Could Shaun Johnson return to NRL for a half season?

Following Shaun Johnson’s return to NRL through the Pacific Championship, many are wondering if his career is truly over.

The former Warriors star retired at the end of the 2024 season, however was quick to take the opportunity to return to the field, representing New Zealand.

Following the Kiwi vs Australia game which saw Johnson make a real impact, Joel Caine and Bryan Fletcher discussed bringing the star out of retirement.

“If you’re a rugby league club, you’re knocking on his door, aren’t you? Aren’t you offering him whatever he wants?,” Fletcher said on SEN 1170 The Run Home.

The two discuss the idea of bringing the halfback out for just half a season, encouraging clubs to sign him for just 12 games.

“Would you say; Shaun all I need you for is 12 games a year,” Fletcher added.

“Why can't you do that? Why do we have to sign every player to play maximum games?,” Caine said on SEN 1170 The Run Home.

Fletcher suggested allowing older players to choose their own time frames would allow for greater opportunities for both players and clubs at large, allowing legends like Johnson to continue on for longer.

“He is probably retiring because he thinks he can’t do 26 games again so lets get an option where we can use him.”

“He was a little bit rusty early on but he got back into the groove.”

“He can’t retire.”