Johnson signs to play on for 14th season in NRL

The One New Zealand Warriors have today confirmed Shaun Johnson has been signed to extend his NRL career to a 14th season in 2024.

The off-contract 32-year-old halfback’s future has been a topic of discussion for several months following his superb start to his first season based back in Auckland after the club’s enforced stay in Australia.

Today’s announcement means Johnson, now in sight of his 250th career appearance, will have an 11th campaign with the One New Zealand Warriors.

“We’ve had ongoing conversations with Shaun about his plans beyond this season,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“The priority for both of us was to let Shaun play, to enjoy his football and to enjoy being back home with his family.

“There was no rush to make a decision but we’re absolutely delighted to have him with us for another season at the club that means everything to him.”

The one-year contract announcement comes at a momentous time for Johnson, just days after celebrating his 200th NRL appearance for the One New Zealand Warriors as well as being on baby watch with his wife Kayla due to give birth to the couple’s second child any day soon.

It also coincides with the veteran playmaker preparing to face his former Cronulla Sutherland side at Go Media Stadium on Sunday (4.00pm kick-off).

“The way Shaun has gone about his football on and off the field this season has been phenomenal,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.

His leadership and ambition to get better has been the driving factor in his and our success this season.

Andrew Webster One New Zealand Warriors head coach

“His leadership and ambition to get better has been the driving factor in his and our success this season.

“He has gone to a completely new level. He had a brilliant offseason and hasn’t slowed down since.

“Everyone can see how happy he is being back home in Auckland and around the club he loves so much. It’s terrific knowing he’s going to have another season with us in 2024, a huge boost for the club.”

As Warrior #168 Johnson, the club’s record points scorer, played 162 times for the One New Zealand Warriors from 2011-2018 before a 44-game stint with Cronulla-Sutherland from 2019-2021.

He has played all 17 games so far this season, scoring 136 points (fifth in the competition) including six tries, the most he has scored in a campaign since 2016 when he finished with 10.

In key statistical areas he ranks fifth for most try assists (16), ninth equal for most line break assists (13), fifth for most line break involvements (12) and he’s the game’s dominant kicker with more metres (8965) and kicks (293) than any other player. His kicking numbers are already ahead of his season totals in any of his previous 12 campaigns.

Even more significantly he has been in career-best defensive form with a 93 per cent efficiency rate.