Go Media Stadium set for ‘emotional’ farewell

Three of the New Zealand Warriors superstars will receive a rousing farewell this Friday as they play their last game on home soil.

Addin Fonua-Blake heads to the Cronulla Sharks next year, while Jazz Tevaga’s contract with the Warriors finishes at the season's end.

Shaun Johnson, who’s prolific career for the side earned a name change of the Warriors home stadium, said he was emotional about their last appearance.

“I’ll just miss it, I just know I’ll miss it. I already have the feelings of what it’s gonna feel like coming one last time this weekend.

“I’ve got family coming back from Australia for it, from Christchurch for it. It’s definitely something as a family we’ll cherish.

“It’s gonna be sad, I’m gonna be gutted but we’re gonna go out there and try to win a game of footy.”

Shaun Johnson will play his last home game against the Bulldogs. Photo/Warriors media.

Johnson decided to hang up the boots after 13 years and credits the Warriors faithful for their unwavering support throughout his career.

“There’s certainly a high level of appreciation for the support as a team we’ve received week in and week out this year.

“For me personally over the years, a lot of the people who sit in the stands have been there since I came to the club.

“There’s a lot of faces I recognise. That’s not lost on me, that support. It means just as much to me to run out to perform in front of the fans that come out and cheer us on.

“I’m definitely gonna miss it, but I’ll do my best to enjoy it and do my best this week.”

Joining Johnson in their last match is Tongan powerhouse Addin Fonua-Blake, who has been the most destructive forward for the side over the years.

The 2023 Dally-M prop of the year said he was “emotional” too.

“It’s a pretty sad moment for myself especially after all the memories I’ve had here especially with the staff and bunch of boys we have here.

“It’s gonna be an emotional game, not just for me but for Jazz and Shauny, it’s their last games as well.

“Sad time for the club, but can’t think about that too much. We still got a big job to do coming up against the Bulldogs. They’re playing some really good footy so we’ll try to get over the emotions this week.”

The Tongan powerhouse forward joined the Warriors in 2021 during the pandemic that forced the Warriors into basing themselves in Australia. Since then, AFB has been an integral part to the Warriors lineup.

Now in his fourth and final year at the club, he praised the environment for helping nurture his career.

“It’s definitely helped me grow coming to the Warriors. We’ve had some difficult times but I think the club is in good stead.

“Even though we didn’t get the results this year, with the group of kids coming through and the core of older boys staying on next year, I feel like the club is not too far from success next year.”

Also playing his last game is one of the side’s most inspiring players Jazz Tevaga, who has been a strong addition to the Warriors.

A Toa Samoa and Kiwis representative, Tevaga has etched his name as one of the most determined players in the side. Opening up on his exit, he said it was a “hard pill to swallow”.

Jazz Tevaga will depart the club at the end of the year. Photo/Warriors media.

“When I had the conversation with the club, it was a pretty hard pill to swallow. I was emotional for a couple of weeks. I’m just excited to finish up here strongly with the boys, and no doubt there will be a lot of emotion running out there for the last time in a Warriors jumper.

“I don’t know how how I’m gonna react, I hope I don’t cry on TV in front of everyone, but I’m gonna miss this place.”

Tevaga, who goes off contract at the end of this season, has played 136 games for the Warriors.

He said his greatest achievement during his time as an NRL player, was his 100-game milestone.

“Playing 100 games in the NRL for the Warriors, where I’ve come from and what I’ve been able to achieve is no easy feat. You don’t look back at your career until certain things happen like this, or a big injury.

“But looking back, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. I’ve done well to scab 100 games off the Warriors, I’m proud of what we’ve done.”

He said he would miss the Warriors faithful the most.

“I’m gonna miss this place! Our supporters are very staunch supporters, and even the past couple years, after our boys have had a bit of success.

“Selling out our games, every game has been massive, I’m really gonna miss this place and I’m not looking forward to playing here next year.”