Shaun Johnson in possession. Cronulla Sharks v One NZ Warriors. NRL Rugby League, PointsBet Stadium., NSW, Australia, Sunday 2nd April 2023 Copyright Photo: David Neilson / www.photosport.nz
‘It was torture’: SJ opens up on ‘lonely place’… and final pledge that sparked stunning revival
At 33 years old, Shaun Johnson should be starting to wind down. His best years should be behind him and he should be considering retirement.
Instead the Warriors superstar is coming off arguably his best year of footy and put retirement on the backburner to re-sign last July because he’s enjoying himself so much.
There was a time though that he almost pulled the pin on his career — a time where he was in a “really bad” place.
But finally finding peace away from the field, getting a coach that backs him “wholeheartedly” and the motivation to prove his biggest supporters right has Johnson smiling again… and chasing something “really special.”
The Warriors shocked the NRL last season, going from a 15th place finish in 2022 to the top four and a preliminary final under the guidance of a rookie head coach.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Addin Fonua-Blake, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Wayde Egan were just some of the players that joined Johnson in having a career-best season as the ‘Up the Wahs’ movement took the game by storm.
Speaking to foxsports.com.au Johnson reflected on his stunning year, opened up on the tough times and also revealed his plans for the future — which include a certain promise if the Warriors win the premiership this season.
‘IMAGINE IF THAT’S JUST THE BASELINE’
This time last year there were calls for Johnson to retire.
His return to the Warriors after a relatively unsuccessful three-year stint at the Sharks fell flat and he finished the 2022 season with just three tries and 14 try assists in 21 appearances.
After being left out of New Zealand’s World Cup squad, Johnson returned to pre-season training with a cloud over his future.
Fast forward to September and Johnson was the hottest name in the NRL. In 25 appearances he notched up eight tries, 32 try assists — his most in a season — and 28 linebreak assists.
His form steered the Warriors to their first preliminary final since 2011 and he was one point off winning the Dally M medal.
When asked to reflect on his season, Johnson paused for a moment before saying: “I played pretty good hey if I’m being honest.”
