Go Media Stadium will be known as Shaun Johnson Stadium this week to honour the retirement-bound NZ Warriors legend.
The 33-year-old, 14-season fan-favourite will make his last appearance at his beloved home ground when the Warriors host the Canterbury Bulldogs on Friday night (kick-off 8pm).
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To celebrate the occasion, Auckland Stadiums and naming rights sponsor Go Media have agreed to temporarily rename the venue Shaun Johnson Stadium.
The ground has been sold out for the 10th consecutive time this year for a night when not only Johnson, but also teammates Jazz Tevaga and Addin Fonua-Blake, will be playing at home for the last time.
“On the back of an incredible, record-breaking sellout season, we can’t wait to celebrate Shaun Johnson’s contribution to the Warriors by renaming the stadium in his honour,” said Go Media managing director and co-founder Mike Gray.
“Shaun is a legend not just to Warriors fans but he’s also a true great of Kiwi sport. He has lit up Go Media Stadium time and again with absolute magic and Warriors fans around the world will miss his mahi.”
Of Johnson’s 222 appearances for the Warriors, 86 have been at his home ground.
His first game there came a week after his NRL debut when he scored a try in a 26-22 loss to the Wests Tigers on June 12, 2011.
“We really appreciate Go Media and Auckland Stadiums making it possible for our home to be known as Shaun Johnson Stadium this week,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“It’s a truly special occasion for us to be able to honour Shaun this way in his last game at the place he loves so much. More than that, it’s a wonderful way for our members and fans to send him off.
"Shaun picked up the baton from people like Stacey Jones and inspired a whole generation of kids to play the game as well as inspiring a new generation of fans to watch the game.
“For those lucky enough to have bought a ticket to the game this week, they’re going to celebrate Shaun’s career with us at the stadium.
“Hopefully he goes out there and puts on a clinic like he has done so often over the years here and enjoys the moment for what it is.
“At the same time Jazz and Addin will be given a special send-off to thank them for their fantastic efforts for our club."