Retired halfback Shaun Johnson has been confirmed to return to the rugby league field for the New Zealand Kiwis for the upcoming 2024 Pacific Championships.
Aiming to defend their title after last year's upset against the Australian Kangaroos, the Kiwis have undergone a coaching change, withย Stacey Jonesย taking over the coaching reigns fromย Michael Maguire.
As Jones attempts to get his coaching career started in the best way possible, it has been confirmed that Shaun Johnson will make his return for the upcoming 2024 Pacific Championships.
Johnson's return to the field comes after 2024 Dally M medallist Jahrome Hughes was ruled out of the tournament due to a neck injury, opening up a vacant spot in the Kiwis squad.
Hanging up the boots on hisย NRLย career at the end of this season, Johnson hasn't played for the Kiwis since 2019 when he scored one try against Great Britain in Christchurch in a 23-8 victory.
โOn top of all the other withdrawals, it was a big setback to lose Jahrome, but that has now turned into a real positive with Shaun deciding to step in,โ said Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones.
โHe originally said he wouldn't be available after announcing his retirement from the NRL, but with Jahrome being ruled out, Shaun didn't hesitate when asked to help out his country.
โHe'll bring so much to the camp through his presence together with his experience and his leadership.โ
New Zealand Squad
Erin Clarkย (Gold Coast Titans)
Phoenix Crosslandย (Newcastle Knights)*
James Fisher-Harrisย (Penrith Panthers)
Peta Hikuย (Hull Kingston Rovers)
Jamayne Isaakoย (The Dolphins)
Keano Kiniย (Gold Coast Titans)*
Casey McLeanย (Penrith Panthers)*
Griffin Neameย (North Queensland Cowboys)
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstadย (New Zealand Warriors)
Kodi Nikorimaย (The Dolphins)
Marata Niukoreย (New Zealand Warriors)
Isaiah Papali'iย (Penrith Panthers)
Jordan Rikiย (Brisbane Broncos)*
Scott Sorensenย (Penrith Panthers)
Shaun Johnson (Retired)
Joseph Tapineย (Canberra Raiders)
Leo Thompsonย (Newcastle Knights)
Matthew Timokoย (Canberra Raiders)
Trent Toelauย (Penrith Panthers)*
Will Warbrickย (Melbourne Storm)*
Naufahu Whyteย (Sydney Roosters)*
*Denotes debutant.
Fixtures
October 18:ย Australiaย vsย Tongaย at Suncorp Stadium, Queensland
October 27:ย New Zealandย vsย Australiaย at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
November 2:ย New Zealandย vsย Tongaย at Go Media Stadium, Auckland
November 10: Pacific Championships Grand Final, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
