Nov 27th, 2018

Nov 27th, 2018

Shaun Johnson won't head to Canberra for next year's NRL season, even if he does successfully gain a release from the Warriors.

Johnson reportedly requested an early exit from the Warriors on Tuesday, after being told by the club they weren't set to offer him a new contract when his expires at the end of 2019.

According to a New Zealand Herald report that request was unsuccessful, with the Warriors holding firm on their desire to keep him in Auckland for at least next year.

Johnson had been linked to a move to the Raiders in a bid to solve their vacancies in the halves, after Blake Austin left the club at the end of 2018.

However it's understood the Raiders would not be able to fit himinto next year's salary cap, meaning he won't end up in Canberra.

It also means Aidan Sezer and Sam Williams will be the club's halves next year, unless there are any dramatic late changes.

There are also questions over whether any clubs will be able to fit the 28-year-old into their cap for next season even if they have the desire.

Cronulla were another club linked to Kiwis No.7 on Tuesday, given the space in their budget following the departure of NFL hopeful Valentine Holmes.

The Sharks wouldn't rule out making a play at the halfback in the future, although they have Shane Flanagan's son Kyle as an up-and-coming playmaker at the club.

They also reached last year's finals with Matt Moylan and Chad Townsend at five-eighth and halfback.

The Sydney Roosters were previously