True Blue Paul Gallen has rejected suggestions of hypocrisy after welcoming Shaun Johnson's decision to cut ties with the Warriors to link with Cronulla less than two weeks after he criticised Valentine Holmes for walking out on the Sharks to pursue a NFL career.
Gallen took to Twitter to explain the difference between the two situations shortly after Cronulla announced that Johnson had reached an agreement to forego his final year at the Warriors to take up a three-year deal with the Sharks.
Johnson was one of the biggest names on the Warriors' roster but the club was looking to move him on after his deal expired at the end of the 2019 season over concerns the talented playmaker was not justifying his $1 million a season price tag.
Johnson's move came less than two weeks after Gallen called for Holmes to be banned from the NRL for at least two years after the Sharks No.1 walked out on the final year of his deal to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL.
"Its (sic) amazing how some do not see the difference between player & club mutually agreeing to separate to benefit both parties, happens multiple times a year or someone just walking out on a club," Gallen tweeted.
"Key words, "mutually agreeing", "walking out" there's a big difference."
Johnson's arrival at the Sharks softens the blow of Holmes' departure, with plans already being mooted for the former Warriors halfback to wear the No.6 jumper next season and partner either Chad Townsend or Kyle Flanagan in the halves.
The Sharks used Matt Moylan at five-eighth this season but he is expected to switch to fullback to cover for Holmes next season, while centre Josh Dugan could be another option at No.1.
Gallen also tweeted his excitement at Johnson coming on board next season with bookies rating the Sharks a $13 chance to win the premiership in 2019.
"Well talk about a silver lining," Gallen tweeted.
"Maybe some luck in the timing of this one but we need some luck atm. Good news sharks fans will be great having a player like Shaun at the club."
