Shaun Johnson has ruled himself out of consideration for NZ Kiwis selection for next month's Pacific Championship against Australia and Samoa.
Fresh off a career-best season for the Warriors, who he helped guide to their highest regular season finish in 21 years, Johnson was widely expected to reclaim the black No. 7 jersey he was overlooked for last year, when he missed out on coach Michael Maguire's World Cup squad.
But speaking at the Dally M awards in Sydney on Wednesday, where he was pipped by Kalyn Ponga for the biggest prize of the night, Johnson confirmed he'll take the opportunity to rest after a gruelling 2023 campaign.
"I am going to take a bit of time off," Johnson said. "The Kiwis are going to be fine. It is not a World Cup year.
"Where I am at, after the season I have had, I really feel like I do need a break."
Johnson was hampered by a calf injury during the playoffs, which he hinted - after being knocked out by the Broncos - had been more of a hindrance that he'd let on.
The 2014 Golden Boot winner as international rugby league's best player didn’t rule out a future return to the test stage.
"I don't ever turn down the opportunity to represent New Zealand, and I think a lot of people who know me know that, so this was a very hard decision but it one that I am very comfortable with, and I am just going to enjoy some time with my family."
Maguire selected Jahrome Hughes and Dylan Brown as his halves duo at last year's World Cup in the UK, when New Zealand were knocked out by Australia in the semi-finals.
The tri-series will feature matches on both sides of the Tasman, with a final to take place at Hamilton's FMG Stadium.
The series will be highlighted by a triple-header at Auckland's Eden Park on October 21 (Labour weekend), featuring NZ Kiwis against Samoa, the Kiwi Ferns taking on Tonga, and the return of the New Zealand A team from a 17-year hiatus to face Tonga A.
NZ Kiwis will play the opening game of the tournament against Australia in Townsville on October 14.
