Shaun Johnson of the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images.
Shaun Johnson of the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images.
Shaun Johnson produced a patented moment of magic last night to clinch an unlikely victory for the Warriors over the Sharks with the final play of the game.
The Warriors were trailing by two points with just over a minute to play when Johnson received the ball on the 30mline, then cut sharply left across four defenders before spotting a gap, straightening up and then cutting back past four more.
It was classic Johnson, showcasing his electric pace, mesmerising step and spacial awareness. But was it his best?
Nzherald.co.nz takes a look at the other contenders that could make Johnson's top five magic moments list.
The Kiwis were four points behind with 25 seconds left in their 2014 Rugby League World Cup semi final against England when Johnson received the ball from dummy half 15m out from the line.
The English defence tried to step high up on Johnson, big mistake. Johnson quickly stepped past one, two, then three defenders before scoring, then converting his own try to put the Kiwis into the final.
Johnson announced himself to the NRL with this blockbusting 70m solo try in the 2011 season.
After picking the ball up 30m out from his own line, Johnson exploded, stepping through a gap, then twisting and turning past six Broncos defenders.
vs Melbourne Storm in 2011 playoffs
Johnson secured the Warriors their second ever Grand Final appearance with this piece of magic in the 2011 Preliminary final against the Melbourne Storm.
Up by two points with less than four minutes to play, Johnson stunned the Melbourne defence with some razzle dazzle to put Lewis Brown away for a match winning try.
vs Canberra Raiders in 2013
Johnson scored a second-half hat trick the Raiders in just seven minutes in 2011 as the Warriors crushed the home team 50-16.
Johnson scored tries in the 49th, 52nd and 56th minutes to leave the Raiders shell-shocked.
