Shaun Johnson is looking forward to his second chapter at the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images
Shaun Johnson is looking forward to his second chapter at the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images
Shaun Johnson admits he has some unfinished business at the Warriors, though redemption wasn't a driving force behind his return.
The halfback left the club in dramatic circumstances in November 2018, after the Warriors hierarchy had publicly questioned his ongoing value and ability to deliver.
It was shoddy treatment ofa senior player and led to a relationship breakdown, which eventually resulted in Johnson seeking an early release to link with Cronulla.
At the time it seemed unlikely that Johnson would ever play for his hometown club again but he is back, in something of a Boy's Own return.
His transfer has captured the imagination and Johnson, while stressing that he won't be looking back, will enjoy a second chapter.
"There are certain elements to that I can agree with," said Johnson, when asked if he had unfinished business with the Warriors. "Like how I left and not really being able to say goodbye the way I would have wanted to, to the playing group, the staff and the fans.
"But I'm not coming back to seek any sort of closure. I'm coming back because I truly believe that we can do something special with the group that's assembled here and this is the best place for me to be at this point in my career."
Shaun Johnson isn't looking back. Photo / Photosport
While Johnson tried to downplay the sentimental aspect of his return, it has been emotional. After spending two weeks in isolation in Brisbane, the reality that he was a Warrior again hit home on Monday.
"I got my kit bag in the car and I left quarantine," said Johnson. "And the first thing I did was I went home and tried my kit on and looked in the mirror.
"It was like my first day of school. It was a bit of disbelief that I was actually back, being able to wear this kit again."
That feeling extended to Tuesday, when he trained for the first time with his new teammates at the Warriors' base in Redcliffe.
"I got up and spoke to the boys and I got a little choked up," said Johnson. "Just thinking about the journey I've been on and then just ending up right back here."
But beyond the emotion, Johnson is focused.
He believes the club has a good platform to launch and wants to play a big part, while getting the best out of the players around him, which starts in pre-season.
"I'm not trying to promise anything or speed anything up but I know the success you will see, throughout next season, it starts right now for us."
Johnson feels he has changed significantly since he was last at the Warriors, after three seasons with the Sharks.
"Mentally I've grown in leaps and bounds," said Johnson. "The application I've put into the mental side of the game and understanding what my best performance looks like.
"That's probably the biggest gain I've had. Physically I've had my struggles at times, but mentally my application, detail and understanding of what winning football looks like is pretty clear."
Shaun Johnson in action for the Warriors in 2018. Photo / Photosport
While his excitement is clear, the most challenging aspect of Johnson's return is leaving wife Kayla and daughter Millah back in Auckland.
"It was by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do," said Johnson. "It wasn't a nice feeling. But this is just the cards that not just us, but a lot of people have been dealt in this current climate.
"When I signed it was with the intentions of us being based in New Zealand, but things have unfolded the way they've unfolded and we've all I guess, reacted and responded accordingly."
Johnson is immensely proud of his former Silver Fern wife, who plans to return to elite level netball next season, after taking time away to start a family.
"It's bittersweet me leaving because the reason they can't come is for Kayla's career. That's the sole reason that they're not here right now and I'm fully supportive of that," said Johnson.
"It's the silver lining in this. You miss your family. I miss my little girl. But knowing Millah is going to watch her mom play and be in the stands and get to go out on the court after a game ... it's all these little things that add up to making this whole sacrifice worth it."
