Gould reveals secret Johnson issue amid slump

Phil Gould has revealed an ongoing injury battle for Shaun Johnson may be contributing to the team's form slump.

The Warriors were tipped by some to win the NRL premiership this year, but find themselves in 14th spot with only three wins from nine games.

They've lost consecutive games to the Dragons, Titans, and Knights.

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The Auckland club faces a tricky month ahead with the Roosters and Panthers on the horizon, before a clash with the in-form Dolphins leading into a round 13 bye.

"I'm really, really surprised – I tipped them and said they could make the grand final," Paul Gallen told Nine's 100% Footy on Monday.

"(Roger) Tuivasa-Sheck being added to their side, the talent they've got there, the strong forward pack.

"I did say, though, as long as Shaun Johnson can play anywhere near how he played last year – he probably hasn't been at that level."

Veteran halfback Johnson has played all nine games this season and scored four tries.

But Gould revealed the 33-year-old is carrying an issue which has robbed him of the ability to train with the team.

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"You're talking about Shaun Johnson there… he's not training," Gould told 100% Footy.

"They are nursing him during the week and he's not doing many reps.

"That will just slowly wear on the team as it goes along."

The Warriors enjoyed a stunning resurgence under new coach Andrew Webster last year and fell one game shy of playing in the grand final.

While many expected them to be a top-four team again this year, Gould explained why they might have gone off the boil.

"They've had injuries in other positions, probably greater expectation on them (this year), other teams have seen them coming," he said.

"After what they showed last year it's been a little bit difficult for them.

"(But) they've got the talent to make a rise, and (if) you win three or four in a row in this competition you're going to leapfrog a lot of teams."

The Warriors next face the Roosters on Sunday.