No Johnson, no worries; teen sensation ready to step up

Since 2011, the Warriors have revolved around their mercurial half Shaun Johnson. He has been their best attacking weapon and chief shot-caller. Now he’s gone. Stephen Kearney now needs to make a decision as to who will replace him. The club also released his heir apparents Mason Lino and Ata Hingano, making the predicament that much more unnerving. It’s understood the coach has ruled out shifting one of his more experienced players to five-eighth like skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck,
Peta Hiku or Tohu Harris. And he’s confirmed he isn’t in the market for a recruit, instead narrowing his focus on three young candidates — Adam Keighran, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Hayze Perham. Harris-Tavita — who gained widespread attention last year for setting up a try for the Junior Kiwis with a scorpion kick — looks to have his nose in front of Keighran, the Panthers’ point-scoring machine from last year’s NSW Cup side.