All-time Kiwis great Shaun Johnson calls time on glittering career as NRL world unites with tributes

Shaun Johnson, one of New Zealand’s greatest ever players, has dropped a bombshell weeks out from the end of the season.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 08: Shaun Johnson of the Warriors talks to fans during the round one NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla Sharks at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, on March 08, 2024, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

One of the great New Zealand halfbacks in Shaun Johnson will hang up the boots at the end of the season, capping a glittering 14-year career in the NRL.

The 33-year-old Johnson informed his Warriors teammates of his decision on Monday the club revealed in a press release.

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“This is a decision that I’ve sat with for a while now and one I’m probably still coming to terms with,” Johnson told his teammates.

“It’s obviously still very raw but I’m so grateful to the club and to you boys who I get to come into work with every day with a smile on face. I have never taken any of it for granted.

“The job (this season) is not over so, let’s rip in and get back to doing what we do but I just wanted to let you all know first that at the end of the season, that will be me (done).”

Johnson also announced the news with a post on social media site Instagram with a number of NRL stars leaving messages of support.

“Today’s been perfect and I got to do it with my people. Announcing my retirement at the end of the ‘24 season. Kid from the coast still can’t believe he did that, grateful,” the caption read under a video montage of Johnson breaking the news to his teammates and coaches.

Shaun Johnson will hang up the boots at the end of the season. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

“Best to do it bra!!! was an absolute pleasure running off you. much love bra,” former teammate Josh Curran wrote.

“Love ya cob. One of the best to ever do it,” wrote Kieran Foran.

Tigers and New Zealand international Isaiah Papalii posted: “Love your work bro. Congrats on the career!”

Johnson has played in 265 games for the Warriors (221) and Sharks (44) after debuting in 2011.

His 221 games for the Warriors has him sitting fourth on the club’s all time list.

Johnson’s dazzling form in 2023 led the Warriors to a surprise top fourth berth, with the halfback enjoying a career best season.

His play almost earned him a Dally M player of the year award, and he would have won it had it not been for a freak late season run by Kalyn Ponga, who pipped Johnson in the final round to win by just one vote.

Unfortunately for Johnson and the Warriors, the veteran half has been unable to recapture that form this season with several injuries contributing to his play. As of the end of Round 22, the Warriors sit in 13th and needing to win out to make the finals.

What a legend. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Warriors CEO Cameron George credited Johnson for helping grow the game of rugby league in New Zealand.

“There’s an entire generation of kids in this country who picked up a rugby league ball because of Shaun Johnson,” George said.

“His impact on not only this club but also rugby league is New Zealand is something that will be remembered here forever.

“And as talented and amazing as Shaun has been as a player, as a person he’s made just as big an impact here at the Warriors through the years.

“His impact on not only this club but also rugby league is New Zealand is something that will be remembered here forever

“I know Shaun hasn’t made this decision lightly and he will depart with the full support of the club and his peers.

“Our last home game of the season against the Bulldogs, another sell-out, will be a fitting farewell for him here at Go Media Stadium.

“We appreciate all that Shaun has done for the club and wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

Originally published as All-time Kiwis great Shaun Johnson calls time on glittering career as NRL world unites with tributes