Johnson says he can get even better in NRL
Robert Lowe AAP Wed, Feb 29, 2012 - 4:40 PM
Boom Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson is confident he has the ability and the work ethic to build on an outstanding first season in the NRL.
After a delayed start to his first-grade career last year because of injury, Johnson announced himself with some stellar performances in the 16 matches he played for the Warriors.
He cemented a spot as halves partner to James Maloney, scoring some spectacular tries along the way as the Warriors made the grand final, and he went on to be named in the Kiwis squad, although he later withdrew through injury.
While many impressive rookies suffer the dreaded second year syndrome and fail to push on in year two, the 21-year-old Johnson isn't looking to join them.
"I hope not, but I guess time will tell," he said.
"I'm confident in my ability, if I keep my head down and keep working hard."
While he'll be more familiar to opponents now than when he made his debut against the Sydney Roosters last June, he didn't see that as a major hurdle.
"I'm pretty sure teams were doing video on me last year going into the finals," he said.
"Hopefully, nothing has to change but, if it does, I'm sure I'll adapt."
While he's looking for improvement in his game across the board, Johnson said getting his hands on the ball more was something he targeted during the trials.
"I guess that just comes with experience," he said.
"The more games you play, the more confident you feel.
"Certainly, I'm feeling pretty confident at the moment and, during the pre-season, I've been touching the ball a lot and I want to take that into the season."
Australian great Andrew Johns, who singled out Johnson three years ago as a player to watch, was brought over by the Warriors during the summer to work with the club's halves.
Johnson said he learnt plenty during the sessions with the former Kangaroos and Newcastle playmaker, but the biggest lesson was in play selection.
"Just being more game aware - that's probably the big one that I'm developing," he said.
"Knowing what calls are needed at what times and not just calling plays for the sake of it."
Source: https://www.nrl.com/johnson-says-he-can-get-even-better-in-nrl/tabid/10874/newsid/66044/default.aspx
Robert Lowe AAP Wed, Feb 29, 2012 - 4:40 PM
Boom Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson is confident he has the ability and the work ethic to build on an outstanding first season in the NRL.
After a delayed start to his first-grade career last year because of injury, Johnson announced himself with some stellar performances in the 16 matches he played for the Warriors.
He cemented a spot as halves partner to James Maloney, scoring some spectacular tries along the way as the Warriors made the grand final, and he went on to be named in the Kiwis squad, although he later withdrew through injury.
While many impressive rookies suffer the dreaded second year syndrome and fail to push on in year two, the 21-year-old Johnson isn't looking to join them.
"I hope not, but I guess time will tell," he said.
"I'm confident in my ability, if I keep my head down and keep working hard."
While he'll be more familiar to opponents now than when he made his debut against the Sydney Roosters last June, he didn't see that as a major hurdle.
"I'm pretty sure teams were doing video on me last year going into the finals," he said.
"Hopefully, nothing has to change but, if it does, I'm sure I'll adapt."
While he's looking for improvement in his game across the board, Johnson said getting his hands on the ball more was something he targeted during the trials.
"I guess that just comes with experience," he said.
"The more games you play, the more confident you feel.
"Certainly, I'm feeling pretty confident at the moment and, during the pre-season, I've been touching the ball a lot and I want to take that into the season."
Australian great Andrew Johns, who singled out Johnson three years ago as a player to watch, was brought over by the Warriors during the summer to work with the club's halves.
Johnson said he learnt plenty during the sessions with the former Kangaroos and Newcastle playmaker, but the biggest lesson was in play selection.
"Just being more game aware - that's probably the big one that I'm developing," he said.
"Knowing what calls are needed at what times and not just calling plays for the sake of it."
Source: https://www.nrl.com/johnson-says-he-can-get-even-better-in-nrl/tabid/10874/newsid/66044/default.aspx
