LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Shaun Johnson, the 33-year-old veteran of the NZ Warriors, has had a rollercoaster of a week.
After narrowly missing out on the prestigious Dally M Medal, he has now been crowned The Players' Champion by his fellow rugby league players.
According to a report by warriors.kiwi, Johnson beat out tough competition from his teammate Addin Fonua-Blake, as well as Brisbane's Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, and Reece Walsh.
The Players' Champion award is considered the highest honor for NRL players, and it is judged on a weekly basis throughout the season by the players themselves.
Johnson's exceptional performance throughout the 2023 season has earned him this accolade.
In his 25 appearances, he managed to score eight tries, which is his best record in a season since 2016.
Additionally, he led all players with a career-best 29 try assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Furthermore, he had 20 line break involvements, which was also the highest in the season.
This recognition highlights Johnson's consistency and impact on the field.
Despite not winning the Dally M Medal, being voted The Players' Champion by his peers is a testament to his skill and contribution to the sport.
As a seasoned player, Johnson's performance in the 2023 season has proven that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.