Shaun Johnson will run out at Mt Smart Stadium for the last time with sadness but also with great love for the crowd that returned the love in bountiful measure.

The 33-year-old half, who will retire at season’s end, will play Canterbury in Auckland on Friday night before finishing his career against former club Cronulla the following Saturday.

Johnson’s family will be on hand to cherish the occasion against the Bulldogs but on a personal note his emotions were raw.

“I know I will miss it. I already have the feeling of what it is going to be like coming here for one last time,” Johnson said.

“For me it is going to be sad. I am going to be gutted but we will go out there and try and win a game of footy as well.”