Johnson: Benji deserved a shot
Halfback Shaun Johnson is grateful to Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney for showing faith in him, but thought Benji Marshall deserved a recall for Friday’s Anzac test in Brisbane.
The big talking point in the lead up to the team selections was whether Marshall would play his first game for the Kiwis since 2012. Kearney ended the debate on that on Thursday, insisting that even if Kieran Foran – who was under an injury cloud – wasn’t available he still wouldn’t pick Marshall.
At the team’s first training run in Brisbane on Monday, Johnson, who admitted himself he hadn’t been having a great season, said he thought Marshall would have been selected.
‘‘It’s awesome to know that they back me and Benji has been playing awesome footy,’’ Johnson said. ‘‘He probably did deserve a shot in the side but that’s not for me to decide, I’m certainly going to grab the opportunity I’ve been given with both hands.’’
Since Johnson won the Golden Boot award last year there has been a high level of expectancy around him and he acknowledged on Monday that he hadn’t lived up to the billling in 2015.
‘‘I’m well aware of what everyone’s saying about me, but for me I’m building and I have been each game,’’ he said. ‘‘I started the season pretty slow and not up to everyone’s expectations once I’d been given that gold boot award.
‘‘But I’m looking to improve every week, although at times I might be frustrated that I’m not there yet, I’m heading in the right direction.’’
Winning the Golden Boot, Johnson said, put him on a pedestal he didn’t feel comfortable standing on.
‘‘A lot of people think I picked myself for that award, like I asked for it or something,’’ he said half smiling. ‘‘At the time I said I was very humble to receive it, but I definitely didn’t think I was the best player in the world.
‘‘I certainly think I played well in the Four Nations and that’s what the award was based on, but since then everyone’s expectations have risen.
‘‘Maybe that’s because everyone thinks I can do something, but I do too, so it’s about improving each week.’’
Australian media have talked up having Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston back in the Kangaroos squad, but Johnson said the Kiwis got a boost with the return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The Roosters fullback turned down the chance to play in the Four Nations, deciding instead to have a rest and a good pre-season for his club. While it was a tough call to make, and one that could have proved costly in terms of future test selections, Tuivasa-Sheck has been outstanding for his club this year.
‘‘It’s really exciting [having him back],’’ Johnson said. ‘‘ The way Roger has been playing and his shift to fullback, he’s delivered on what we all thought he would and he’s still learning.
‘‘To have him back there is going to do wonders for us and to keep a player like Peta Hiku in the side is pretty good too. It’s a good balance at the moment.’’