NZ Warriors star Shaun Johnson has decided to hang up his boots at the end of the current NRL season.
The club's leading pointscorer has struggled through this campaign, last week returning from a month on the sidelined with a variety of injuries, primarily an Achilles tendon niggle, but also hamstring and shoulder complaints.
After finishing one point out of the Dally M Medal for NRL Most Valuable Player last year, Johnson, 33, re-signed with the Auckland club on a one-year contract, with questions remaining over his future beyond. He has made it repeatedly clear he would only commit to the Warriors or retire.
Johnson has chosen the latter, informing his teammates and then announcing his intentions publicly on the 'Play On' podcast and social media.
The Warriors veteran will not be back for the 2025 NRL season (Source: Supplied)
"Today's been perfect and I got to do it with my people," he posted on Instagram. "Announcing my retirement at the end of the '24 season.
"Kid from the coast still can't believe he did that, grateful."
Johnson admits it's a decision he's considered for a long time.
"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 with a smile on face," he told his teammates. "I have never taken any of it for granted.
"The job 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."
Johnson made his 265th NRL appearance in last weekend's loss to Parramatta Eels, his 221st game for the Warriors.
"There's an entire generation of kids in this country who picked up a rugby league ball because of Shaun Johnson," said Warriors chief executive Cameron George.
"His impact on not only this club, but also rugby league in New Zealand is something that will be remembered here forever."
The Warriors' fortunes have often soared or plummeted on Johnson's health, but he leaves them in good stead, with a strong stock of halves on contract for next season.
Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita have filled in during his recent absences, but Luke Metcalfe has also been absent with a broken leg, while Jett Cleary — son of former coach Ivan Cleary and younger brother of Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary — is due to cross the Tasman next season.
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