The Warriors have been dealt a massive blow ahead of their qualifying final against Penrith after inspirational halfback Shaun Johnson was ruled out due to injury.
Johnson, who has been in career best form in 2023 and is arguably the favourite to win the Dally M Medal, sustained a calf injury at training and is questionable for the remainder of the finals series.
Warriors CEO Cameron George said it’s a bitter pill to swallow before their biggest game of the season but is confident the extent of the injury isn’t as bad as first feared.
“It’s a tough one but we’ve just got to move on,” George said on SEN 1170.
“It’s more of a precautionary take from Webby (coach Andrew Webster) but I’m not going to guarantee (Johnson) plays in the second game.
“He’s taking a long-term view on it but if it was a Grand Final or our last throw at the stumps, he would be playing.
“It’s a sensible move (to not play him) and it’s in the best interest of our footy team.”
Johnson’s late withdrawal has left the Warriors scrambling to see who replaces him as halfback.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio said that all the mail suggests that utility Dylan Walker will pair Te Maire Martin in the halves.
“Andrew Webster didn’t indicate who would play (at halback) but their only real option in that 22-man squad is Dylan Walker,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“He’s played four games this season at five-eighth but he played all four of those games alongside Shaun Johnson.
“He will now have to do it alongside Te Maire Martin.
“In those four games, the Warriors lost three and only won one game.
“Ironically, Walker’s most recent performance in the halves was against the Panthers and they lost that game 18-6.
“There’s no denying that this is huge (because) no one means more to their footy team than Shaun Johnson does to the Warriors.
“He’s been everything and if they are to get this done, it would be monumental.”
The Warriors face Penrith at BlueBet Stadium on Saturday afternoon with a home preliminary final on the line for the victors.