- He played his last NRL game just a few weeks ago
- He has continued training in case of a national call-up
- Injuries could pave the way for the Kiwis’ final farewell
He played his last NRL game just over two weeks ago but Kiwi legend Shaun Johnson could be coming out of retirement after his country sent out a distress call amid an injury crisis.
Johnson had a decorated career that included 268 top-flight games and played for his country 32 times before hanging up his boots at the end of this year’s NRL season.
But with the Pacific Championships set to get underway at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on October 18, New Zealand coach Stacey Jones revealed he has asked Johnson to continue training ahead of a final national call-up.
The Kiwis have a list of injuries and unavailable players in the halves and lock positions, including Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Joey Manu (rugby union), Brandon Smith (knee) and Jeremy Marshall-King (knee).
Shaun Johnson retired from the NRL this season after a glittering career and more than 260 top-flight games at two clubs.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has sounded out Johnson about coming out of retirement.
Wellington-born Newcastle utility player Phoenix Crossland is in contention for a call-up, while New Zealand are sweating on Melbourne Storm superstar Jahrome Hughes emerging unscathed from the NRL finals series.
That’s why Jones has kept Johnson on hold for one last hurrah for the Kiwis.
“Dylan Brown, Brandon Smith, Jeremy Marshall-King and Kieran Foran all need surgery, we’re looking at options now,” Jones said. News Corporation.
‘I’ve certainly considered the idea of Shaun (coming out of retirement).
‘He has decided to retire and his last game was his last game, but he told me that I can call him.
‘I’ve only had brief conversations with Shaun, but in the next week or so we’ll catch up.
He said he would continue training, so we will talk more in depth when the time comes.
Johnson had an emotional farewell at Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium before returning to Australia to beat his former club Cronulla and end his glittering NRL career at the end of the regular season.
Johnson, pictured with his family, has continued training and is open to being called up to the national team.
At the time, he spoke of how difficult it would be to adjust before that final appearance in front of his home fans.
“I know I’ll miss it… I already have a feeling of what it will be like to come here for the last time this weekend,” he said.
‘It’s going to be sad not to be able to come here anymore in this capacity.
‘It’s the best feeling… running away to a place you love and care so much about.
‘To feel the kind of love and warmth that comes directly from a crowd that enjoys every moment, the highs and the lows, that celebrates like no other.
Jones confirmed a similar SOS will be sent to outgoing Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu, who has signed a one-year deal with Japanese outfit Toyota Verblitz.
“Joey’s availability was one of the first things I tried to figure out when I got the job,” Jones said.
“He made it clear, and I understand, that he is committed to playing rugby.”