Perspective

by Shaun Johnson

‘For 14 years I was judged on 80 minutes of my life, once a week. That’s it . . . it’s how I judged myself. Eighty damn minutes of footy. It is ridiculous how much that can impact on your life, and even more ridiculous to think how long it can take to put that in perspective.’

Shaun Johnson burst onto the NRL stage with a bang — his mix of speed and skills and side steps dazzled fans and experts alike as the New Zealand Warriors reached the Grand Final in his debut season. Over the years that followed, he racked up 268 NRL appearances and represented the Kiwis 35 times in a career stacked with extraordinary moments. But behind the highlights and headlines lies a story of family, perseverance and the inner search for absolute clarity.

Join Shaun as he recounts his early life, dealing with stardom and expectations at a young age. You’ll step onto the field to re-live epic plays through his eyes, and discover the circumstances that led to his departure from the Warriors and then his return to Mt Smart, which culminated in Shaun being awarded the Dally M Halfback of the Year in 2023. Perspective is a fascinating look into the heart and mind of a rugby league legend.

Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Sofie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I looked around those stands and realised that I mattered, that what I had done mattered to a lot of people, and that how I had played the game had mattered too."

Being a Warriors fan is an absolute rollercoaster full of heartbreak, excitement, happiness and frustration. However I could never ever imagine supporting another team.

I became a fan when my favourite Wigan Warrior Sam Tomkins joined the team and was so in love with the chaos and heart racing way the team played. Once he left, I stayed 💙❤️💚

Shaun Johnson was always a favourite. He touches the ball and magic happens. There was always a bit of flare and razzle dazzle 🤣

When he left for the Sharks I was beyond devastated. The way the media held everything over his head, that it was his fault we weren't succeeding was so harsh and heartbreaking to hear. When he came back it was the best feeling and I'm so glad he stayed with us until the end 🥹

SJ was so open, honest and real in his memoir. I loved reading about his truth, his growth and his real self. Reading about the games and remembering where I was watching them was such a fun experience. I'll never forget the Sharks game where we came back from 20-0 I just remember sobbing. I was so proud 🥹

Overall this was such a fun memoir, seeing things from the inside that I remember watching from the outside was such a treat. Thank you for sharing your perspective SJ. I loved every moment💙❤️💚

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook x

Zooomed through this! <3

[Samuel]

National treasure

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insights into Shaun's career, and especially interesting insight into the return from Sharks + covid years, which co-incided with the "Up the wahs" movement and subsequent rise in warriors popularity in NZ. A bit "this happened, then this happened" but overall enjoyable read

[Joe Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Highly rate it

[Lyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I am a long time Bulldogs supporter, if I had another team it would definitely be the Warriors. I have always admired Shaun and enjoyed watching him play. I am glad that I will still be able to see that cheeky grin as he moves into his new media role. This book is a wonderful read, not just about footy, but about the importance of having the right people around you and listening and learning as you go. The importance of family shines through in Shaun’s memoir, especially the connection with his Dad and brothers. The insight into what goes on in and around the world of a rugby league player, how they handle everything from being away from family, being dropped, and the injuries, have all been told with Shaun’s wit, humour and love of the game. I am grateful that I have been able to see Shaun play, at all levels, and I wish him and his family a wonderful future ahead.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

High 3s. This is right in my wheelhouse of Warrriors fandom. Enjoyed some of the names he mentions as he was breaking into the side, real throwback stuff.
He’s always worn his heart on his sleeve and said what he’s thinking, and to see his maturity develop as he moves through the story of his career is really interesting, having watched all the criticism he had to face. He’s really open and honest about how this impacted him, how it changed as he got older, and how fans/media need to be better to support young athletes thrust into the spotlight.
Up the Wahs for life.

[sam]

i choose not to rate a biography/autobiography as this is someone’s life and it doesn’t feel right

however i really loved this book, im a huge rugby fan and getting so much insight into how shaun started out and now his career came about was so extraordinary

[Telisha Krishna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it as an audio book. Loved it! Hearing about his perceptive on things we saw and heard in the media about him and the game helps you to understand his world. Would have been better if he narrated it though!

[Tessa Jaffray · Rating 5 out of 5]

#ICON

Such a good read and insight into SJs life, and what a journey he has been on. Such an icon SJ UPTHEWAHS

[Dan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

SJ for Prime Minister

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, he's really honest about the emotional turmoil he went through during his career.

[Margo]

dnf

[Druss Afele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaun Johnson’s hot

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always been a big fan of Shaun so when I seen this on the shelf at the library I was happy. A good read an amazing athlete and even better family Mann!