Corey Parker delivers Shaun Johnson warning as Mal Meninga calls for major NRL change

Shaun Johnson's decision to come out of early retirement to play for New Zealand one last time at the Pacific Championships has been met with much fanfare. The 34-year-old retired from the NRL at the end of 2024, however, injuries from Jahrome Hughes, Dylan Brown and Kieran Foran left the Kiwis short-handed.

New Zealand sent a message to long-time halfback Johnson and he has come to the rescue. However, Corey Parker believes it wasn't the right move as Johnson will struggle to have the desired impact.

The former Warriors halfback has played 32 Test matches over his career, however, his last game for the Kiwis was in 2019. And the Queensland great believes Johnson can no longer keep up with the speed and pressure of a Test match and says he will be heavily targeted by Mal Meninga's Kangaroos.

“Shaun has been a wonderful player over a long period of time…but he is a retired player, he is in that headspace, that relaxation,” Parker said on SENQ on Thursday. “I just don’t know if he will have the same input that he has had.”

While Australian hooker Harry Grant says Johnson has his respect for coming out of retirement for his country and is looking forward to lining up against him. "It’s exciting that Shaun Johnson put his hand up to play for his country and how much New Zealand and the game of rugby league means to him,” Grant said. "It’s pretty impressive. We are excited to go up against Shaun in a test match.”

Meninga has named the same side that beat Tonga 18-0 for the upcoming Australia vs New Zealand match. Australia will take on New Zealand on Sunday 27th October in Christchurch.

Mal Meninga calls for NRL season to be shortened

Meanwhile, Meninga has thrown his weight behind plans to reduce the length of the NRL season to allow for an increased international rugby league schedule. Meninga on Wednesday became the latest voice his desire to see the NRL regular season cut down to 19 rounds to reduce player fatigue and increase exposure to Test football.

As Australia prepares to face New Zealand this weekend, both sides will go into the clash without several of their stars. And Meninga feels the players need to be better looked after through the regular NRL season to allow them to represent their country.

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"The players' welfare is in the front of everyone's mind, maybe a shorter domestic season (would work)," Meninga said. "Going to 20 teams I think works with 19 rounds.

"I think that's really important, provided broadcasters like that idea. You get the State of Origin, you get pre-season, and finals footy and then you get your national team programs.

"So when you get your 19 games, instead of 27 rounds you've got eight weeks, a window, there's an opportunity to expand the game internationally."

with AAP