The partnership between Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai could become one of the best
Their long-term future together may be uncertain but Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai have the potential to be one of the best halves combination in the history of the Warriors.
The duo first played together six months ago and, like any relationship, it has taken some time.
At first itwas awkward and messy but their partnership has blossomed over the last two months, as the Warriors have come into finals contention. The two Kiwis might not yet be in the same league as Josh Reynolds and John Sutton at Souths, Daly Cherry Evans and Kieran Foran at Manly or the Roosters' Origin duo of James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce but they are the real deal - and will only get better.
"It's getting there but there is room for improvement," Leuluai told the Herald on Sunday. "It has taken a while and there were a few other changes going on at the club obviously. We have worked out what suits us, kept some, thrown some away. It's a good balance for us."
"It was always going to take time," adds Johnson. "The media and the public had an expectation that it should (click immediately) but we have been patient with it and so have the coaching staff. We always knew it would happen and have kept on learning about each other."
That learning hasn't been confined to the field, as the two also room together when the team travels.
"I don't know why but (in our room) Shaun always likes the bed close to the wall," laughs Leuluai. "So I get the one by the window. We always have a good laugh and like to joke around."
On a more serious note, Leuluai says getting to know each other helps immeasurably with performance.
"Now we can be more direct with each other," says Leuluai. "We tell each other what we think is working or if something is not."
Leuluai has been lined up to move to hooker in 2014 with new recruit Chad Townsend coming in to partner Johnson but suddenly that idea doesn't seem so flash.
Why break up such a promising duo? It's certainly been a rare luxury for the Warriors since 1995. They have often had a top halfback or five-eighth but never two together, never a dynamic duo.
Stacey Jones was omnipresent for more than a decade but rarely had the right No 6 beside him. Lance Hohaia turned out to be better at fullback or hooker, Motu Tony's impact was only brief and John Simon and Jones hardly played together, as one or both was injured. On many other occasions, Jones was paired with part-time standoffs.
After the 'Little General' departed, men such as Grant Rovelli, Michael Witt, Hohaia and Joel Moon among others filled the scrum base roles, with varying success. James Maloney was a big hit but didn't really gel with Brent Seymour. Maloney and Johnson scaled the heights in the latter stages of 2011 but that was never going to last.
"Thomas is easier to work with," says Johnson. "You can talk footy with him. James is a bit of a joker and didn't take too many things seriously and (at that time) I was still learning a lot ..."
Johnson's game management has improved this season. Photo / Getty Images
Johnson and Leuluai could be the best yet. Their skill sets are different but complement perfectly. Johnson has the sidestep, the electric pace, the long pass and the huge punt. Leuluai is the defensive brute, the direct runner with an accurate kicking game and a clever pass. Happily for the Warriors, both are developing their skills in other areas. Johnson's game management has improved markedly this season, as has his defensive attitude. Leuluai's attacking game has thrived (he has more line and tackle breaks than his high profile half partner) as he has re-adjusted to the NRL.
Halves combinations can be tetchy; they both want the ball, both want to shine. In his early days, Allan Langer was overshadowed by Wally Lewis, only truly coming to the fore once the King had retired. Ricky Stuart was always the man at Canberra, with the underrated Chris O'Sullivan playing second fiddle.
Leuluai and Johnson seem to have the balance just about right. Some weeks, Johnson has had the dominant role; in other games, Leuluai has taken more of the play. It depends how the game flows and how opposition defences are structured.
"I do a lot more talking and give Shaun more freedom but when the ball goes his side he is calling the plays, says Leuluai.
"It is not as chalk and cheese as some other halves. As I am usually at first receiver, my plays are more direct and punchy; he likes to go across field, stepping and drops players off."
