New Zealand Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has reportedly asked for a release from his contract, despite having a year to run on his current deal.

According to nzherald.co.nz, Johnson requested the release on Tuesday, after the Warriors informed him last month he could test his value on the open market.

The Warriors made it clear they would not re-sign Johnson beyond 2019 quickly after the November 1 date, and Johnson has now met with club bosses and coach Stephen Kearney as he looks to move to Australia to continue his career.

Cronulla loom as the front runners according to the NZ Herald, although as it stands, they believe the Warriors have denied Johnson's request, and intend to keep him to his contract.

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