From the highs of claiming last year’s title with a resounding win over arch rivals Australia, to being locked in a life-and-death battle against a relatively unknown upstart – the hopes of avoiding an ignominious relegation will inevitably rest on the shoulders of New Zealand’s favourite son Shaun Johnson.
With Johnson confirming this Sunday’s promotion-relegation match against the PNG Kumuls to stay in the Pacific Cup will definitely be his last, he will still hold the key to victory. The only player in the squad to have faced the Kumuls before, his experience and the desire of his team-mates to send him out on a high are helping to ensure the Kiwi side lifts for the occasion.
“It was pretty cool when I saw that Shaun Johnson was going to be in camp, I've got a photo of him from when I was 12 years old,” Kiwi forward Griffin Neame said.
“I loved him when I was growing up and when I saw he was going to be in here, it was pretty special.
“I was a bit starstruck at first, but he's a really good fella and he's a really big leader and he's been awesome for us younger guys.
“We haven't talked about it too much (about it being his last game), but I know everyone deep down will be feeling that.
"I know as it gets closer to the game, we'll probably have more conversations, but it's going to be a big one, his last game, so there's a lot on the line and I'm sure the whole team will be really keen to do a good job for him.”
As for the team’s mindset was like after being thrown into promotion-relegation playoff the Pacific Cup, veteran Kodi Nikorima was keen to downplay any talk of extra pressure, but said the side were preparing well to face the relatively unknown Kumuls side who were gunning for their Pacific Cup spot.
“Preparations have been really good," Nikorima said.
“Obviously, disappointed that we're not playing in the main game, but in saying that, it's always an honour to represent your country.
“We've prepped really well, obviously got to give the opposition the respect they deserve.
“They’ve played some pretty tough games and they come away with some good wins, so it's not going to be easy, we know that.
“We have got to turn up ready to go.
“To be honest, we haven't sort of spoken about what type of game it is, it's another game where we get to represent our country, our people.
“That's at the front of your minds when you go into a game. I think the rest of it will take care of itself.
“It's always a big game when you put on this jersey and pretty keen to run out this Sunday.”
Speaking about his own thoughts on the retiring Johnson, Nikorima was hoping to see his former roomie finish his career with a win to keep the Kiwis in the top tier of the competition.
“I was fortunate enough to room with Shauny I think it was a 2018 tour, so that was a cool experience in itself … obviously it's his last game, hopefully we can see some SJ magic for that last hurrah,” Nikorima said.
“I am just glad I get to be next to him when he does play his final game.
“That's pretty cool.”
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