The 'Prince of Penrose' will run out onto the field at Mount Smart for the last time on Friday night. Photo: Photosport
From humble beginnings to NRL stardom, Shaun Johnson's journey is a true rugby league fairytale. As the 'Prince of Penrose' prepares to run out in front of a sellout crowd at Mount Smart for the last time on Friday night, Liam Swiggs counts down 10 of the moments that showcase Johnson's exceptional talent and saw him capture the hearts of fans across the NRL.
Mesmerising the Melbourne Storm to make the 2011 NRL Grand Final
In Warriors history, it doesn't get much sweeter than defeating the Melbourne Storm in an elimination final; and while 2008's Manu Vatuvei to Michael Witt stunner is possible the most freakish game-winning moment between the two sides in playoff footy, Shaun Johnson's 2011 game-winner was probably the most graceful.
Dancing across the Storm's defensive line showing and passing at least four different defenders before setting up Lewis Brown in the corner for a try in the 77th minute, Johnson helped lock the Warriors into their second ever NRL Grand Final.
One of the greatest ever solo tries: Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos 2011
In quite possibly one of the most freakish solo tries of all time, a very young and inexperienced Johnson stamped his name on the NRL as he completely dissected the Brisbane Broncos defence.
Bursting out of nowhere off a pass from Russel Packer, Johnson found himself stepping around the likes of Sam Thaiday and three other defenders, before absolutely burning Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Locker and the rest of the Brisbane backline one by one, only to streak back in field and score next to the posts in what could be one of the most beautiful pieces of rugby league ever.
A last-minute try against England to make 2013 Rugby League World Cup final
With the score sitting at 18-16 following a back-and-forth tussle throughout the entirety of the semi-final match - and with just 30 seconds left on the clock - Johnson dummied and stepped his way around England's defenders to score a try and send the Kiwis into the World Cup Final in the most emphatic fashion of all time.
SJ scores quickest NRL hat trick (at the time): Warriors vs Raiders, 2013
It's no secret Johnson loves to score against the Canberra Raiders - whether it's field goals in overtime, conversions from the sidelines or a try under the posts... he's done it all.
But rewind to August 2013; Johnson tore the Raiders apart, scoring a second-half hat trick in just six minutes - an NRL record at the time.
The Warriors went on to defeat the Raiders 50-16, with Johnson contributing 26 points - pocketing 14 off the boot with 7 successful conversions.
Shocking the Sharks with some SJ magic in the 78th minute: 2015
With the Sharks camped down in the Warriors half leading 16-14, and just two minutes to go, Cronulla seemed to have the game in the bag.
That is, until a legendary Ryan Hoffman charge down, dishing the ball to Johnson on the right edge of the Sharks' 30m line. The halfback ran past six players across the defensive line until he reached the left edge, suddenly stepping back in off his left foot to pass Ben Barber and score next to the posts - stealing the game from his future club.
Golden point in overtime: Warriors vs Penrith, 2016
On a rainy night at Mt Smart, and with the Warriors struggling to get the overtime formula right, Johnson took things into his own hands.
The field goal seemed an impossible task, but after dropping back in the pocket about 20m out, Johnson looked set to take a shot. Instead, as the Panthers defence rushed up, he faked them out and in classic Johnson fashion, sidestepped the team's forward pack and sliced up the middle - stealing the game with a rare golden point try.
Golden Boot winner carves up Australia in the Four Nations: 2014
Arguably Johnson's 'golden' year came in 2014, as he was awarded the Golden Boot for International Rugby League Player of the Year.
He finally got to apply his vision and knowledge in the biggest arena of the game, when the Kiwis played Australia.
After defeating the Kangaroos 30-12 in the opening round of the Four Nationals at Suncorp, the Kiwis were riding an absolute high thanks to a dominant Johnson.
They went on to seal the deal a few weeks later in the final, when Johnson's raw pace and footwork saw him past Greg Inglis to score one of his best ever tries in the black jumper - and secure a 22-18 win for the Kiwis.
The beginning: A remarkable career in the Toyota Cup
Johnson's time with the Under 20s Warriors was an important chapter in his journey towards becoming a star player.
Joining in 2009, he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting talents Kiwi league fans had seen since Stacey Jones. His electrifying speed, exceptional ball-handling skills, graceful footwork and expert decision-making made him a standout performer.
MVP of the inaugural Nines
The condensed 18-minute version of rugby league known as the 'Nines' was best suited to fast and skillful attacking players - perfect for the likes of Johnson.
On the very first day of the inaugural Nines tournament, played at Auckland's Eden Park, Johnson set the place alight; walking away with four bonus zone tries and a stack of try assists.
Though the Warriors ended up bowing out in the semi-final to eventual winners North Queensland, Johnson's performance earned him the title of the first-ever MVP of the tournament.
Resurgence: The entire 2023 Warriors season
In what could be called one of the best seasons ever in a Warriors jersey, Johnson got the near-fairytale comeback season he deserved.
The Warriors' 2023 season was nothing short of historic and inspiring, littered with classic Johnson moments throughout the year.
Returning to New Zealand with a renewed sense of purpose and determination after the pandemic-induced NRL 'bubble', Johnson's performances in the team's first year at home were nothing short of exceptional - helping launch the infamous 'Up The Wahs' movement that saw the entire country jump on the Warriors bandwagon for the first time in over a decade.
Unfortunately the elusive Grand Final victory wasn't to be, with the Warriors coming up one short in the preliminary final.
Johnson walked away with the Halfback of the Year award - and narrowly missed out on the Dally M Play of the Year - in what might be the most complete season in his career.
