You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
Warriors playmaker Ata Hingano made his NRL debut against the Cowboys in Round 24.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson is a chance of missing Sunday's clash against the Wests Tigers after pulling up lame following last week's loss to the Manly Sea Eagles.

The star No.7 had returned a week earlier than expected from a ruptured PCL, but just minutes into the Round 25 match he could be seen limping, yet remained on the field to play all 84 minutes of the 22-21 golden point loss.


As of Wednesday Johnson hadn't taken part in training, with coach Stephen Kearney adamant he won't be put on the field if the problems persist later in the week.

"If he doesn't feel right then we certainly won't risk it on his part," Kearney said.

"We will just see how it pulls up over the next couple of days.

"Last week he had a wonderful week of preparation and he felt real comfortable with it.

"Out there [against Manly] he sort of took a couple of knocks on it, one early which was pretty visible, he was limping around there, but then it sort of came right.

"I think it was probably more of a fright than anything, but we are giving him as long as possible to get himself right."

If Johnson is ruled out, Ata Hingano will be the replacement at halfback at this stage, although Mason Lino could feature given he is listed in the extended reserves.

Hingano played one game at halfback while Johnson was out injured, and has been the club's starting five-eighth five times this year in the absence of Kieran Foran.

The 20-year-old playmaker told NRL.com he is preparing as if he will be starting at Leichhardt Oval.

"Every week I am always preparing for that, he [Kearney] is always telling me to be ready," Hingano said.

"At the moment I am on the bench to play a hooker role, but I'll be ready to play half as well.

"They are taking precautions and Shaun is looking after the leg. 

"But Shaun is tough, [the fact that he is playing injured] shows how much he cares for the club, for the departing players, for him to do that shows he has our back."

This year the Warriors are 0-5 without Johnson in their side.

 

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Premier Partner

Media Partners

Major Partners

View All Partners