One of the finest rugby league players of the modern era will retire at the end of the season with New Zealand star Shaun Johnson confirming the news today.
The 33-year-old informed his teammates of the decision with footage of the team meeting shared by Johnson on his social media.
Johnson captioned the video: “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.”
It’s the end of an era with Johnson calling time on his rugby league career with the Kiwi shining in the NRL for the past 14 years, starting and finishing his career with the New Zealand Warriors.
He had a brief spell with Cronulla Sharks from 2019 to 2021 but book-ended his time in the NRL with his hometown club, for whom he played over 200 games.
On the international stage, he earned 32 caps for New Zealand and will perhaps be remembered most by English rugby league fans for that iconic step that saw him beat Kevin Sinfield and end England’s World Cup dreams back in 2013.
Johnson’s contract was set to expire meaning he was available for Super League clubs to target but the Kiwi has called time on his career after being with an Achilles injury of late.
Rugby League legend Shaun Johnson retires
Credit: Imago Images
As well as the caption on his social media post, New Zealand Warriors shared a press release confirming Johnson’s decision.
It read: “One New Zealand Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has called time on his 14-season NRL career, announcing he’ll retire at the end of the season.
“Johnson, who’ll turn 34 next month, informed his teammates of his decision earlier today before confirming it publicly tonight.”
Within the statement, Johnson’s message to his teammates was included.
“This is a decision that I’ve sat with for a while now and one I’m probably still coming to terms with,” Johnson said.
“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 my 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).”
Paying tribute to his career and the huge influence he has had for rugby league in New Zealand, the club’s CEO Cameron George spoke about Johnson.
George said: “There’s an entire generation of kids in this country who picked up a rugby league ball because of Shaun Johnson.
“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.
