Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.<\/p>\n
A little more than a week ago, Shaun Johnson took to the stage to accept three awards at the Warriors\u2019 presentation night.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me to be up here right now is crazy,\u201d Johnson told the audience.<\/p>\n
\u201cFar out, it\u2019s crazy because this time last year, how different the situation was for me personally, for the club. I didn\u2019t think it was what the Warriors needed, for me to come back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson did return, and what a comeback it has been. Having won the Simon Mannering Medal as the club\u2019s best player, there is every chance he could yet finish the season with the Dally M Medal around his neck. And maybe even a premiership ring.<\/p>\n
Some in the crowd at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland felt Johnson\u2019s acceptance speech was among the best they had witnessed. In it, he thanked his teammates, coaches and family for helping him to resurrect a career that was seemingly on the scrapheap.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s purely just what I wanted in my heart,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cI wanted to come back here and when I thought about winning, this was the place where I wanted to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Shaun Johnson has been at the heart of a remarkable season for the Warriors.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty<\/cite><\/p>\n Johnson made special mention of Warriors chief executive Cameron George, alluding to a difficult conversation they had, alongside then interim coach Stacey Jones, last year.<\/p>\n When the trio sat down at a coffee shop in Redcliffe to discuss Johnson\u2019s playing future, ahead of the Warriors\u2019 homecoming game against West Tigers, the halfback wasn\u2019t sure he had one.<\/p>\n Homesick after living away from home due to COVID, with the critics lambasting his performances, Johnson contemplated retirement.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the end of the day, I\u2019m sure it crossed his mind, absolutely,\u201d George said. \u201cThere were plenty of people on the outside calling for it. He was getting grenades thrown at him left, right and centre. It just shows his resilience that he got through it.<\/p>\n Johnson\u2019s tally of 27 try assists this season is a career high.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty<\/cite><\/p>\n \u201cHe was in a pretty dark space; it was a tough period in his life with his wife and family.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was doing it pretty tough and we had a pretty confronting conversation that day about life and what he wants out of it. Ultimately, he had to make that decision and he backed himself, which is a tremendous credit to him.\u201d<\/p>\n At the age of 32, Johnson is now producing arguably the best form of his career. The rebound hasn\u2019t been lost on his rivals: earlier this year, Wests Tigers attempted to lure him back across the Tasman on a two-year deal. Instead, the former Cronulla playmaker recommitted to the Warriors until at least the end of 2024.<\/p>\n Not that it has all been smooth sailing. Johnson was ruled out of the Warriors\u2019 biggest game to date, last week\u2019s opening finals loss to Penrith. The club is hopeful he will overcome a calf injury in time to take his place in the semi-final against Newcastle at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday.<\/p>\n \u201cShaun has progressed well this week undergoing various training scenarios. He trained well this morning [Wednesday] by himself,\u201d the Warriors said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cTomorrow Shaun will not train with the team to enable him to have the best preparation for game day on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n After watching him burst onto the scene as a carefree spirit, George has witnessed Johnson evolve into a family man who has matured on and off the field.<\/p>\n \u201cAbove all, what I saw [at the presentation] night was a man who cared for his club and his teammates,\u201d George said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe made the decision to play on this year to try to help them. If he dreamed of winning, it was only ever here at the Warriors. That shows his resilience, passion and care for the club and teammates, which is a wonderful attribute.\u201d<\/p>\n Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on <\/b>9Now<\/b>.<\/b><\/p>\n Sports news, results and expert commentary. <\/i><\/b>Sign up for our Sport newsletter<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Most Viewed in Sport<\/h2>\n
From our partners<\/h3>\n