New Zealand Warriors hit with Shaun Johnson injury blow

Shaun Johnson could miss the next four weeks of action after picking up an injury in the opening weekend of the NRL.

The half-back returned to New Zealand Warriors during the off-season and made his second debut for the club in their loss to St George Illawarra on Saturday.

Scans and further assessment have revealed the 31-year-old has a minor pectoral strain which is expected to keep him out of action for up to four weeks.

In his first match for the club in more than three and a half years, Johnson had a hand in each of the Warriors’ three tries in their 16-28 defeat by the Dragons in the NRL. 

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New Zealand Warriors injuries

He joins experienced winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and centre Viliami Vailea on the club’s injury list.

Watene-Zelezniak broke his left thumb in the opening minutes of Saturday’s encounter but still played the full 80 minutes. He scored his fifth try in his 10th match for the club during the clash.

The 26-year-old will have surgery and is likely to be out of contention for six to eight weeks.

On his Instagram account, Watene-Zelezniak said: “Ah, the ups and downs of rugby league. I’ll be grinding to get back soon! Lessgooo.”

Vailea, 19, playing his third NRL match, needed treatment after a knock to his left knee midway through the first half. He played out the full 80 minutes but he has suffered a MCL injury which is expected to keep him out of action for three to four weeks.

International forward Tohu Harris is expected to return from a knee injury for the club midway through the season. 

Elsewhere

Josh Hodgson will miss 2-3 weeks after scans revealed a cartilage injury to his knee. He left the field in the opening 10 minutes of Canberra’ clash with Cronulla Sharks in round one.

READ MORE: Ryan Sutton left out of Canberra squad amid speculation over future

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