Young fan overcome by 'special' Shaun Johnson gesture as legendary Kiwi farewelled

The Kiwis gave Shaun Johnson a spine-tingling send-off following New Zealand's 54-12 crossover match win over Papua New Guinea after he extended the same kindness to a young superfan.

Johnson put on a masterclass in his final professional game, setting up five tries and tallying 290 kick metres as the Kiwis avoided Pacific Championship relegation.

In a special moment post-match, after the packed house had vacated Western Sydney Stadium, the Kiwis honoured Johnson with a farewell haka on the field.

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"That's officially it, man," Johnson told 9News' Zac Bailey.

"What a night. What a way to finish.

"To have that moment with the team then, far out, I've got goosebumps."

With 35 Test matches and 268 NRL games to his name, Johnson leaves a lasting impact on rugby league, and, with one final act, a life-changing impression on a young fan.

Hanging back to mingle with fans after the final siren, Johnson gifted his final playing jersey to a boy in the crowd named Griffin Vary.

Asked what the gesture meant to him, Griffin — who was proudly sporting a New Zealand jersey and Warriors cap — became overwhelmed with emotion.

"It's so special," he said through tears.

Later reflecting on the interaction, Johnson described the exchange as coming full circle.

"I remember being the kid in the stand too," he said.

"I thought this wasn't possible. You know, to come out here and be the guy in the middle of the arena.

"That's something that I'll never forget. I know he won't, but I'll never forget it either."

Asked if he hoped to one day run out in a Kiwis No.7 jersey of his won, Vary pointed down the barrel of Nine's camera and declared his intent.

"Yes, yes. I'll be there," he said.