- Played his last NRL game just a few weeks ago
- Has continued training in case of a national call-up
- Injuries could pave way for Kiwis’ final farewell
He played his last NRL game just over two weeks ago, but New Zealand legend Shaun Johnson could be coming out of retirement after his country sent out a distress signal due to an injury crisis.
Johnson enjoyed a successful career, playing 268 games in the top flight and 32 times for his country before retiring at the end of this year’s NRL season.
But with the Pacific Championships set to kick off on October 18 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, New Zealand coach Stacey Jones has revealed he has asked Johnson to continue training ahead of the final national call-up.
The Kiwis have a shopping list full of injuries and unavailable players for the halves and hook positions, including Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Joey Manu (rugby union), Brandon Smith (knee) and Jeremy Marshall-King (knee).
Shaun Johnson retired from the NRL this season after a stellar career and over 260 first division appearances with two clubs
Johnson has been approached by Kiwis coach Stacey Jones to come out of retirement
Wellington-born Newcastle player Phoenix Crossland is on the verge of a call-up, while New Zealand are eager for Melbourne Storm superstar Jahrome Hughes to make it through the NRL finals unscathed.
That’s why Jones has kept Johnson on hand for one last hurrah for the Kiwis.
“With Dylan Brown, Brandon Smith, Jeremy Marshall-King and Kieran Foran needing surgery, we are now looking at options,” Jones said News Corp.
‘I’ve definitely considered the idea of Shaun [coming out of retirement].
‘He decided to retire and his last game was his last game, but he told me I can call him.
‘I’ve only spoken to Shaun briefly, but we’ll continue talking over the next week or so.
“He said he would continue training, so we’ll go into more detail about that later.”
Johnson bid an emotional farewell at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland before returning to Australia to take on his former club Cronulla and end his glittering NRL career at the end of the regular season.
Johnson, pictured with his family, has continued to train and is open to a recall to the national team
He then spoke about how difficult it would be to adjust ahead of his final performance in front of his home fans.
“I just know I’m going to miss it… I already have a feeling of what it’s going to be like to be here for the last time this weekend,” he said.
It will be sad that I will no longer be here in this capacity.
“It’s just the best feeling… running to a place that you love and care about so much.
‘To feel the love and warmth flowing straight back to you, from an audience that goes with you through every momentum, the ups and downs, that celebrates like no other.
Jones confirmed an SOS would be sent to departing Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu, who has signed a one-year contract with Japanese union Toyota Verblitz.
‘Joey [being available] “That was one of the first things I wanted to figure out when I got the job,” Jones said.
“He’s made it clear, and I understand that, that he’s determined to go to rugby.”
