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As a half-back for the Warriors, Shaun Johnson is the first person to admit that when it comes to technology, he isn’t exactly an expert. “I’m not really a ‘techy’ person” laughs the young Rugby League player, before adding that, like most Kiwis, it doesn’t stop him from getting a kick out of having the latest digital devices.
It’s been an eventful few years for Shaun, who has gone from strength to strength since signing with the Warriors in 2009, breaking records left right and centre and becoming NZ Rugby League’s greatest test points scorer in 2017. Although he’s best known for his achievements on the field, the half-back saying that his spare time has been dedicated to renovations on his brand new home.
“We moved into this house about a year and a half ago,” says Shaun of the light and airy place he shares with partner Kayla, and English Bulldog Ella, in Auckland’s beachy eastern suburbs. Modern yet refined, the couple wanted to create a space that was “new, but not so flash you can’t relax and enjoy it!”
Anyone who has attempted renovations knows that it can be tough at the best of times, but as a Samsung ambassador Shaun says having access to the latest smart appliances and devices is making the process a breeze. While he may not be a tech-expert, the player gave away that having top of the line devices and appliances certainly made him feel like one.
For Shaun, “a typical day is a training day”, which kicks off at 7am, which includes fieldwork, physio and weights in the afternoon. Despite being a star on the field, when it comes to relaxing at home Shaun is like any other guy who loves nothing more than settling down in front of the Smart TV for some Netflix.
“Once I get home at around 4pm it’s all about relaxing. The QLED TV is most my used smart device in the house – The 4K resolution when watching Netflix isn’t the worst!
Whether it’s the home of a Warriors half-back or not, chores always have to be done, but with smart appliances, Shaun says it’s almost too easy to keep on top of things.
“The Powerbot robot vacuum is the real game changer. Ella (my dog) is always shedding layers of hair all over our wooden floors, so it’s awesome to have a vacuum cleaner that you can control with with your phone.”
In order to fuel a top athlete, you need a lot of food, so it’s no surprise that one of the player’s favourite appliances is the Family Hub fridge. “The shopping list feature is so handy,” says Shaun, “if there are any generic groceries we things we need we just tap it onto the list on the screen. That then gets sent to our phones, so we can easily check what we need, even if we’re already at the shops. Ideal.”
Although, when it comes to his favourite thing about the smart fit-out, the young player says that apart from getting a notification when he leaves the fridge open, “always happens” he laughs, he loved how modern the new devices make his home feel.
As for what’s next, the rugby player says his focus is on staying in tip-top shape and constantly looking for ways to improve his game. While personally, the couple are excitedly putting their time into creating their dream home.
“We already have the smart appliances, so it shouldn’t be too hard!”
To follow Shaun and Kayla’s progress on their new home, check out their Instagram profile at @thehousebythebay.
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