Lino keeping the pressure on Johnson

It is hard to imagine a fully fit Shaun Johnson being left out of the Warriors side, but the star halfback’s understudy Mason Lino has certainly not given Stephen Kearney an easy decision.

In similar circumstances to the match against the Roosters three weeks ago, Lino was thrust into the starting side on the eve of Friday night’s 20-12 win over the competition-leading Dragons when Johnson suffered a leg injury during the captain’s run.

And just like he did against the Roosters, Lino responded with another impressive performance.

The 24-year-old playmaker sliced through the Dragons’ defence to open the scoring before capping off a strong kicking display with a pinpoint bomb that led to Isaiah Papali’i’s match-sealing try.

Johnson’s fitness will be closely monitored ahead of the Anzac Day clash in Melbourne. But even if he is cleared to play, Kearney admitted after the game that Lino’s form had made for a welcome selection headache.

‘‘It’s all I can do, try to put pressure on the coaches by giving my best effort every time I get the opportunity,’’ Lino said. ‘‘If I make it hard for them then it’s a good job by me.

‘‘If I get another opportunity I’ll make sure I’m ready for it. If Shaun’s all right I’ll support the team 100 per cent, whoever plays.’’

The absence of Johnson in previous years had almost always resulted in defeat for the Auckland-based outfit.

Indeed, in his nine NRL appearances before the start of 2018 Lino had never tasted victory.

This season he is two from two and the Samoan international believes the experience around him has been key to his change in fortunes.

Whereas in the past he had predominantly come into depleted sides, this year he has had the luxury of veteran five-eighth Blake Green directing play and the likes of Tohu Harris and Peta Hiku alongside him on the right edge.

However, former Melbourne back-rower Harris may not be available to face his old team on Wednesday after suffering a head injury against the Dragons.

‘‘It’s a bit different from last time. We had a lot of players who were injured at the back end of last year so I didn’t have that leadership I needed,’’ Lino added.

‘‘But it’s good to have that now and I think it’s showing how good of a team we are.’’

Lino is also relishing the platform that is being laid in the middle of the park.

After being outmuscled by the Broncos last week, the Warriors forwards more than held their own against a Dragons pack that is regarded as the best in the competition.

‘‘It’s credit to the big boys. Greeny will tell you the same thing. Our boys really toughed it out in that middle third.

‘‘With our big boys getting us going forward it just makes our job as halves a lot easier.’’

Lino wasn’t the only Warrior to shine on short notice on Friday.

With centre Solomone Kata also pulling out due to an ankle injury, Anthony Gelling was handed his first start for the club and celebrated a strong performance with a well-worked try.

With our big boys getting us going forward it just makes our job as halves a lot easier. Mason Lino