NRL fans froth over Shaun Johnson’s ‘refreshing’ commentary

Rugby league fans can’t get enough of a new NRL commentator who has blown punters away with his “refreshing” approach.

Making the transition from full-time professional footballer to commentator isn’t always easy, but Shaun Johnson is doing a damn good job of it.

The beloved New Zealander hung up his boots at the end of last season, calling time on a 268-game NRL career that featured runs to the 2011 NRL Grand Final and the 2023 preliminary finals with the Warriors.

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Now Johnson is trying his hand at footy commentary and is winning over plenty of fans with his analysis as part of Fox League’s NRL coverage.

The effervescent Kiwi couldn’t contain his excitement last weekend as he broke down Manly forward Haumole Olakau’atu’s performance against the Melbourne Storm.

“Oh lord,” Johnson began as he praised the Sea Eagles enforcer in analysis you can watch below.

“Bro. Like, how do you contain it? Defensively he’s getting after it so he’s setting the tone and, he’s being contagious in that aspect.

“Then you give him the footy and the way he just draws defenders in.

“The offload, that’s just the cream, the silk. Getting someone like that running off you.
Johnson joked: “No wonder (Daly) Cherry-Evans don’t want to retire, I don’t want see why he wants to leave either.”

The clip went viral on social media and rugby league fans couldn’t get enough of Johnson’s commentary style.

One fan commented: “Love SJs insights!”

A second said: “How refreshing is SJ. Not throwing out generic buzz words.”

“SJ is built for this, great understanding, great articulation,” a third said.

Another commented: “Not out of place SJ - absolutely killing it, and such a refreshing look for footy.”

Speaking to news.com.au, Johnson said he wants to bring a positive energy to his footy analysis and praise players when they perform well.

“I’ve always been passionate about shining our game in a positive light,” Johnson said.

“Now I can’t do that on the field, how can I have an impact and do that off the field?

“I really want to help educate our audience, help people who are watching at home from the couch understand what it’s like from a player’s point of view.

“If I can do that by being on a panel and breaking down a certain play — giving our audience a piece of knowledge they didn’t necessarily know before they tuned into our coverage — then that’s a win for me.

Footy fans are loving the Kiwi’s personality. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Shaun Johnson is impressing with his NRL commentary. Photo: Fox League.

“Anyone can sit on a panel and use throwaway lines. If a player doesn’t execute a draw and pass, anyone can sit there and say, ‘All he needed to do was draw and pass’.

“But being able to put a bit of context around that and maybe why he wasn’t able to do that, that’s something I’m passionate about because at the end of the day that’s what influences our audience’s opinions.”

Breaking down plays and key moments is a passion of Johnson’s that is evident on his Play On Sport Show, and he has brought that style to Fox League.

“I’ve been breaking down plays on that show and the feedback’s been unreal, so when I got the opportunity to go on Fox, I wanted to carry that sort of tone and energy and see if it lands on a bigger platform,” Johnson said.

“It’s been really cool to see the feedback received from that and that I’m able to be myself and speak fully the way I see it.”

Shaun Johnson is . (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Fox League commentator Warren Smith also spoke to news.com.au about the art of NRL commentary and calling a matchwinning try like Canberra’s thrilling four-pointer to steal the win over Cronulla last week.

“I love that fans get a lot out of it,” Smith said.

“To see a finish like that between the Raiders and Sharks was tremendous. You’re trying to do justice to the moment and not overplay your hand or overcall it and bring the right energy in the call.

“They’re the sort of games that keep you going during the season, finishes like that are why everyone wants to watch.”

Smith is at Augusta National this week as part of Fox Sports and Kayo’s exclusive coverage of The Masters, and he’s even been spotted by footy fans on the other side of the world.

“Footy fans are everywhere,” Smith chuckled.

“I had somebody crowd today at Augusta National of all places come up to me and say, ‘Woz, I loved your call in 2012 round 19, ‘You can take me now’ when the Rabbitohs beat the Roosters on Monday night footy.”

It’s a blockbuster weekend of sport and Johnson is in Miami with Kayo Sports for UFC 314.

He’s been rubbing shoulders with the likes of Alex Volkanovski, Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler — while getting used to being on the other side of the microphone.

“Before I got over here I hadn’t done an interview with an athlete, I hadn’t been the one asking questions or generating conversations,” the Kiwi said.

“Luckily all these guys over here have been really good to work with. Even today, speaking to Jorge Masvidal, that was a surreal moment. I am a big a fan of his, hearing him speak from the heart, that was special.”

Volkanovski is aiming to bounce back from consecutive losses and reclaim his feathweight belt against Brazil’s Diego Lopes in the main event.

UFC 314 FIGHT CARD
Alex Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes — for vacant featherweight title

Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett — lightweight

Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull — featherweight

Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva — featherweight

Nikita Krylov vs Dominick Reyes — light heavyweight