When the One New Zealand Warriors play Canterbury Bankstown in Friday night’s 25th-round NRL match at a sold-outCanterbury Bankstown Stadium (8 p.m. kickoff; match day sponsor: One New Zealand), Shaun Johnson, Jazz Tevaga, and Addin Fonua-Blake will play their final home game together.
More than 13 years after making his debut at his cherished home field against theJazz Tevaga on June 12, 2011, the 33-year-old Johnson’s 223rd appearance for the team will mark his 87th visit on an emotional night.He played just two games as a rookie that day, surrounded by players like Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman, Lance Hohaia, Michael Luck, and Russell Packer—some of the longest-serving in the club’s history.
Friday evening, he will stand
Fonua-Blake, 28, has only spent two of his four seasons with the team at the stadium since Covid made sure he played his first two seasons in Australia. This week, he will play in his 84th game with the Warriors, and he is as devoted to the place that has been his home.
One alteration from the team that lost 10-24 to Manly Warringah last Friday night is the addition of Johnson, Tevaga, and Fonua-Blake. Freddy Lussick has been moved to the interchange, and Wayde Egan has returned to hooker.As a result, the starting pack that was utilized in the five games prior is restored. Additionally, it means that Egan will play for the Warriors for the 99th time, putting him in pace to join
