Shaun Johnson comeback shock: Kiwi injury crisis could lead to legend coming out of retirement

New Zealand Test coach Stacey Jones has confirmed he will hold talks with the retired Warriors legend Shaun Johnson amid a half and hooker crisis that will impact his national team selection.

A Kiwi injury crisis could prompt Shaun Johnson into producing one of rugby league’s most short-lived retirements.

New Zealand Test coach Stacey Jones has confirmed he will hold talks with the retired Warriors legend amid a half and hooker crisis that will impact his national team selection for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

Having been appointed Kiwis coach to replace Michael Maguire, Jones is facing a torrid start to his Test coaching career with half and hooker options including Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Joey Manu (rugby union), Brandon Smith (knee) and Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) all unavailable for the tournament next month.

In a major career moment, Wellington-born Knights utility Phoenix Crossland has already been sent an SOS by Jones with the prospect of the 24-year-old making his New Zealand Test debut.

Shaun Johnson playing for New Zealand in 2018. Picture: AAP/David Rowland

However, the most significant development will be whether Jones convinces Johnson, 34, to return to the field.

After 14-seasons in the NRL, Johnson bowed out of the game with a last-minute victory over the Sharks last month.

“To be able to finish like that is truly special,” Johnson said.

Jones confirmed to this masthead that Johnson is on his radar.

“With Dylan Brown, Brandon Smith, Jeremy Marshall-King and Kieran Foran needing surgery, we’re searching for options now,” Jones said.

“I’ve certainly entertained the idea of Shaun (coming out of retirement).

“He’s decided to retire and his last game was his last game, but has said to me that I can give him a call.

“I’ve only had brief conversations with Shaun, but in the next week or so, we’ll catch up.

“He said he’d keep himself training, so we’ll talk more in depth when the time comes.”

Providing Storm star Jahrome Hughes survives the current NRL finals series, he is a certainty for the Kiwis halfback jersey.

“We really need him to get through unscathed,” Jones said.

Jones added that he had no chance of convincing Manu to play for the Kiwis prior to switching codes to rugby union.

“Joey (being available) was one of the first things I tried to find out when I got the job,” Jones said.

“He made it clear, which I understand, that he’s committed to going to rugby.”

With Jones unlikely to consider dummy-half options including Nu Brown and Danny Levi, Crossland has emerged as a bolter.

“I’ve spoken to Phoenix and he’s pretty keen to wear the black and white jersey,” Jones said.

The Pacific Championships begins on October 18 at Suncorp Stadium.

Originally published as Shaun Johnson comeback shock: Kiwi injury crisis could lead to legend coming out of retirement