Skipper SJ looking to shine
Showdown in Sydney: Johnson savours opportunity to lead Kiwis in shorter Nines format
Shaun Johnson’s rise to Kiwis captain has come at the perfect time, and in the ideal format. Ahead of the Rugby League World Cup Nines, which kicks off today in Sydney, the Sharks’ halfback was confirmed as New Zealand skipper by coach Michael Maguire.
Although it’s the shortened format — and doesn’t carry the gravitas of a test match — it’s still an honour, and Johnson admitted it was moving when he was given the nod.
“It was a pretty special morning [to be named],” said Johnson. “I’m very honoured. I won’t say it was a dream of mine but when he said the words to me I got a bit emotional, thinking about everything as players we go through to get to this point, and the chance to lead your country is really special.”
Despite his prowess as a player, Johnson hasn’t often being recognised for his leadership qualities.
During his 180-game career at the Warriors he was seen as an individual talent that might not blossom under the burden of captaincy. Johnson also had plenty on his plate; as the face of the team, chief playmaker, halfback and goal kicker, and wasn’t part of the leadership group at the club in the 2018 season.
But Maguire has always backed Johnson, and the 29-year-old admits he has made progress in that area.
“As a person and a player I’ve grown,” said Johnson. “As you get a bit older you view what works and having Madge’s influence, having all those lessons over the years at the Warriors, then coming to the Sharks and growing even more . . . it has been really helpful. I feel comfortable within this role and feel like I don’t need to force it. I’ll just be myself and get around the boys as much as I can.’’
Johnson is also a Nines veteran. He featured in the first three NRL Nines tournaments in Auckland (2014-2016), before missing the last event in 2017 due to injury.
And he was electric, especially with his performances in the inaugural year, as the Warriors reached the semifinals, holding a capacity crowd spellbound, with his dancing, weaving feet. He was
also brilliant in the 2016 edition, as captain, as the Warriors made the final.
“Obviously you draw on experiences like the ones that I had back in Auckland,” said Johnson. “As you get a bit older maybe you can’t do the things you once could on the field but certainly your knowledge of the game and and what’s important to drive [standards] has certainly grown.
“We have a young, exciting side so it gives [me] a good challenge, and everyone who comes in has a chance to step up and really try to take our jersey and put it in a better place. We get the first chance of doing that this weekend.”
The shortened format, with much more space, is tailor-made for Johnson’s flair but there will be science and structure amid the sizzle.
Maguire won the Nines tournament in 2015 with South Sydney, a few months after the Rabbitohs had won the NRL premiership. He’s put an emphasis on a territorial game, especially critical against Australia tonight.
“Everybody loves throwing the footy around and that style but whether that wins you comps, we are yet to see,” said Johnson. “Madge [Maguire] has won a comp with Souths a few years back and he has made me, and the rest of the group, view the Nines in a different way.
“Having that experience that Madge has been through and relaying that back through our game model and how we actually want to play for the Kiwis, it’s very similar, so it will put us in good stead over the next few weeks as well,” he said.