Recently retired Warriors and Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson has announced he'll turn his hand to cricket at the T20 Black Clash in Christchurch in January.
Earlier this year, the 34-year-old league star announced he would retire at the end of this NRL season, and finished on a high with a final test match victory with the Kiwis against Papua New Guinea in Sydney this month.
Johnson has confirmed he would join Team Cricket as their wildcard player at this year's T20 Black Clash at Hagley Oval on January 18.
He admitted he had "never really played" cricket growing up, saying he would be a classic "fish out of water".
"A few years ago we did a promo with the Black Caps and I had to face Tim Southee in the nets. Padding up I have never been so scared in my life. It was terrifying. But this time I'm on the cricketers' side so surely the rugby boys won't be slinging them down like that?" he said.
Johnson said he was taking a "less is more" approach to preparing for the clash.
"I hadn’t planned to do any preparation at all," he said.
"Having talked to a few people now, it feels like I should definitely get some practice in. It feels like I owe it to the game and the occasion."
Despite bringing 262 NRL games-worth of sporting experience for the Warriors and Sharks and 35 tests for the Kiwis, Johnson said he was "really just happy to be a part of it" and hang out with other Kiwi sports stars "who are incredible at what they do".
Team Cricket captain Dan Vettori said he was delighted to have Johnson in his line-up.
"One of the great things about the Black Clash is that you get to rub shoulders with some truly amazing athletes," Vettori said.
"Shaun was an absolute freak on the rugby league field – without doubt one of the most athletic and skilful players to grace a footy field.
"I'm sure he'll make his mark on the Black Clash in January."
Johnson joins a high-powered Team Cricket line-up featuring Vettori, Lou Vincent, Grant Elliott, Kyle Mills, Anton Devcich and Adam Parore.
A number of other sporting stars have joined Team Rugby for the seventh annual event, boosted by West Indies power-hitter Chris Gayle alongside Kieran Read, Ruben Love, Andy Ellis, Jason Eaton and Ofisa Tonu'u.
T20 Black Clash continues to bring in huge television audiences and would screen again on TVNZ.
Event director Carlena Limmer said tickets for Hagley Oval were already 70% sold.
Line-ups (so far announced)
Team Rugby
- Kieran Read (Captain)
- Chris Gayle (Wildcard player)
- Ruben Love
- Andy Ellis
- Jason Eaton
- Ofisa Tonu’u
Team Cricket
- Dan Vettori (Captain)
- Shaun Johnson (Wildcard player)
- Lou Vincent
- Grant Elliott
- Kyle Mills
- Anton Devcich
- Adam Parore
SHARE ME