Shaun Johnson, Warriors halves, Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, Ronald Volkman, Chanel Harris-Tavita

The fact the Warriors have five halves on their books is evidence Shaun Johnson was not in their future plans in 2022.

Now 12 months later he is the favourite for the Dally M Medal.

The Warriors finished second last in 2022 with just six wins and Johnson was looking at being forced into early retirement, but 12 months later he is 80 minutes away from a grand final after leading his side to a top four finish and a preliminary final.

Johnson will go up against another veteran halfback in Adam Reynolds who was not seen as part of the Rabbitohs’ future plans, before finding career best form with the Broncos.

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“You have got the two veteran halves arguably in the best form that they have ever been in and almost the best two halves in the competition at the moment with…