League
1News

Video: 'That's what hurts the most, we let down our country' - Shaun Johnson on Kiwis early RLWC exit

November 18, 2017

The Kiwis half was in shock after his side were unable to overcome Fiji in Wellington. (Source: Other)

Devastated Kiwis star half Shaun Johnson couldn't pinpoint exactly where his side went wrong and said letting down the nation was what hurt the most after losing to Fiji 4-2 in their Rugby League World Cup quarter-final in Wellington tonight.

Johnson admitted the hurt of being kicked out of the RLWC was crushing.

“

We couldn't deliver what I thought we could deliver

—  Kiwis half Shaun Johnson |

"I guess the most disappointing thing for me is everyone who doubted us – the fans, media, you got your way," said Johnson.

Adam Blair tried his best to keep his composure during a post-match interview after his side’s 4-2 loss in Wellington. (Source: Other)

"We couldn't deliver what I thought we could deliver and that's what burns.

"That's what hurts the most that we let down our country."

League

SHARE ME

More Stories

Wayde Egan, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Kurt Capewell of the Warriors.

Warriors lament 'missing piece' of premiership puzzle after Panthers loss

The Warriors spent 16 consecutive weeks inside the NRL's top four this year before knee injuries ended the seasons of co-captain Mitch Barnett and breakout star Luke Metcalf.

Sun, Sep 14

2:21

Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.

NRL: Webster out to bring down the fortress he helped build

The man in charge of Penrith's attack for their first two premierships in 2021 and 2022, Andrew Webster now meets his old club again in Saturday night's do-or-die final.

Fri, Sep 12

Kenny Bromwich.

Veteran Kiwi forward retires as Dolphins rue finals fade-out

"He has been an exceptional player. He's played 260 NRL games, 44 for the Dolphins, 15 Tests for New Zealand, played in four grand finals and won two."

Sat, Sep 6

James Fisher-Harris during last nights game against Manly.

'No one respects us': Wahs against the world in finals

"No one really respects us, no-one gives us any hope or anything like that and I actually love that," James Fisher-Harris said after the Warriors 27-26 loss to Manly last night.

Sat, Sep 6

Kurt Capewell of the Warriors appeals a disallowed try to Match referee Peter Gough

Controversial bunker call puts dent in Warriors top-four hopes

"I can promise you right now we should not have been in that situation through the way we played," coach Andrew Webster said.

Sat, Aug 30

Brandon Smith of the Rabbitohs runs the ball during the round 25 NRL match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Dolphins at Accor Stadium, on August 21, 2025, in Sydney, Australia.

NRL clear Brandon Smith to play after police charges in Australia

Smith has been summoned to face Southport Magistrates Court next month, on a charge of supplying dangerous drugs.

Tue, Aug 26

Latest

Popular

19 mins ago

Violence erupts at right-wing demonstration in the Netherlands

A police vehicle burned as rioters clashed with police in The Hague, Netherlands.

11:50am

Arson charges after fires in Auckland's Newmarket, Epsom

The first fire was at a property on Manukau Rd, Epsom

11:21am

'Cloud shield' threatens eclipse views, but one city could get lucky

A partial solar eclipse seen through clouds in March 2025.

10:50am

Liam Lawson third on F1 grid for Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Frome the left, second-placed Williams driver Carlos Sainz of Spain, first-placed Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and thrid-placed Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson of New Zealand stand on the podium

9:46am

Cyberattack disrupts check-in across major European airports

An airport employee points at a departure board after a cyber attack caused delays at Brussels International Airport

9:01am

England power past France to set up World Cup final against Canada

Amy Cockayne celebrates her try for England against France in Bristol.
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Life and work melds for creative couple behind doco series on teen dads

Life and work melds for creative couple behind doco series on teen dads

Johnny and Azita Agnew have a history of delving into the lives of society's most marginalised groups and making artful documentaries.

Saturday 6:00am

Jimmy Kimmel poses in the press room with the award for host for a game show for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" during night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Jimmy Kimmel's talk show pulled indefinitely over Charlie Kirk remarks

"We do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located,” the network said.

Thu, Sep 18

Chappell Roan arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Pop superstar Chappell Roan to headline Laneway in Auckland

Thu, Sep 18

Tiki Taane performs on stage with his children and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Why are New Zealand musicians leaving Spotify?

Wed, Sep 17

Snoop Dogg performs in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2025.

Snoop Dogg NZ show canned days out

Wed, Sep 17