The New Zealand Warriors have pulled off a major coup by re-signing star halfback Shaun Johnson until the end of the 2017 season.

Johnson, the Kiwi's No.7 - whose current deal expires at the end of this season - would have been one of the most sought after talents in the NRL heading into 2015. Instead, the Auckland club can base its long-term plans around one of the game's best attacking players.

Early signing: Shaun Johnson is sticking with the Warriors until 2017. Credit:Getty Images

''For something this big about my future, I wanted it to be handled before the season started,'' Johnson said. ''So that when it comes to the time to play, I can focus solely on that and don't need to worry about anything else. I'm very happy that it's been sorted.''

At 23, Johnson is approaching his peak years and this deal will keep him at the club until he's 26.