Warriors player Shaun Johnson fights back tears as he walks onto Mount Smart for the final time. Photo: Photosport
Shaun Johnson's daughter Millah exclaimed she wanted to go home as he gave his final interview as a Warrior on Friday night in the Mount Smart changing sheds.
She was done with the emotional farewell, ready for dad to walk away, and so was Johnson.
- Watch: Shaun Johnson speaks to RNZ
Asked if he had any second thoughts about his retirement decision, the Prince of Penrose didn't hesitate.
"F*** no. I am so sore right now. I can't remember being this busted."
The final chapter of the Johnson story was scripted like much of his 10-year-career with the Warriors - beginning with promise, but ending in heartache with a 34-18 loss to the Bulldogs.
Johnson conceded that it had been a tough year.
"People can say what they want about the decision, but ultimately I'm so content with it. I would have loved to win tonight and that's probably the only disappointment that I feel, it sucks not winning, but it is what it is. I've still got so much to smile about, that's certainly what i'll focus on."
'Magic' Johnson was given an entrance worthy of his nickname, emerging to near 25,000 fans on their feet as he fought back tears with his family by his side.
"Emotional, f*** it hit me aye, I didn't know what was going on as you could tell because I dropped the ball in the first set. But having all the people who have played such a massive part in my career here, it's meant the world to me."
Warriors player Shaun Johnson and family walks out for his last game. Warriors v Bulldogs. NRL Rugby League. Go Media Mt Smart Stadium. Photo: Photosport
The adoration for Johnson embarrassed him at times, with the stadium temporarily named after the Warriors wizard for last night's match.
"They said it enough, like man, you can calm down with it now, we get it," he joked.
"We never play this game thinking you will have things like that happen to you. It's just surreal, something I will never forget."
Johnson admitted he did not feel anywhere near the player he was capable of, which made the decision to walk away an easier one.
The former Golden Boot winner was still coming to terms with the impact he has had on so many.
"I actually don't know what to say about it, it's a crazy position to be in when you get people so passionate about you. I wish I could have got to everyone around the whole stadium."
In another touching tribute, a starstruck little girl gifted her hero a children's book she had helped write and illustrate.
"It's little things like that, I just still can't believe people feel the way they feel about me. I will read that to my daughters, and hopefully they remember moments like this, if not I will be pulling up YouTube and reminding them that daddy was once cool."
But no cold feet for Johnson, though they may have been slightly chilly as he walked off Mount Smart for the last time having given his boots to a young fan.
Warriors player Shaun Johnson with fans and supporters after the game on 23 August, 2024. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
