Another elite player has been let go by the New Zealand Warriors.

Shaun Johnson, a halfback for the New Zealand Warriors, has announced his retirement.

At the conclusion of this season, he will conclude his 14-year NRL career as a player.

Johnson, who turns 34 next month, made his decision earlier today and then made it known to the world tonight.

“I’ve been thinking about this decision for a while, and I think I’m still coming to terms with it,” Johnson admitted to his teammates.

“Although it’s still extremely fresh, I’m incredibly appreciative of the club and all of you guys for allowing me to smile every day when I come into work. I never considered any of it to be given.

“The work (for now) is not finished, so let’s I wanted to inform everyone that I will be finishing the season as that is when I rip in and go back to what we do.”

This season, Johnson has been plagued by a persistent Achilles issue that occasionally made it difficult for him to move around the house.

He opened up to buddy and co-host Brook Ruscoe on his new podcast, Play On Sports Show, earlier this year about his doubts about retiring.

“I still have a deep affection for the sport, which makes it the hardest part. I still believe that I can compete at the greatest level if I’m healthy. He remarked, “[But] I’m not the only person involved in this choice.

“We have a group of players who are performing quite well without me, so that’s one reason. There it is, damn, I am loving being able to descend my stairs right now. I’m enjoying not hobbling when I get out of bed. I feel like my breathing is returning.

However, there’s also the scenario in which, the following year, I sit at home and watch the guys go for work. I’m not sure how to react to that.

After a six-week hiatus, he later returned to play in Friday night’s 20-30 loss to the Eels, marking his 265th career appearance.