Shortest retirement in history? New Zealand star Shaun Johnson set to answer SOS for Kiwi outfit facing injury crisis

He played his final NRL game just over two weeks ago, but Kiwi legend Shaun Johnson could come out of retirement after his country sent an SOS because of an injury crisis.

Johnson had a decorated career that included 268 first grade games and played for his country 32 times before hanging up the boots at the end of this year’s NRL season.

But with The Pacific Championships to kick off at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on October 18, New Zealand coach Stacey Jones has revealed he asked Johnson to keep training ahead of one final national callup.

The Kiwis have a shopping list of injuries and unavailable players in the halves and hooking positions, including Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Joey Manu (rugby union), Brandon Smith (knee) and Jeremy Marshall-King (knee).

Johnson has been sounded out by Kiwis coach Stacey Jones to come out of retirement 

Wellington-born Newcastle utility Phoenix Crossland is in line for a callup while New Zealand is sweating on Melbourne Storm superstar Jahrome Hughes getting through the NRL finals series unscathed.

Which is why Jones has kept Johnson on standby for one final hurrah for the Kiwis.

‘With Dylan Brown, Brandon Smith, Jeremy Marshall-King and Kieran Foran needing surgery, we’re searching for options now,’ Jones told News Corp.

‘I’ve certainly entertained the idea of Shaun [coming out of retirement].

‘He’s decided to retire and his last game was his last game, but has said to me that I can give him a call.

‘I’ve only had brief conversations with Shaun, but in the next week or so, we’ll catch up.

‘He said he’d keep himself training, so we’ll talk more in depth when the time comes.’

Johnson had an emotional farewell at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland before heading back to Australia to beat his former club Cronulla to finish his glittering NRL career at the end of the regular season.

Johnson, pictured with his family, has kept training and is open to a recall to the national side

He spoke at the time about how difficult it would be to adjust ahead of that last appearance in front of his home supporters. 

‘I just know I’ll miss it… I already have the feelings of what it’s going be like coming here for one last time this weekend,’ he said.

‘It’s going to be sad that I don’t come here in this capacity anymore.

‘It’s just the best feeling… running out to a place that you love and care about so much.

‘To feel the type of love and warmth coming straight back at you, from a crowd that just rides every bit of momentum with you, the ups, the downs, that celebrates like no other.

Jones confirmed there would be such SOS going to outgoing Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu, who has signed a year-long deal with Japanese union side Toyota Verblitz.  

‘Joey [being available] was one of the first things I tried to find out when I got the job,’ Jones said.

‘He made it clear, which I understand, that he’s committed to going to rugby.’