Cronulla veteran Shaun Johnson has signed with the Warriors, confirming his return to New Zealand from 2022.

Johnson was told by the Sharks earlier this month that his services would not be required past this year, with halfback now signing a two-year deal with the Warriors from next year, worth a reported $450,000-per-season.

The New Zealand international joins the likes of Chad Townsend, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Reece Walsh and Storm prop Aaron Pene in venturing to the Warriors.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Shaun Johnson of the Sharks passes during the round 15 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Cronulla Sharks at ANZ Stadium on June 30, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Townsend will join the Warriors for the remainder of this season after departing the Shire, with Johnson now set to take over the halfback duties at the conclusion of this year.

Johnson played 162 games for the Warriors between 2011-2018 before joining the Sharks ahead of the 2019 season.

โ€œWhile he left to join the Sharks, Shaunโ€™s heart has always been with the Vodafone Warriors after starting his career here,โ€ Warriors CEO Cameron George said, per the club website.

โ€œWeโ€™re thrilled weโ€™re able to bring him home to again play in the Vodafone Warriors jersey in front of our members and fans at Mount Smart.

โ€œShaun stands among the top playmakers in the competition and heโ€™ll give us a significant boost from next season.โ€