Replacing Johnson is an unenviable task for the Warriors, who will look to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season when they face Canberra in Las Vegas.
Club legend Johnson started in the Warriors' halves for 224 games - more than 30 per cent of every NRL fixture the club has ever played.
There are plenty options ahead of round one though, with highly touted Luke Metcalf always looking likely to snare one halves spot after overcoming a tough run of injuries.
Next to him, Webster has chosen Chanel Harris-Tavita to start for the game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (AEDT), with the more-experienced Martin as 18th man.
New recruit Tanah Boyd, another halves option, missed selection in the extended squad to travel to Vegas.
The Warriors used five different halves pairings in a disappointing 2024 season with injuries forcing varying combinations to the extent when none played for more than six consecutive games.
Webster is eager for some stability this year and won't experiment with his halves combination in the quest to find the optimal replacements for Johnson.
That could leave Martin out in the cold, despite some pre-season predictions he would partner Metcalf.
"I don't think you mess around with your halves," Webster said at the ritzy Las Vegas Hilton.
"If Te Maire forces his way into the team or there's an injury or poor form, that'd be great for Te Maire. But you want continuity there, for sure."
The rigours of a 27-round season have left Webster confident Martin will see an NRL field at some point this year.
After Vegas, the Warriors have trips to Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Wollongong across the first 10 rounds alone.
As the coach sees it bodies are bound to wear out and players are bound to tire.
"You only mess around with (your halves) if there's either poor form consistently or there's injuries. We don't plan on changing it," he said.
"I've no doubt (Martin) will play football at some stage. Te Maire's a world-class player so we're very lucky in that sense.
"It's going to take a whole squad to win this thing."
Leg injuries have restricted Metcalf to only 19 games in the two years since leaving Cronulla to join the Warriors.
Co-captain Mitch Barnett has been impressed by his combination with Harris-Tavita.
"They've got a lot of natural chemistry on the field together. They're confident. I'm just looking forward to seeing how they go," the forward said.
"Hopefully with Metcalf he can string some luck together and stay on the field."
Webster memorably told the media prior to arrival in Vegas he would enjoy himself in Sin City more than his disciplined playing squad.
But after some nights on the town earlier in the week, the 43-year-old has been left longing for home comforts.
"I'm ready to go home, I just want to win and get out of here. Everything's so bright and at you the whole time," he said.
"I'm getting old, I'm a bit boring."
11°C