As Shaun Johnson makes an emotional return to the New Zealand Warriors, his role as a potential mentor for younger players has been well-discussed.
Heading into the 2022 NRL season, the Warriors have a strong young core, with notable names such as Reece Walsh and Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Johnson has already expressed how much he is looking forward to adopting a new role at his latest club.
"It's exciting [to play with youngsters]. There is a good mix of youth and old in the spine," Johnson shared.
"Obviously it [playing in the halves] is an important combination to get right early on.
"I'm here to help."
When asked specifically about linking up with 19-year-old fullback Walsh, Johnson acknowledged they need to start building chemistry now.
"There's going to be a bit of hype with Reece (Walsh) coming into next season, and then me linking up with him is going to bring a little added hype," Johnson said.
"It actually starts away from football. At the moment I'm just keen to get in the mix with him, train, and get some reps in side by side with him.
"We'll see the rewards of that come when it's time to play.
"I'm not trying to fast-track anything or promise anything, but I know the success that you will see next season starts right now."
A member of the leadership team at the Cronulla Sharks, as well as experience from being captain with the New Zealand 9s, the Warriors' latest star playmaker undoubtedly possesses strong leadership characteristics.
Although he is unsure what his role will be in a leadership sense at the Warriors, Johnson wants to make an impact regardless.
"I feel like it's too early for those discussions [of captaincy]," Johnson said.
"Obviously I'm experienced, I see myself as a leader, and I feel like I can have an impact on the group.
"That doesn't mean I need to be the captain. I can do that from any role I am given."
Warriors coach Nathan Brown also feels Johnson's seniority can have a strong impact on the team, particularly with young half Chanel Harris-Tavita.
The versatile 22-year-old will potentially team up with Johnson in the halves this upcoming season, and Brown believes Harris-Tavita will have plenty to learn from the returning Warrior.
"When you're playing with other young halves it can be difficult to learn your trade," Brown said.
"I hope that Shaun will have a positive impact on him because playing with an experienced player can make a really good impact.
"There's a number of positions he can play as well... in the halves, dummy half... he has a great attitude and he is the kind of person we like to have at the club."
