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Shaun Johnson has refused to rule out a switch to rugby union with Cronulla's off-contract halfback still uncertain on his NRL future.
Shaun Johnson has revealed a potential rugby union switch remains an option even after speaking to incoming Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon about his NRL future.
Johnson will play his 200th NRL game when the Sharks face Gold Coast on Sunday, with his return from a two-week hamstring injury coming at a crucial time.
The 30-year-old Kiwi star is yet to receive an offer for next season from the Sharks, with the club's halves for 2022 remaining a mystery.
Chad Townsend, who was dropped despite his match-winning field goal last round, has already taken up a big-money offer to go to North Queensland while Matt Moylan and Braydon Trindall remain unsigned.
Johnson, Moylan and Trindall spoke with Fitzgibbon last week with the former realistic enough to know that the club's high-profile failure to land Adam Reynolds could help his own cause.
"Obviously, them missing out on Reynolds probably sparked the conversation up a little more," Johnson said.
"But I've met Fitzy. He's an awesome guy so I'm sure you know he's going to come in and certainly bring the club what they're looking after.
"It's up to me to sort of get out there and continue to get my body right and put myself in a position to be a part of this journey going forward.
"It was a good honest chat and it was a really good conversation.
"I'm glad we've linked up and had that chat because, as a player as well you want to know who you're playing for and what sort of coach you're playing under."
Johnson is adamant that while injuries have stopped him in the past eight months, NRL clubs are well aware of what he can do after being one of the form halves last year.
He has discussed a possible move to the 15-man code with former Wallabies coach Michael Chieka last month.
"I haven't got anything set in stone of where I'm going to be next year at this point," Johnson said.
"I can't pigeonhole myself into one space or where I'm going to be.
"All options are open and all I can control is getting back out on the park and playing some good footy."
When asked to clarify if rugby was something he was legitimately interested in, Johnson repeated: "Everything's an option".
The Kiwi Test half does, however, know he is in a sellers' market in the NRL.
Canberra's decision to release George Williams immediately could make the Raiders an option, after they expressed interest in Johnson three years ago when he left the Warriors.
"You certainly keep an eye on the market) but I think it's probably not a bad time to be an off-contract halfback really," Johnson said.
"There has been a bit of movement and certainly with the way the game is sort of heading and the way the game is being played (is beneficial).
"That sort of instinctive, playing-what's-in-front-of-you half might get more of a look-in now."
