Shaun Johnson's arrival will act as a major boost for Cronulla Sharks and help soften the blow of Valentine Holmes' departure, says Andrew Fifita.

Halfback Johnson agreed terms on a three-year deal with the Sharks in December, having been granted a release from his contract with New Zealand Warriors.

And prop Fifita believes his new team-mate, capped 29 times by the Kiwis, will prove to be a key addition to an inexperienced Cronulla side, especially in light of Holmes leaving to chase a career in the NFL.

"He's been living with my family and my kids love him," said Fifita, who scored the decisive try in the Sharks' 2016 Grand Final triumph over Melbourne Storm.

"As a leader himself, he's the former captain of his team, he's an international half.

"He brings that experience to this team and with this team being so raw, we will all learn from his experience.

"To lose Val and gain Shaun, it's a win win. We support Val with his dream, but we get the bonus of Shaun. I'm stoked and can't wait to play with him."