LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Shaun Johnson, the star player of the NZ Warriors, has had an exceptional 2023 season, which was recognized with three awards at the club's annual ceremony.
The most prestigious of these awards is the Simon Mannering Medal, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Warriors.
In addition to this, Johnson was also named the players' player of the year, as voted by his teammates, and won the One New Zealand People's Choice award, which was voted on by the public.
This triumphant sweep of awards comes just days before Johnson's 33rd birthday and coincides with the Warriors' return to the NRL finals after a five-year absence.
By receiving the premier award, Johnson follows in the footsteps of the legendary Stacey Jones, who was the only other halfback to win this accolade in the club's history, back in 1997.
With his outstanding performance throughout the season, Johnson is also considered a strong contender for the prestigious Dally M Medal, which recognizes the NRL's player of the year.
He has been in sublime form since returning home after the 2018 season, playing in almost every minute of the Warriors' games, with just 22 minutes of rest in the first 23 matches of the campaign.