Warriors rocked by terrible injury news to star halfback Shaun Johnson

Dally M Medal favourite Shaun Johnson has been ruled out of the Warriors’ first NRL finals game since 2018 with a calf complaint.

The 32-year-old halfback will have to watch Saturday’s qualifying final away to Penrith from the stands after pulling up with the issue in training on Wednesday.

With Johnson joining first-choice five-eighth Luke Metcalf on the sidelines, coach Andrew Webster’s side are set to turn to rookie Ronald Volkman and journeyman Te Maire Martin for the match against the minor premiers.

The club posted on social media on Thursday to say Johnson would “be available for selection for our next match” after he was spotted leaving Auckland with a support strapping on his left leg.

But in the biggest game in recent Warriors history and against a formidable opponent, Johnson’s loss cannot be understated.

The Kiwi international has been key to the Warriors’ revival this year and his career-best form has made him the leading contender to take out the Dally M Medal.

Webster had batted away questions on Wednesday when probed on his halfback’s fitness.

Reporters in Auckland noticed Johnson wasn’t taking part in a warm-up session.

“That’s happened several times this year,” Webster told reporters on Wednesday.