Former Warriors and Kiwis playmaker Shaun Johnson has hinted at his retirement plans, which include a potential coaching role and a desire to improve his golf handicap from a current rating of 11.
Doing the school drop-off is also high on the list.
In an interview with 1News following his announcement as a playing member for the cricket team in the Black Clash match against rugby at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on January 18, Johnson said he had several irons in the fire now that he had called time on a league career that spanned 14 seasons at the top level.
The popular annual Black Clash T20 cricket event will be exclusively screened live on TVNZ.
In an interview with Andrew Saville, Johnson was asked about his future after calling time on his league career this month.
“I don’t know the answer to that - I’m probably going to figure that out, and I’m not going to put any pressure on myself,” Johnson said.
“I’ve got a few things I’m really interested in – I’ve got some media stuff, I’ve got our podcast which is ticking along really nicely and I’m enjoying doing that.
“I’ve got a small, specialist, coaching role which I’m really passionate about, seeing where that can go, at the Warriors.
“Retiring can be challenging and I’ve got examples through previous teammates. I’ve also got examples of people who have done it well. I’m not going to sit here acting like I’ve got the silver bullet of the best transition from playing a sport like rugby league [to retirement].”
Pressed on a potential position with the Warriors, the former playmaker, called out of retirement recently to play for the Kiwis, said he could not divulge details. “It’s a work in progress,” he said.
The 34-year-old father of two daughters Millah and Sachi James, Johnson, married to former Silver Fern Kayla, said spending more time with his family was a big part of his decision to call it quits.
“You make so many sacrifices being a professional athlete and that’s what probably goes under the radar. People talk about ‘you need to play another year’ or ‘you should be playing more’.
“On the other side of it is I’m extremely blessed. I’m extremely grateful to have earned what I’ve earned and live out a childhood dream - all of it. But there comes a time when that doesn’t outweigh the other like it used to – like being present for my kids and being able to do the school drop-offs.
“My eldest, Millah, is starting to get into some sport and she’ll be at school soon. Being there at the weekends and being able to do those things all plays into the decision to retire.”
Johnson’s likely final competitive league match was a Test against Papua New Guinea in Sydney recently and he said after seeing elements of the Warriors’ pre-season that he knew he had made the right call.
“I felt like I made the right decision to retire because the thought of doing another pre-season and seeing those boys on the wrestle mats and knowing the pain and hurt they’re going through – it will be all worth it – but no pre-season for me and I’m extremely happy about that.”
The NRL and Kiwis star spoke to Andrew Saville about the Black Clash and retirement from top level sport. (Source: 1News)
He added: “I’m pretty lucky with how I’ve been able to walk out of the game. The fact that my shoulders are good is probably a little alarming. My fingers are probably more busted up than my shoulders - that probably tells a story.
“I’m good. I had 16 pre-seasons and 14 seasons playing in the toughest competition in the world. The fact I can take on opportunities like this… tells you that I’ve done all right.”
Johnson has never played cricket but is open to new opportunities and a golf handicap of 11 despite playing for so long in the NRL suggests he possesses useful hand-eye coordination.
“I will be looking at bringing that down pretty quickly,” he said of his golf handicap. “I love everything about the sport.”
Spending time with former international cricketers will likely be educational for Johnson, who said he was up for new experiences. He has already committed to running a half marathon next year.
And after recently spending time in Christchurch preparing for and playing a Test against Australia, he expected a good reception.
“I think so. I was just down there and we had a fan day and they all loved it. So let’s get some leaguies out to this cricket and rugby event and make some noise because we know how to do it best.”
Asked about his cricketing talent, Johnson said: “I’m not sure if you’re aware mate but I’ve got a bit of time on my hands. It’s a sport I’ve never participated in at all and it’s a sport I’m keen to learn more about.”
Is this all another event in the ongoing Shaun Johnson retirement roadshow?
“Can we not even go down that path?” he replied with a smile. “I feel like that conversation is parked in the rear view and I’m keen to get amongst something completely different.”
Watch the full story with Andrew Saville on 1News at 6pm
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