This kid will have sent alarm bells going off at Manly's Narrabeen training facility. You cannot defend against a player like Johnson because he is unpredictable and talented. He is capable of scoring from his own in goal area and going the length of the field because he is so elusive and quick.
But wearing No 6 for the Sea Eagles is another sensational young Kiwi. Kieran Foran, also in his early 20s, plays a very different game to Johnson. But like Johnson he has a confidence about him that his team feeds off.
In only his second year in the NRL, Foran has forged a reputation of fearlessness, skill and the ability to be in the right place at the right time. If Manly are to win it will be on the back of this young five-eighths' ability to take the defensive line on and deliver the perfect pass to his support. And, he is also an inspirational defender who is capable of putting on the biggest tackle of the game.
These young players have a kicking game that will provide their teams with great field position and also plenty of try scoring chances.
Then there's the halves who partner these two young champions. Manly's halfback Daley Cherry-Evans and Foran have been the best combination of any club in the NRL throughout the season. They are ideally suited and each match winners in their own right.
Johnson's partner wearing the Warriors No 6 jersey is James Maloney. Maloney is the most improved player in the NRL and should make the NSW State of Origin team next year. Like the other three he has a great kicking game, but I particularly like the way he backs up. And he is tough. I don't think either side will get any value of running their big forwards at any of these halves because they are all good such good defenders.
The trump card for the Warriors could be Feleti Mateo. He is a very good second rower with excellent ball skills and gives balance to the back three of the Warriors scrum.
If the Manly defence allows him to, he will provide Johnson and Maloney openings that they will capitalise on. And he demonstrated against the Storm last week, if necessary, he is also very damaging as a tight runner able to gain valuable yardage. But it is on the fringes of the ruck area he will cause Manly most problems with his clever off loads.
Manu Vatuvei, when he roams into the middle of the field is another giant problem for Manly. He needs to be involved and get his hands on the ball as quickly and as often as possible.
Then the icing on the cake for the Warriors is the mercurial fullback Kevin Locke. If the Warriors win, don't be surprised if he wins the Clive Churchill medal for the man of the match. Manly captain and right centre Jamie Lyon is another likely Churchill medal winner. Glenn Stewart returns from suspension to Manly's loose forward position and is a player in a similar mould to the former Great Britain forward and coach Malcolm Reilly.
The team with the best attack will win this grand final.
The Warriors seem to have lacked a decent attacking structure this season, but this could now be a strength on Sunday. An ad lib game with individuals just playing what they see in front of them is very difficult to defend against. Manly on the other hand have a very good attacking structure designed to bring all their attacking players into play.
The Warriors have already delivered an enormous pride to everyone who loves the game but a victory could change the course of sporting history and tradition in this country.
But lying in wait for them at ANZ Stadium is a team that are one of the NRL's best sides.
Graham Lowe coached Manly and has been a part-owner of the Warriors. He recently stood down as Manly chief executive due to ill-health.
