Pacific Rugby League Championship: Why Shaun Johnson plays without pressure, surprising Kiwis with swan song

“I don’t feel it (right now), whether it’s true or not, I don’t care… I’m here to have fun, to make the most of every opportunity I get in this jersey, because honestly, I didn’t think that it will happen again.

“To me, it’s like bonus minutes, like the free tokens you get at slot machines when you win a few games.”

This kind of thinking shows his maturity and stage of life. Johnson has generally performed well at international level in 32 Tests since 2012, but has fallen short of expectations at times, especially when his club form has not been optimal.

He will still be the focus despite the inexperience of the entire team and his past record, although there will be some leeway, especially given his physical condition.

Although he ended his Warriors chapter on a high against the Cronulla Sharks, Johnson endured a difficult NRL campaign, coping with a host of injury problems.

He has had a “short and sharp pre-season block” since his place was confirmed but it will be a big challenge to play potentially three test matches in three weeks if the Kiwis reach the Pacific Championship final.

“All my nitpicks are still there, I don’t expect to come here and feel like a rose,” Johnson said. “(But) I’ll be more than happy to go this weekend. I wouldn’t be on the field if I didn’t think I could make an impact.”

When the New Zealanders put on their uniforms for the first time on Monday – ahead of a photo shoot at a central Christchurch city hotel – Johnson admitted it was a “surreal” feeling to be back in that environment, something he never expected.

There were several conversations with New Zealand coach Stacey Jones before the last phone call two weeks ago.

“He found himself in a difficult situation,” Johnson explained. “I made it very clear that I haven’t done much work and I need to move on. He said, “Here you will do me a great service.”

Sunday’s clash against the Kangaroos (18/05) will be particularly special, marking his first appearance for the Kiwis since 2019. That gap was exacerbated by Covid: there were no Test matches in 2020 or 2021, but Johnson missed out on selection for the 2022 World Cup and was then unavailable. at the Pacific Championships last year.

“It was always the absolute pinnacle of what I could do,” Johnson said. “Organically, I got over the stretch where I got away from it.

“I didn’t feel the need to go back to that space. I was really pleased with where the Kiwis were, the depth they had, especially the halves.

“It’s a little unexpected. But my feelings about the shirt hadn’t changed, so I told Stace, “Come on, bro, I’m in.”

The Kiwis will be underdogs – without eight or nine players – against a typically strong and experienced Kangaroos side. But the home team will be helped by the sold-out crowd in Christchurch, which will create a great atmosphere in the cramped arena. It will also bring back memories for Johnson, whose last international performance was also in the Garden City in 2019.

“It was a great night,” Johnson recalled of the 23-8 win over Great Britain. “I would love to go out there and add to it. But no matter what happens, I am a different version of myself standing here now, and these are moments I will treasure forever.”

Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup and America’s Cup campaigns.