Shaun Johnson in bombshell retirement development as NRL world pays tribute to Warriors great

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has announced he will retire at the end of the 2024 season, calling time on a storied 14-season NRL career. Johnson, who turns 34 next month, informed his teammates of his decision on Monday before revealing the news to the NRL world.

Johnson has endured a difficult 2024 season, hampered by a chronic Achilles injury. He returned from a six-week layoff to make his 265th career appearance - his 221st for the Warriors - in Friday night’s 20-30 loss to the Eels. And the Warriors great believes it is the right time for him to step away from the game.

“This is a decision that I’ve sat with for a while now and one I’m probably still coming to terms with,” Johnson said when speaking with his teammates. “It’s obviously still very raw but I’m so grateful to the club and to you boys who I get to come into work with every day with a smile on face. I have never taken any of it for granted.

“The job (this season) is not over so, let’s rip in and get back to doing what we do but I just wanted to let you all know first that at the end of the season, that will be me (done).”

NRL world pays tribute to Shaun Johnson's storied career

Warriors CEO Cameron George said the beloved halfback has inspired a generation of New Zealanders and has made as big of an impact as anyone to the game. “There’s an entire generation of kids in this country who picked up a rugby league ball because of Shaun Johnson,” George said.

“His impact on not only this club but also rugby league in New Zealand is something that will be remembered here forever. And as talented and amazing as Shaun has been as a player, as a person he’s made just as big an impact here at the Warriors through the years.

“I know Shaun hasn’t made this decision lightly and he will depart with the full support of the club and his peers. Our last home game of the season against the Bulldogs, another sell-out, will be a fitting farewell for him here at Go Media Stadium. We appreciate all that Shaun has done for the club and wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

Johnson announced the news to the wider NRL community in a video message on Instagram, with a number of NRL stars leaving messages of support. “Best to do it bra!!! was an absolute pleasure running off you. much love bra,” former Warriors teammate Josh Curran wrote. Kieran Foran commented: “Love ya cob. One of the best to ever do it." New Zealand teammate Dallin Watene-Zelezniak added: "Congrats on an unreal career brother. Enjoy the next chapter."

Johnson sits fourth on the list of all-time appearances for the Warriors behind Simon Mannering (301), Stacey Jones (261) and Manu Vatuvei (226). He is the Warriors’ record points scorer with 1197 points and is also the club’s second all-time try scorer with 78.

The halfback will be fondly remembered for steering the Warriors to their second grand final appearance as a rookie halfback in 2011. He also guided the New Zealand side to a fairytale preliminary final berth during Andrew Webster's first season as coach last year where he was crowned Dally M Halfback of the Year and missed out on winning the Dally M Medal by one point to Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga. And following his announcement the NRL world was quick to applaud and thank Johnson for his monumental impact on the modern game.