'Will be remembered forever': Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson officially announces retirement
Updated . First published at
Shaun Johnson will retire at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old Warriors halfback will call time on his legendary career after struggling with injury and form concerns this year.
Johnson had a stellar 2023 campaign, helping the Auckland-based club to a finals berth, but has had a mixed year, leading to question marks over his future.
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In a statement released on Monday evening, the veteran confirmed his plans to retire and hopes to help keep the Warriors' season alive.
Shaun Johnson of the Warriors warms up. Getty
"This is a decision that I've sat with for a while now and one I'm probably still coming to terms with," he 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 ... 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)."
Johnson began his career at the Warriors as one of the most exciting young talents the game has ever seen, helping the side to a grand final appearance in 2011.
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The playmaker made a shock move to Cronulla in 2018, playing three injury-affected seasons at the Sharks, before returning home to the Warriors in 2022.
Johnson also made 32 international appearances for the Kiwis and is one of the most beloved figures in the history of the sport in New Zealand.
Shaun Johnson has announced he will retire at season's end. Hannah Peters via Getty Images
"There's an entire generation of kids in this country who picked up a rugby league ball because of Shaun Johnson," Warriors boss Cameron George said.
"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.
"I know Shaun hasn't made this decision lightly and he will depart with the full support of the club and his peers. Our last home game of the season against the Bulldogs, another sell-out, will be a fitting farewell for him here at Go Media Stadium.
"We appreciate all that Shaun has done for the club and wish him and his family all the best in the future."
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Head coach Andrew Webster also paid tribute to Johnson for his impact on and off the field, which included captaining the side and becoming the all-time leading pointscorer.
"Shaun has been exceptional for both our club and for the game," he said.
"It's been a pleasure working with him at two different stages of his career here. He's a rare talent who will leave an unbelievable legacy.
"But, as he says, it's not over yet and we want to do all we can to ensure he has the best send-off possible."
