As Shaun Johnson prepares to lace up his boots at Mount Smart Stadium for the final time, let’s take a look back at some of the key moments of an illustrious professional career.
A career spanning 267 NRL games and 32 international caps, Johnson will retire at season's end. He'll finish as both the Warriors’ and New Zealand Kiwis all-time leading points scorers with countless highlights and accolades collected over the last 13 years.
A halfback who has the ball on a string and a habit of making something out of nothing, SJ is truly a once in a generation talent and it has been an absolute privilege to experience the highs and lows of the last 13 seasons.
Magical Debut Season
Let’s take it back to where it all began (professionally at least, but here's the touch highlights if you want them). SJ’s debut NRL season in 2011 where we got our first real glimpse of ‘Magic’ Johnson.
Making his debut in round 13 of the 2011 season, Johnson surged onto the scene with the potential of becoming one of the competition’s most electrifying playmakers.
In round 22, Johnson scored one of the tries of the season - a 70-metre scamper against the Brisbane Broncos beating half the opposition side en route to the try line.
That magical debut season captured the imagination of Warriors fans as the side made their way to a second grand final appearance where they would go down 24-10 to the Manly Sea Eagles.
However, it may be best remembered for the Johnson wizardry that helped them get there in the first place, with the half setting up the decisive try of the semi-final against the heavily favoured Melbourne Storm.
Stunner In International Debut
The next year would see Johnson debut for the New Zealand national side - the Kiwis - and he marked his debut with an 80 metre intercept try against Australia.
World Cup Semi-Final Finish
In 2013 Johnson would guide the Kiwis to the Rugby League World Cup final, again playing a crucial role in a semi-final - this time saying 'fine ,I'll do it myself' scoring and converting his own try as time expired to seal a 20-18 victory against England.
World’s Best Player
2014 saw Johnson shine on the world stage once more, as he led the Kiwis side to a 22–18 victory over Australia in the 2014 Four Nations final. He picked up the IRL Golden Boot Award at the end of the season which is given to the world’s best player.
The next year Johnson was again in the running for try of the year with the ice well and truly still in his veins for the big moments. After a clutch Ryan Hoffman chargedown, Johnson beat five Cronulla Sharks defenders to take the lead in the final minute and secure a Warriors victory with an incredible solo try.
Rewriting The Record Books
In 2017 Johnson surpassed Matthew Ridge and became the New Zealand Kiwis all-time leading points scorer in a 74-6 victory over Scotland.
Homecoming
After a three-year stint with the Cronulla Sharks, Johnson rejoined the Warriors in 2022 to write the final chapter of his career at home and on his own terms.
In his first season back with the side he kicked match-winning field goals in rounds five and eight.
Up The Wahs
2023 is where the nation’s hearts were fully captured once again. The Up The Wahs movement was set in motion after a dramatic round five comeback against Johnson’s former team, the Sharks.
Trailing 26-6 at halftime it looked like it was going to be another one of those years, but Johnson inspired an unfathomable 32-30 comeback, kicking a match-winning penalty with less than a minute remaining.
Later that season Johnson would become the fifth player in Warriors history to reach 200 appearances for the club and guide the team to another semi-final.
At season’s end Johnson completed a near sweep of awards, named Dally M Halfback of the Year and finishing second in voting for Player of the Year to Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga. He was also named Warriors' Player Of The Year, the Players' Player Of The Year and the One New Zealand People’s Choice award winner as chosen by the public.
Tonight he will play his final game at the specially renamed Shaun Johnson Stadium, closing the book as one of our most celebrated players ever. He will retire at season’s end with his name littered throughout the Warriors’ record books including most points, third most tries and fourth most appearances.
All that’s really left to say is thank you for the memories and everything you’ve done for the Warriors and rugby league in New Zealand. We are all so proud and wish you all the best as you head into your retirement. Up the Wahs.
