"I guess seeing the boys play on TV, and missing the training camps and just the fun you have on those tours, I definitely wish I could be part of it. But at the end of the day, I have to think about what's best for me and my body. I still hope to wear the black jersey some day, but for now, I'm more focused on next year with the Warriors."
Twelve months ago, playing for the Kiwis was the furthest thing from Johnson's mind. Hampered by the same chronic back complaint that still ails him, his only ambition was somehow to get back on the park.
"My whole focus was just getting right and playing league again," he reflects. "I didn't train the whole pre-season and missed the first five games with this injury. Once I started playing, I had to re-evaluate my goals, but to play 16 games and be part of a side that went to the grand final was more than I ever could have asked for."
Johnson realised the international season was a time to consolidate, not run the tank dry.
Rehabilitation on his back is running its course. Some days are better than others and it's more a matter of managing the injury than seeking a quick fix.
"It's OK, the same as it's always been," Johnson sighs. "I don't think it's serious enough for surgery. We've spoken to spinal surgeons and doctors, and they're pretty supportive of how we're dealing with it. Only rest and plenty of core-strengthening work can really heal it. Hopefully, I'll just wake up one day and [the pain] won't be there.
"I don't want to be rude, but making the Kiwis was never a target of mine this year. It was simply to play for the Warriors, to play consistent footie and keep my spot each week. To be selected for the Kiwis was so overwhelming. It was just exciting to be considered for that level and I didn't expect it, to be honest. It's definitely still a dream of mine."
Perhaps his absence was made easier knowing the Kiwis were already blessed with depth in the halves. Skipper Benji Marshall was named Kiwi Player of the Year this week and shortlisted as Player of the Year by the Rugby League International Federation, while both he and Manly's Kieran Foran contested honours in the stand-off position.
With versatile veterans Thomas Leuluai and Nathan Fien also lurking, Johnson may have struggled for game time in the Four Nations anyway. But if he had doubts, the youngster was reassured by a phone call from Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney.
"He was really good and said he admired my decision to pull out.
"It gave me confidence I would be there one day."
While the Warriors' personnel enjoy a break of a few weeks before reassembling, McClennan has yet to touch base with Johnson but is already happy with his attitude as he takes over the reins of the NRL runners-up.
"I was impressed with his decision," says McClennan.
"I thought it was a mature decision for a young man to make and not many guys his age could have done it.
"It shows he has a lot of clarity on what he wants to achieve."
