The ‘Godfather’ of New Zealand halfbacks claims Test rookie Shaun Johnson has all the tools to be a Kiwi great – but warned him to prepare for a brutal initiation to international rugby league on Friday night.
With just 23 NRL games under his belt, Johnson’s ascension to the New Zealand side for the Eden Park clash against Australia has come quicker than expected, but it was one that was always a matter of when, and not if, according to former Kiwi skipper Stacey Jones.
The man widely acknowledged as New Zealand’s greatest halfback has taken a keen interest in Johnson’s rapid rise to the Test ranks – and says his steep learning curve will head vertical when he takes on the Kangaroos.
“He’s got all the ingredients to make a great player – he’s still learning the game but you can just tell his natural ability is outstanding,” Jones told AAP.
“This week, being in camp with the Kiwis, is going to be hugely beneficial for him, learning off the likes of Benji (Marshall), Jeremy Smith, Adam Blair.
“This is a Test match environment and he’s going to have to go out there and perform, but it’s going to be hugely beneficial for the rest of this season and career.”
There is plenty of interest in how Johnson will combine with the equally fleet-footed and free-spirited Marshall, but it’s at the other end of the paddock that the 21-year-old will face his toughest challenge.
Australia will be sure to send plenty of traffic his way on the edge of the Kiwi defence, and there will be no place to hide either.
On one wide side, he would be giving up 22kg to Sam Thaiday, while the other is even scarier with 34kg separating Johnson’s frame with that of Kangaroos debutant David Taylor.
“It happens – you’ve just got to expect it,” Jones said of being targeted.
“You can’t hide from it – attitude-wise you’ve just got to muscle up and do your best and it’s the guys around them that will have to help them out as well.”
Another aspect of Johnson’s Test call-up that has Jones smiling is that it has revealed the growing depth in New Zealand football, with regular playmaker Kieran Foran unavailable due to injury.
Jones said the days of New Zealand having to manufacture halves – like they did in his day when the Kiwis were forced to use centres Nigel Vagana and Willie Talau in the No.6 jumper – were over.
“We certainly didn’t have the luxury of picking three players of this calibre in the one position,” Jones said.
“It’s unfortunate for Kieran, but it’s up to someone like Shaun now to put his hand up and say ‘I’m going to handle Test footy’ and put pressure on whoever else there is.”