Shaun Johnson. Photo: Photosport
A retired Shaun Johnson was living the relaxed family life when the call came for one final act.
Johnson answered an SOS from Kiwis coach Stacey Jones after Jahrome Hughes was ruled out of the Kiwis' Pacific Championships campaign.
"What I feel for the jersey, and what it means to me, that doesn't change. And ultimately, that's why I said to Stace 'Let's go bro'."
The veteran halfback is returning to the international arena for the first time in five years, having called time on his illustrious career back in August following the Warrior's final game of the season.
"These are bonus minutes for me. These are like those free tokens you get at the arcade when you've won a few games."
The 32-test halfback said the call from Jones was "probably not as dramatic as what everyone thinks".
"Stace and I had spoken a few times and the last call he made, he was in a bit of a sticky spot. I made it very clear I hadn't done much work. And he just said, 'Mate, look, you'd be doing me a big favour, coming in and supporting them and helping deliver those messages, and ultimately getting out there this weekend, and performing at a good level'."
Johnson agreed to bring out the boots that barely had time to accumulate dust.
He said he was still coming to terms with his sudden test recall.
"It feels a little bit surreal because I didn't expect to be here, a couple of weeks ago, I had plans and thought I knew where I was going to be but it's certainly a space I hold in such high regard it's very special to be back in the environment."
Still nursing NRL niggles, there was little time for Johnson to get back to the grind.
"It was a very short, sharp, little preseason block, which I had to get under my belt," he joked.
Kiwis player Shaun Johnson scores against Tonga, during rugby league Test match between Kiwis and Tonga, held at Mt Smart Stadium. Photo: Photosport
Often touted as the great Kiwis hope throughout his test career, Johnson said he was taking a different approach to his swansong.
"I don't necessarily feel like there's a heap of pressure on me, I've stepped into this environment in the past where the weight is on your shoulders. I don't feel that. Whether that's the case or not. I don't really care. I'm here to enjoy myself. I'm here to make the most of any opportunity I get in this jersey again. Because, frankly, I didn't think it was going to happen again."
Reconnecting with fans was something Johnson was relishing the thought of.
"These are moments I didn't think I was ever gong to experience again. I made peace with it, and I always said it was a part of a game that I was going to probably miss the most, getting that interaction with a crowd cheering for you. So I'll get to do that again this weekend."
He admitted he was enjoying retirement.
"It was going smoothly, I was enjoying it, getting to spend some time with family and my girls. So, yeah, it was pretty nice."
But his focus has quickly shifted back to footy.
"I'm just extremely excited. I've put in some work to get myself ready and available. I've put on a kit, and I actually feel like a footy player again. So that's nice."
It is a kit Johnson gets just as emotional donning today as he did when he wore it for the first time in 2012.
"It carries a lot of weight and where I place things throughout career. I've never shied away from saying that, I've always held representing the Kiwis as absolutely pinnacle of what I've been able to do."
With the rise of the likes of Hughes and Dylan Brown, Johnson believed his time as a test player was over.
"Organically through a stretch there, I sort of got away from it, it just happened. I didn't really feel like a need to come back into this space. I was very content with where the Kiwis were at, and the depth that they've got, in the halves in particular."
As well as Hughes, other spine options missing for the Kiwis include Brown, Kieran Foran, Te Maire Martin, Brandon Smith and Jeremy Marshall-King as well as Joseph Manu, who has switched to rugby union.
Despite limited prep time, Johnson was confident he could still deliver.
"I'll be more than good to go this weekend. I wouldn't take the field if I didn't think I could have an impact.
Pacific Championships Round 2- Kiwis vs Kangaroos 6.05pm Sunday October 27th Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson during 2016 Four Nations Photo: Photosport