Shaun Johnson is off the lounge, out of retirement and, in his own words, armed with a pocket full of “free tokens you get in an arcade”.
As one of the most enthralling players of his generation, the 34-year-old describing his surprise Kiwis swansong in terms borrowed from childhood is a little bit perfect.
Johnson has enjoyed some of his greatest moments in Kiwi colours and been the face of rugby league in New Zealand for more than a decade, ever since his 2012 debut against Australia left him with a face full of cuts.
His match-winning miracle try with 23 seconds left against England in the 2013 World Cup semi-final is the stuff of legend.
In contrast, his first game for New Zealand in five years this Sunday against Australia comes, in his eyes, with barely a lick of pressure.
And only after a string of SOS calls from coach Stacey Jones were rebuffed, before an injury in the Kiwi halves – and one more call from Jones – was met with, “let’s go, bro. I’m in.”
Shaun Johnson sporting the scars of his debut Test, age 22, against the Kangaroos in 2012.Credit: Peter Meecham
“These are like free tickets, or free tokens you get in an arcade when you’ve won a few games,” Johnson said of his rugby league comeback, having initially retired after 267 NRL matches.
“I have stepped into this environment in the past where the weight is on your shoulders and you have to be the main guy in the squad. I don’t feel that. Whether that is the case or not, I don’t really care.
“I am here to enjoy myself, make the most of any opportunity I get in this jersey again, because frankly I didn’t think it was going to happen again.”
Johnson, of course, evolved from the enigmatic superstar of his youth to become a top-class game manager in 2023, almost claiming the Dally M medal before an injury-plagued final season with the Warriors.
Shaun Johnson is carried off the field after playing his final NRL match.Credit: Getty Images
He famously signed off from the NRL with a match-winning “touch footy play” in his final act against Cronulla in September, only to watch the Kiwis lose playmakers Dylan Brown, Kieran Foran and then Jahrome Hughes.
Somewhat surprisingly given his rugby league revival and 32 Tests already to his name, Johnson last played for New Zealand in 2019.
At the same Christchurch venue five years ago, Johnson produced another jinking, dummying solo try in a 23-8 triumph over Wayne Bennett’s touring Great Britain side.
When Jones called again following Hughes’ withdrawal, Johnson made it clear “I hadn’t done much work”. That prompted a “very short, sharp little pre-season”.
Shaun Johnson in his last game for New Zealand in 2019.Credit: Getty
On Sunday, he’ll have a sold-out audience of 17,000 to entertain and an underdog New Zealand side around him despite last year’s stunning 30-0 upset win over the Kangaroos. And a few arcade tokens in his pocket too.
“I have always held representing the Kiwis as the absolute pinnacle of what I have been able to do,” Johnson said.
“I was very content with where the Kiwis were at and the depth they had and halves they had. I didn’t expect to be here. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had plans.
“And I’m a far different person [to when he last played for New Zealand] standing here. I’m at a different place in my life, clearly, and these are the moments I’ll cherish forever. I really will. It’s just a special place and a special group to be a part of.
“I’ve put on the kit and I actually feel like a footy player again, so that’s nice.
“I’ll absorb today and come tomorrow, come the first proper training session, I’ll feel like the athlete, I’ll feel like the Shaun that really wants to contribute to helping us win. I know after these three weeks, I’m going to be smiling and be grateful that I’ve had that opportunity again.”
