New Zealand’s ‘epic’ Shaun Johnson farewell leaves NRL world in tears

There were incredible scenes before the Warriors clash with the Bulldogs as New Zealand farewelled one of its greatest ever sons.

Incredible scenes in Auckland. Photo: Fox Sports

Retiring Warriors legend Shaun Johnson has been left in tears after a spine-tingling home farewell for the club champion.

Friday’s match against the Bulldogs momentarily took a back seat as the Warriors and New Zealand faithful celebrated the stunning career of their inspirational halfback.

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After what has been a disappointing year for both the Warriors, who won’t make the finals despite going to the preliminary final last season, and Johnson himself after a Dally M halfback of the year and Dally M runner-up season in 2023, the 33-year-old was given one of the most memorable NRL farewells in recent memory.

The match also marks the final game of Addin Fonua-Blake, who is going to the Sharks next season, and Jazz Tevaga, who has been linked with a potential move to Manly, who also got to run out through a guard of honour.

But the crowd was there for Johnson.

Running out for the 224th time as a Warrior and the 268th time in the NRL, the legendary Warriors half ran out for the final time in front of his home crowd with his wife and children as the crowd went wild.

He turned back to the crowd to thank them and couldn’t keep his emotions in check, with tears rolling down his cheeks.

Incredible scenes. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

The emotion poured out of Johnson. Photo: Fox Sports

He had to try to compose himself, crouching to the ground before taking his place with his teammates.

“When we think about the recent sacrifice, the Covid years, Johnson the family man, how tough that was, there are tears in the eyes of this champion,” Andrew Voss said on Fox League.

“What a moment for Shaun Johnson. It’s hit him.”

Balmain legend Steve Roach added: “It’s pretty hard when you’ve given your life and your all.

“We only see them play on the weekends, but the giving of themselves, all the training sessions, all the things they do in public, he’s been an outstanding example for New Zealand people this bloke,” Roach said.

“Unbelievable.”

At halftime, Michael Ennis added they were “beautiful scenes”.

Johnson needed to compose himself. Photo: Fox Sports

James Graham added: “How good were those scenes? To see a grown man cry before the kick-off, it was pretty special and very touching.”

Voss said the image of Johnson with tears running down his cheeks was “raw emotion” before asking: “How does he get himself together? How does he get himself together for the opening set.”

The crowd also stood and applauded for the seventh minute of the game in honour of their halfback.

Fans were blown away by the scenes.

The daughter of former NRL referee Gavin Badger Shante tweeted: “Not me CRYING cause of Shaun Johnson and that crowd reception.

“There’s only been one other game where I’ve bawled my eyes out before kick off and that was Dad’s last game.”

New Zealand sports reporter Alex Chapman posted: “Man, how’s the emotion from Shaun Johnson?! As if it was in doubt, this club means the world to that man.”

The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield said it was a “goosebump moment”.

Fox Sports’ Darcie McDonald commented: “This SJ entrance is special.”

“Forever Warrior #168”. Photo: Fox Sports

“I tip my hat to you sir. Epic,” one tweeted.

Another said “The @NZWarriors are the best at thanking their players who are playing in their final match”, admitting “I had tears in my eyes too”.

A third added: “I fear I may cry for the next 70 minutes as I watch Shaun Johnson play his final home game.”

Another paid tribute: “I don’t think anyone dislikes Shaun Johnson. Great player at his peak, entertaining to watch, and seems like a genuinely nice person. A shame he never won a premiership but has won a 4 Nations Final for NZ.”

It was a tough opening set for Johnson, who had the ball slip out of his hands as the side looked to go wide.

But the Warriors responded, going up 12-0 through tries to Marcelo Montoya and Kurt Capewell in the opening 15 minutes.

However, the Bulldogs went to Auckland needing to win to continue to apply the pressure on the Sharks and Roosters in their top-four bid and were more than willing to spoil the party.

Tries to Bronson Xerri, Stephen Crichton and Kurtis Morrin handed the visitors the lead in the 35th minute.

The scoring wasn’t over yet though with Warriors hooker Wayde Egan charging over for his first try of the year, allowing New Zealand to take an 18-16 lead at the break.

Originally published as New Zealand’s ‘epic’ Shaun Johnson farewell leaves NRL world in tears