Shaun Johnson celebrates a try against the Manly Sea Eagles. Photo / Photosport
Shaun Johnson celebrates a try against the Manly Sea Eagles. Photo / Photosport
Rugby league legend Shaun Johnson is supercharging his fledgling media career, fronting a new weekly TV show.
Johnson, who has been appearing on NRL shows on both sides of the Tasman since he retired from league at the end of 2024, has signed a new deal with Sky TV forthe weekly League Lounge show.
It will launch next Wednesday.
“Although I don’t get to run out every weekend, I’m not done with sharing my passion for rugby league,” said Johnson.
League Lounge will broadcast on Sky Sport with delayed play - an hour later - on free-to-air channels Sky Open and YouTube.
Johnson, who played more than 220 games for the Warriors in two stints with the club, said bringing the weekly show together had been a cool experience.
“I wanted to create a place where I can bring together some great footy minds to help take fans’ engagement with our game to the next level.
“League fans can expect banter, insights and quality conversations. I want to help educate our audience and offer [a] perspective that maybe they haven’t felt before. Let’s see how I go, aye.”
Shaun Johnson is swapping the jersey for his own microphone. Photo / Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
Johnson, who also played 35 games for the Kiwis, will be joined by a range of regular New Zealand and Australian guests.
As Warriors fans celebrate the club’s hugely successful start to the 2025 NRL season, the show will also feature weekly appearances from key club personnel, including players and coaches.
Sky says Johnson is “fast establishing himself as one of the sport’s most charismatic and insightful personalities”.
He has also had commentary and panellist roles with Fox Sports Australia, and hosts his own Play On podcast.
Sky head of sport content Gary Burchett said: “At Sky, we are committed to growing the sports we broadcast... I can think of no better way to fuel league fans’ passion for the sport than by giving Shaun the platform to share his knowledge and insight.”
Johnson was also the feature of the Sky Sport documentary Shaun Johnson: Across The Mekong in 2017.It followed him as he and his family travelled to Laos to explore their Laotian heritage.
League Lounge will screen at 8pm on Wednesdays from next week, with free-to-air coverage an hour later.
Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.
