League: Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson praises open communication from coach Michael Maguire and NZRL boss Greg Peters

Shaun Johnson (middle) has praised the open communication from Kiwis Coach Michael Maguire and NZRL CEO Greg Peters. Photo / Photosport.

Shaun Johnson has praised Kiwis coach Michael Maguire and New Zealand Rugby League boss Greg Peters for connecting with players to create a more positive team environment ahead of next Saturday's trans-Tasman test against the Kangaroos.

The Warriors star has been impressed by the pair's efforts to reach out and keep senior players informed of their plans to take the Kiwis forward following the disappointments of last year's World Cup.

Johnson says the channels of communication between Kiwis management and players are more open and inclusive than he has experienced since he made his international debut in 2012.

He is yet to play under Maguire after missing the Kiwis' mid-season test defeat to England in Denver, but is excited to work with the former South Sydney NRL premiership winning coach.

The 24-man squad will assemble in Auckland on Saturday, but Johnson believes the Kiwis are already on the same page about how they will approach their clash against Australia and end of year tour of England.

"I am really excited. The chats I've had with Madge (Maguire) and Greg, they've reached out more than any other coach or CEO has," said Johnson.

"I feel like the work has already started. We are connected before we even go into camp which is a plus.

"I've got a fair idea of Madge's and Greg's intentions and it's about us executing that for them now. Camp can't come around fast enough."

The improved communication comes after former New Zealand coach David Kidwell was caught out when ex-Kiwis Jason Taumalolo, David Fusitu'a, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Manu Ma'u made the shock decision to switch allegiances and play for Tonga at the World Cup.

Questions were asked as to why team management and the NZRL were not aware of the quartet's plans which left the Kiwis World Cup preparations in disarray.

Since their respective appointments in May, Maguire and Peters have worked hard to keep in regular contact and build relationships with the playing group.

Johnson was initially surprised when the coach and CEO contacted him in the first of several informal discussions around tactics, selections, and their vision for the national game. The pair have also been keen to learn about player's lives and interests outside of football.

"It started after Denver where they began reaching out and touching base every now and then," he said.

"I caught up and had lunch with Greg. People probably think 'that should have been happening all of the time' but it wasn't. That's the cold hard truth, it wasn't.

"We were talking footy, ideas, life, health, and club footy in general. It's been the start of what's going to be a long process but it's a start and that's what I'm looking forward to.

"It's maybe something little, but it's a big thing for players, to keep that connection alive even though you're in club land.

"That really gets me keen to be part of this group, to know that they are invested and know where they want to take us."