Shaun Johnson Has Joined Rugby League World Cup Team

The veteran star joins the Channel Seven broadcast team for the upcoming international tournament.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Soccer

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Rugby league star Shaun Johnson has joined the Channel Seven broadcast team as a commentator for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Shaun Johnson has signed on as a commentator for the Rugby League World Cup. He will contribute to the coverage provided by Channel Seven and 7plus for men's, women's, and wheelchair matches.

Why it matters

Johnson brings extensive international experience to the broadcast, having represented New Zealand in 35 Tests. His perspective offers expert analysis as teams compete for the title.

Johnson scored 225 points during his international career for New Zealand and appeared in the 2013 World Cup final. He joins a broadcast roster that includes Trent Robinson, Luke Keary, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and Aaron Woods.

The players

Shaun Johnson

He is a professional rugby league player who has appeared in more than 200 games for the New Zealand Warriors.

Channel Seven

It is an Australian commercial free-to-air television network that holds exclusive broadcast rights for the Rugby League World Cup.

The details

The addition of Johnson bolsters the commentary team for the tournament, which will be hosted across Australia, New Zealand, and PNG. Channel Seven and 7plus hold exclusive rights to broadcast all men's, women's, and wheelchair events.

Timeline

  1. Shaun Johnson competed in the 2013 World Cup final.

  2. The Rugby League World Cup tournament kicks off on October 15.

Season Trajectory

The broadcast lineup reflects the intense competition of a season where Australia seeks a fourth consecutive World Cup title. Bringing in veteran players adds a layer of depth to the coverage as the global playoff picture solidifies.

Viewers can expect analytical insights from Johnson during the tournament coverage on Channel Seven and 7plus. This move provides a player-centric perspective for all men's, women's, and wheelchair matches throughout the competition.

The takeaway

Former players transitioning into broadcasting roles often provide deeper technical insights for fans during major international tournaments. Supporters should look for these expert perspectives to better understand the strategic shifts occurring on the field.

Further reading

For more background on international tournament coverage, visit Soccer.

Live Poll

Do you plan to watch the upcoming Rugby League World Cup on broadcast television?