Keighran finding his feet - and his voice - in Auckland

For young Warriors half Adam Keighran, finding his voice has been just as important as finding his feet in his quest to become the long-term successor to Shaun Johnson.

Less than a month after Keighran signed with the Auckland-based club last November, Johnson was granted an early release from his contract.

That thrust the 21-year-old into the headlines as debate raged about who would fill the vacant position. Keighran has been handed the No.6 jersey for Saturday's round one meeting with Canterbury.

While he is relishing life in a new city, getting used to bossing around Kiwi international forwards such as Adam Blair, Tohu Harris and Leeson Ah Mau hasn't been so straight forward.

"It's been really easy to adjust to [life in Auckland], it's a good place. Everything is new to me so getting around and seeing new things has been a good time," Keighran said.

"I think just being under Greeny [Blake Green] has helped my progression, he's a good role model, very vocal, and that's one thing I need to work on with the communication with the boys.

"He's helped in that sense and just getting that confidence ... if I become more vocal and my communication is up there, then that confidence will come."

Despite his status and value at the club changing dramatically upon Johnson's departure, Keighran said there had been little change in his approach.

"The focus was always there to try and crack that first-grade spot, but it was sort of a bonus that the spot became available," Keighran said.

"I always had a focus to put it out there that I wanted to play in that first-grade role.

"[Johnson leaving] didn't really increase my intensity at all. I have always tried to give it my all."

Keighran is also reaping the rewards from continued tutoring from goal-kicking guru Daryl Halligan, who typically visits Warriors training a couple of times a week.

With Issac Luke the only other known goal-kicker in the frontline squad, left-footed Keighran's skills in that department could play a key role in coach Stephen Kearney's squad selections each week.

"I have always been a goal-kicker ... it's definitely something I have been working on closely with Daryl Halligan," said Keighran, who kicked 81 goals in 23 games for Penrith's reserve team last year.

"I worked with him when I was about 16 coming through at the Bulldogs, and then he was doing the kicking at Penrith when I was there as well with Nathan Clearly and stuff.

"It's always been a focus. It's a bonus to have."