Shaun Johnson’s final home game of his career was an emotional affair from start to finish, with the Warriors honouring their great No.7 with a poignant haka after full-time.
Johnson’s career comes to a close at the end of 2024, with the influential halfback’s final game in Auckland coming during his side’s controversial Round 25 loss to the Bulldogs.
The game began with a round of applause and guard of honour for Johnson, who made his debut in 2011, but arguably the most beautiful moment of the night came after the full time whistle when the entire Warriors squad gathered for a post-game haka in honour of their halfback.
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Former Warrior Adam Blair was also seen joining in the haka, a sign of Johnson’s standing in the game.
Speaking to Fox League post-game, Johnson described the haka as “really special.”
“They’re the boys that you just want to earn their respect and I care about them so much and ( to feel that from them it was special,” he said.
Asked if he could sum up the emotional night up, Johnson said; “I don’t know if I can.”
“Just the reception. Obviously our current situation as a team isn’t ideal but the love that we’ve felt is unmatched.
“Just extremely humbled by it.”
Speaking of his final walk out at Go Media Stadium, the 33-year-old said “it buckled me.”
“It was a special moment that myself and my family will look back on for sure.”
