'He's back': Shaun Johnson lured out of retirement amid Kiwi injury crisis

Only weeks after playing what was supposed to be his final game, an injury crisis has lured Shaun Johnson out of retirement to play for the Kiwis in the Pacific Championship.

Coach Stacey Jones on Thursday morning confirmed Dally M winner Jahrome Hughes had been forced to withdraw having carried a number of injuries into the grand final.

Johnson's recall was announced with a simple post on social media: "SJ is back".

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Johnson's recall comes in the midst of an injury crisis for the Kiwis, with half a dozen NRL stars missing.

"Jahrome is understandably shattered and we really feel for him," Jones said on Thursday.

"He has had an outstanding year and he was going to play a key role for the Kiwis again.

"He was desperate to play and we thought, with some time on our side, he would come right with treatment but he has since received medical advice that he won't be ready to play."

His first tournament at the helm of the team, head coach Jones has been left without several members of the Kiwis spine including Kieran Foran and Dylan Brown. Johnson was among them before his recall.

Jordan Riki, Erin Clark, Keano Kini, Will Warbrick and Naufahu Whyte will likely be given their opportunity to debut following a two year stint in the extended squad.

Twelve players made themselves unavailable in the week leading into selection, with many suffering injuries in their finals run.

Retiring Warriors halfback Johnson denied any chance of accepting a lifeline call from Jones before entering retirement as he continues to rehabilitate a lingering Achilles injury.

Joseph Manu made himself unavailable for selection as he prepares for his cross-code switch to rugby union. Jeremy Marshall-King, Brown and Smith are all out with knee injuries, while Foran continues to monitor an ankle injury.

Ronaldo Mulitalo and Briton Nikora are also among the list of absent Kiwis, with the Sharks duo set to undergo off-season surgeries.

Alongside his Sharks teammates, Kayal Iro's chances of joining the side and returning to full health were dismissed due to a hamstring injury.

Jones' men will face a familiar Tongan side, with coach Kristian Woolf naming five debutants in his 20-man squad.

Penrith premiership-winner Paul Alamoti has been called up to make his international debut for Tonga, while Manly young gun Lehi Hopoate will step onto the stage that his father, John, once starred on.

Woolf will rely on the experience and talent of Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo to lead the squad, who enter as underdogs, through the tournament.

Fiji have also named their squad for the tournament, with retiring duo Michael Jennings and Kevin Naiqama both included.

Controversial star Jennings was snubbed on NRL grand final day as part of the retiring players' ceremony after off-field issues during his time away from the game.

The 36-year-old also had his 300th game milestone ignored earlier this year.

Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Sunia Turuva and Maika Sivo will also play for the Bati.

Meanwhile, the Kiwi Ferns have named four fresh faces including Broncos superstar Gayle Broughton.

The 2020 rugby sevens Olympic gold medallist will make her international league debut alongside Mackenzie Wiki, Alexis Tauaneai, Brooke Talatina.

Georgia Hale will return to her role as captain in her 10th appearance in the Kiwis squad. Raecene McGregor has been named as her co-captain.

Kiwis squad

Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, James Fisher-Harris (c), Peta Hiku, Jamayne Isaako, Shaun Johnson, Keano Kini, Casey McLean, Griffin Neame, Chanze Nicoll-Klokstad, Kodi Nikorima, Marata Niukore, Isaiah Papali'i, Jordan Riki, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Matthew Timoko, Trent Toelau, Will Warbrick, Naufahu Whyte

Kiwi Ferns squad

Abigail Roache, Alexis Tauaneai, Amber Hall, Angelina teakaraanga Katoa, Annessa Biddle, Apii Nicholls, Ashleigh Quinlan, Brianna Clark, Brooke Anderson, Brooke Talataina, Gayle Broughton, Georgia Hale, Leianne Tufuga, Mackenzie Wiki, Mele Hufanga, Mya Hill Moana, Najvada George, Otesa Pule, Shanice Parker, Tiana Davison, Tyla King.

Tonga squad

Paul Alamoti, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Addin Fonua-Blake, Siliva Havili, Lehi Hopoate, Isaiah Iongi, Sione Katoa, Isaiya Katoa, Eliesa Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tolu Koula, Tuimoala Lolohea, Soni Luke, Haumole Olakau'atu, Taniela Paseka, Mosese Suli, Jason Taumololo, Daniel Tupou, Sitili Tupouniua, Siua Wong

Tonga women's squad

Tegan Dymock, Kate Fallon, Tatiana Finau, Claudia Finau, Vanessa Foliaki, Jade Fonua, Maatuleio Fotua-Moala, Metanoi Fotu-Moala, Litia Fusi, Filomina Hanisi, Kalosipani Hopoate, Shirley Mailangi, Anaseini Malupo, Shannon Muru, Emmanita Paki, Natasha Penitani, Dannii Perese, Manilita Takapautolo, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Paea Uilou

Fiji Bati squad

Sunia Turuva, Semi Valemei, Maika Sivo, Taane Milne, Jethro Rinakama, Michael Jennings, Kevin Naiqama, Waqa Blake, Kurt Donoghoe, Caleb Navale, Kitione Kautoga, Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Jordan Miller, Nathan Kegg-Smith, Kylan Mafoa, Ben Nakubuwai, Penioni Tagituimua, Joe Lovodua, James Valevatu, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape