NRL: Warriors star Shaun Johnson has eye surgery to remove benign growth

Warriors star Shaun Johnson underwent eye surgery. Photo Instagram / @kaylamalvinacullen

Shaun Johnson has undergone eye surgery – but it won't affect his 2018 NRL season.

The Warriors star had an operation on Thursday, to remove a benign growth on the surface of his right eye.

Called a Pterygium, it's a growth on the white of the eye.

It's common among sportspeople that spend a lot of time in the sun, particularly cricketers, surfers and tennis players.

Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor had a similar type growth removed in December 2016., which caused him to miss the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series the following January.

Johnson's absence from action isn't expected to be as long.

He missed Warriors' training today, and will sit out tomorrow's session, but is expected to make a quick recovery and could be back in training as soon as next week.

The Pterygium had been causing irritation for the Warriors and Kiwi halfback and was first noticed about a year ago.

It wasn't affecting his eye sight – more a source of discomfort – but can impinge on vision if left unchecked.

Pterygium can develop over years or decades, and Johnson (27) is relatively young to be having the procedure, but it was felt prudent to do it now.

An operation was scheduled for after the 2017 World Cup and was completed on Thursday.

Johnson has played 143 NRL games for the Auckland franchise and will line up for his eighth season this year.

Warriors star Shaun Johnson underwent eye surgery. Photo Instagram / @kaylamalvinacullen

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