Shaun Johnson Leads Warriors to Last-Minute Victory in Final Game

Shaun Johnson concluded his illustrious NRL career with a thrilling comeback victory for the New Zealand Warriors against the Cronulla Sharks, winning 30-28 in a match held at PointsBet Stadium.

In a remarkable display, Johnson made a decisive impact in the final minute of the game by delivering a perfect cut-out pass to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, allowing him to score the winning try. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the end of a challenging season for the Warriors.

The Sharks initially dominated the first half, leading 22-4 at halftime, but Johnson played a pivotal role in inspiring his team’s resurgence in the match. He began the scoring with a characteristic display of skill, setting up the first try for Luke Metcalf shortly after the kickoff.

As the game progressed, Johnson’s influence was evident as he contributed to several key plays, including a well-placed grubber kick that enabled Watene-Zelezniak to score one of his three tries.

In the final moments, while fighting to regain a lead, Johnson’s relentless effort and playmaking skills shone through. Following a Sharks error, Johnson was instrumental, touching the ball on nearly every play in the final attacking set for the Warriors.

Following the thrilling conclusion, Johnson expressed his emotions during an on-field presentation, reflecting on the significance of the match as his last game in the NRL.

For the Cronulla Sharks, this loss could have substantial implications for their upcoming finals position, possibly eliminating their chances for a top-four finish in the league.