NRL 2024: Shaun Johnson warns that Kiwis will continue New Zealand’s dominance across all sports by taking down Kangaroos
New Zealand has just had one of its best ever sporting weekends, prompting Kiwis veteran Shaun Johnson to issue a warning to the Kangaroos ahead of their first meeting since last year’s grand final thrashing.
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After massive wins on the world stage for New Zealand in the America’s Cup, cricket and netball last weekend, Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson has sounded a warning to Pacific Championship rivals, declaring ‘it’s our turn’.
Pundits across the ditch have described wins in the America’s Cup, women’s T20 World Cup, the Constellation Cup and the Black Caps’ first Test win in India in 36 years as New Zealand’s greatest sporting weekend.
Now, the nation’s rugby league team want in on the domination on the world stage.
Last year, New Zealand handed Australia its heaviest ever Test defeat in a famous 30-nil victory in the Pacific Championship final in Hamilton.
Johnson, who returns to the international arena for the first time in five years, is confident the Kiwis can shock the rugby league world again – starting on Sunday against the Kangaroos in front of a sellout crowd in Christchurch.
“I’ve always had an interest in following our other athletes in other sports and we spoke about the America’s Cup, we educated ourselves a little bit on it. It got a little bit dicey in the middle there when we lost back-to-back but to see them come home and finish strong, that’s super special for the country,” Johnson said.
“Obviously what the women did the T20 World Cup overnight too is really cool.
“Look, it’s our turn.
“We get to follow that up and try to give some young Kiwis some more positive memories.”
After the 13 years as the face of rugby league in New Zealand, Johnson called time on his NRL career only two months ago.
But an injury crisis for Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has opened the door for Johnson to have an international swan song.
“He was in a bit of a sticky spot,” Johnson said.
“I made it very clear I hadn’t done much work, but he said I’d be doing him a big favour by coming in and supporting him, delivering his messages, and ultimately getting out there and performing at a good level.”
Johnson had initially brushed off suggestions he could make an Test comeback but with injuries to incumbent halves Jahrome Hughes (neck) and Dylan Brown (ACL), the 34-year old agreed to lace up the boots one last time for New Zealand.
“These are like bonus minutes for me,” Johnson said.
“These are like the free tokens you get at the arcade when you have won a few games.
“I have stepped into this environment in the past where the weight is on your shoulders and you have to be the main guy in the squad.
“I don’t feel that. Whether that is the case or not, I don’t really care.
“I am here to enjoy myself, make the most of any opportunity I get in this jersey again, because frankly I didn’t think it was going to happen again.”
Despite last playing for New Zealand back in 2019 Johnson is confident he can make a difference for the Kiwis, who have named only even players from last year’s win over Australia due to injuries.
“I wouldn’t take the field if I didn’t feel like I could have an impact,” Johnson said.
“I have put in some work to get myself ready and available. I have put on the kit and I actually feel like a footy player again, so that is nice.
“I know after these three weeks that I am going to be smiling and grateful I had the opportunity.”
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