The Mole: Warriors Face Selection Surprise as Johnson’s Stand-In Struggles in Trial Match

Warriors coach Andrew Webster appears poised to make an unexpected choice for Shaun Johnson’s replacement following the star’s retirement, ahead of the upcoming premiership kick-off next month.

While many analysts anticipated Te Maire Martin would step into Johnson’s large shoes, it was Luke Metcalf who got the initial opportunity to don the No.7 jersey during Friday night’s encounter.

Metcalf excelled in the closely contested 12-all draw against his former side, the Sharks, contributing to a try, landing a 40/20 kick, and showcasing his agility with several quick breaks.

Martin also featured in the game, yet he didn’t have the same impact as Metcalf, which now positions the young and adaptable player as the frontrunner to start the season as the halfback.

RISING SHARK STAR

Tom Hazelton’s profile is on the upswing, with the Sharks’ prop hero opening the scoring in the trials against the Warriors.

With his contract expiring at the season’s end, Hazelton has yet to commit to the Sharks, letting his performance on the field speak for him as interest from rival clubs grows.

A powerful and sizeable presence, Hazelton is set to be a strong partner for marquee acquisition Addin Fonua-Blake in the robust Sharks pack.

At least three other clubs are keen to recruit the talented big man, but Hazelton is biding his time and will likely become one of the most coveted forwards on the market for 2026.

RAIDERS ROOKIE DESTINED FOR VEGAS?

Rookie back-rower Noah Martin could have booked himself an unexpected trip to Vegas with his standout performance during Canberra’s 22-16 victory over Penrith on Saturday night.

The 19-year-old from Lismore, sporting a distinctive mullet, broke through the Panthers’ defence with a spectacular 20-metre solo try that secured a well-deserved win for Canberra.

A representative for NSW under 19 against Queensland last year, Martin also shone in the 2024 trials and bagged another try.

While it’s unlikely he’ll make the Raiders’ 17-man squad for the Vegas trip, he could still earn a chance to gain valuable experience and train alongside the first team.

The Raiders hold Martin in high regard as one of their top prospects, and he’s poised to make his NRL debut at some point this season.

Meanwhile, hooker Owen Pattie made headlines too, scoring two tries in just three minutes to change the course of the game in pouring rain.

FORMER TEEN PHENOM MAKES A STUNNING COMEBACK

The Panthers highlighted some of their brightest young talents at Cronulla, but it was a seasoned player who earned the most praise from the coaching staff on Saturday night.

Sione Fonua, a 25-year-old who was once regarded as a teenage sensation, made a remarkable comeback, having taken a three-year break from the game and reaching 130 kilos.

After representing NSW at under 18 level in 2017, Fonua drifted away from rugby league only to emerge again last year with a handful of NSW Cup appearances for the Panthers, finally making his mark on the field against the Raiders.