‘There’s no doubt’: Warriors receive Shaun Johnson boost as they seek first grand final appearance in 12 years

Warriors coach Andrew Webster says “there’s no doubt” over star halfback Shaun Johnson’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s preliminary final against the Broncos.

Johnson missed the qualifying final loss to Penrith after he suffered a calf injury in the days leading up to the game but returned the following week to help his side ambush the Knights in front of a heaving home crowd.

The veteran playmaker set up two tries and controlled the contest with his kicking game and now has the chance to take the Warriors to their first grand final since 2011 when he was in his first season in the NRL.

“There’s no doubt. He’s going well, he’ll train tomorrow and he’ll play,” Webster said.

“I haven’t measured his calf and I don’t know exactly where he’s at, but he’s trained well and he played great on the weekend, so I think everyone is comfortable with what he achieved.

“He’s only going to get better than what he was last week, so we’re happy with that.

“I think everyone needs to be better. We all need to improve each week.

“He was still bloody good (against Newcastle). If he threw that up this week then who knows what would happen. We can all get better and Shaun knows that, so that’s what he’s striving for.”

There were fears the Warriors could be without several key players after Marata Niukore (knee), Josh Curran (finger) and Wayde Egan (head knock) all came off against the Knights, but the star trio have all been cleared and will play.

“Every player at this time of year probably has a niggle,” Webster said.

“It’s a long season, but everyone’s fine. The team that played last week will play (on Saturday).”

The Warriors were lucky to avoid the wooden spoon in 2022 after they managed just six wins on the back of a horror few years where they forced to be the NRL’s nomads due to the pandemic.

There were question marks over Johnson’s future but he’s produced the best footy of his career under Webster, who has made rugby league a force again in a country that has taken one eye off the All Blacks and fallen in love with the Warriors.

It’s an incredible rise for a team that lost young gun Reece Walsh last year, with the electrifying fullback standing in their way when he leads Brisbane’s attack after two seasons with the Warriors.

“I wasn’t here last year so I don’t know his relationship with the boys,” Webster said.

“I’m sure there will be no mates on Saturday night. It’ll all be about winning and then they can shake hands afterwards.”