Nov 27th, 2018

Nov 27th, 2018

Cronulla have developed as the favourites to sign Shaun Johnson if he gets his release from the Warriors for next season.

The Sharks are cashed up following Valentine Holmes’ shock decision to move to the NFL next season and are in need of a halfback.

Playmaker Matt Moylan is likely to move to fullback, leaving a vacancy in the halves to partner Chad Townsend.

Rookie half Kyle Flanagan - son of coach Shane - is a fine prospect but isn’t ready for a full season of NRL football at this stage.

The news of Cronulla's interest comes after Johnson reportedly requesting an immediate release from the final year of his contract with the Warriors.

Just a day after revealing the club hadn’t yet offered him a contract extension for 2020, Johnson and his management are believed to have met Warriors officials to request a release for 2019.

The Sharks are looking for a halves partner for Chad Townsend, with Matt Moylan expected to move to the fullback role (AAP)

The New Zealand Herald reports the request was denied, with Warriors boss Cameron George and coach Stephen Kearney insisting the star playmaker see out the remaining 12 months of his contract.

Just yesterday Johnson took to social media to indicate he was “spreading his wings” after club officials declined to offer him a deal for 2020 and beyond.

“If you saw the article that came out a few weeks back ... in a roundabout way they said they are in no rush to re-sign me. Since then, they have told me again at this stage they won’t be offering me anything,” Johnson wrote on Facebook.

“That means I get to spread my wings and see what's out there so right now that's what I'm doing!”

The 28-year-old made his debut for the Warriors back in 2011 and has previously expressed a desire to remain a one-club player throughout his career, a wish that now seems unlikely to be fulfilled.

Shaun Johnson has reportedly requested an immediate release from the Warriors. (Getty)

“All of you know how much the Warriors mean to me and how grateful I am for the opportunity they have given me to live my dreams and play the sport I love!” Johnson wrote.