Johnson returns for Auckland Nines

Shaun Johnson is to return from injury for the New Zealand Warriors for the Auckland Nines tournament. 

The 25 year-old has been out with injury after breaking his ankle in a game against the Manly Sea Eagles last July, which put a halt to the Warriors play off charge in 2015.

Johnson will return to the side in the Nines tournament adter a long six months out of the game, and coach Andrew McFadden is delighted to have his talisman back in the fold.

“We’re naturally excited we’ve been able to pick Shaun,” McFadden told 3news.co.nz.

“He’s certainly excited about having the chance to come back from his ankle surgery at the Nines. He had to be confident and he is. He really looks forward to playing in this tournament and we couldn’t be happier to have him ready to go and to be our captain again.”

Johnson will line up as skipper for the Warriors, with new signings Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jeff Robson, Henare Wells and Blake Ayshford named in the squad also.  

Warriors Nines team: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ryan Hoffman, Jacob Lillyman, David Fusitu’a, Solomone Kata, Tuimoala Lolohea, Shaun Johnson (c), Charlie Gubb, Henare Wells, Konrad Hurrell, Ben Matulino, Ken Maumalo, Jonathan Wright, Jeff Robson, Sam Lisone, Blake Ayshford, Albert Vete, Ata Hingano.