Just when the Warriors seemed to be on the verge of something special, Johnson's injury will leave them with a serious battle to reach the NRL playoffs.
The playmaker has been in terrific form of late to help the Warriors jump into the top four but injured his left ankle while scoring a try in the 25th minute against the Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium tonight.
Johnson was immediately in obvious pain and was soon taken to hospital by ambulance, with subsequent scans confirming the Warriors' worst fears.
Johnson last week brought up 100 games for the Warriors, with 45 tries and 542 points in his career to date - trailing only Stacy Jones, Manu Vatuvei and James Maloney in terms of Warriors point-scoring.
Although he was quiet against the Roosters, Johnson's performances in the past weeks have hinted at a new chapter for a player who seemed destined for greatness. Capable of scoring amazing tries out of nothing, he has already provided enough footage for several highlights reels, but also become a more rounded player.
The clash at Mount Smart has had several injuries - Steve Matai suffering a sickening head injury, while forward Luke Burgess also looked in serious pain with a leg injury.
Warriors forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner suffered a head knock before returning while Manly's Ligi Sao pulled up lame with a hamstring, leaving Manly with just one substitute available. In the second half, Bodene Thompson left the field after reportedly hearing a crack in his ankle.
When Johnson left the field after his try was converted the score was 6-6, but without Johnson the Sea Eagles romped home for a 32-12 win.
This loss left the Warriors in seventh on 22 points but, with six games left in the round, they are in serious danger of slipping outside the top eight.
