnson is back in training

The 25-year-old, who was ruled out for the remainder of the 2015 NRL season when he broke his ankle in round 20 against Manly, has been spotted running, passing and kicking the ball at Warriors training on Friday.

"Well this is a little bit exciting ... @Shaun_Johnson90 back on a footy field. #NRL #Preseason" the club tweeted.

Johnson's injury all but signalled the end of the Warriors' 2015 title ambitions.

Top-four hopefuls heading into the final two months, they lost their last eight games to finish 13th, just two points ahead of last-placed Newcastle.

While Johnson is not expected to take part in February's Auckland Nines, any pre-season match-time he can fit in would be key for the Warriors.

Johnson's creative flair will be played out alongside an entirely new spine in 2016.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck joins the club at fullback while Issac Luke will play hooker.

With Chad Townsend leaving the club for Cronulla, Tuimoala Lolohea is likely to be his new halves partner but coach Andrew McFadden may opt for the more experienced Thomas Leuluai or youngster Mason Lino in the No.6 jersey.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world