- NRL fans can’t get enough of Shaun Johnson
- Retired halfback has impressed in his new role
Recently retired NRL star Shaun Johnson has taken the rugby league world by storm in his new commentary role, with footy fans hailing the Warriors legend as the best in the business despite the fact he’s still a TV novice.
The beloved 34-year-old playmaker, who was named the world’s best player in 2014 and retired in 2024, has transitioned into the commentary box incredibly well in a short time since taking a position with Fox League’s coverage of the NRL at the start of the season.
His refreshing style and analysis have earned widespread praise and admiration on social media – particularly after the Warriors-Cowboys match over the weekend.
‘Shaun Johnson the best commentator Australian NRL media has ever had,’ posted one X user.
‘Shaun Johnson is the best thing to happen to rugby league media in such a long time – gotta love him!’ replied another.
‘Shaun Johnson has been a great addition to the @FOXNRL commentary this year. Good analyst with current game experience and relaxed demeanor,’ said a third.
Retired NRL star Shaun Johnson (pictured) has taken the rugby league world by storm in his new television role
Johnson (pictured with wife Kayla) only transitioned from footy player to commentator this year but he’s already become a huge favourite with fans
‘I don’t normally watch the halftime shows, but Shaun Johnson looks like a certified natural and belongs on the Fox League panel,’ posted another.
With the shortage of talented halfbacks in the NRL, there’s been talk that Johnson could make a comeback – but the Kiwi star has shut down talk of a retirement backflip.
‘I’m extremely content with where I’m at,’ he recently told SEN Radio.
‘I love being able to watch as a fan and seeing what the boys are doing week in and week out.
‘There’s no little inkling of me that wants to visit the grind of being in that sport again. I’m loving working alongside people like ‘Brandy’ (Greg Alexander) and the likes at Fox and giving insights into what it’s like from this side.
(I’m enjoying) playing a role in helping our audience understand rugby league a little bit better. I’m passionate about that and I’m loving it at the moment.’
Johnson’s move into the commentary booth follows an outstanding career that saw him play 268 NRL matches, primarily for the Warriors, with a stint at the Sharks and .
Speaking recently to News Corp, Johnson explained that he wants positive energy to be a hallmark of his footy analysis.
Johnson’s refreshing style and analysis have earned him praise on social media
The Warriors legend (pictured during his final game in August last year) racked up 268 NRL matches during a stellar career that saw him named the world’s best player
‘I’ve always been passionate about shining our game in a positive light,’ Johnson said.
‘Now I can’t do that on the field, how can I have an impact and do that off the field?
‘I really want to help educate our audience, help people who are watching at home from the couch understand what it’s like from a player’s point of view.
‘If I can do that by being on a panel and breaking down a certain play — giving our audience a piece of knowledge they didn’t necessarily know before they tuned into our coverage — then that’s a win for me.
