news-engine

← sport

Huge turnout of old boys in store for Legends Lunch

Warriors · Richard Becht · 2026-08-16T23:39:45+00:00 · nguồn gốc

A record number of former players are set to gather for the One New Zealand Warriors’ PlaceMakers Legends Lunch - Auckland at Go Media Stadium on Friday, September 4. Of the 299 players who have represented the club since 1995, more than 100 are confirmed or possible starters for what will be another star-studded occasion. It kicks off the annual old boys’ reunion built around the Warriors’ final regular season match against the Sea Eagles the following day. It’s the third PlaceMakers Legends Lunch held since the concept was launched at Go Media Stadium last year, followed by another edition at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch building up to the Warriors’ clash against the Cowboys on June 21. Match: Warriors v Sea Eagles Round 27 - home Team Warriors 3rd Position away Team Sea Eagles 10th Position Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland Match broadcasters: - WatchNRL Both of those events brought together big numbers of former players but the September 4 Legends Lunch – Auckland will set a new benchmark on the back of the Warriors’ outstanding 2026 campaign. Featured are no fewer than nine of the club's captains starting with Warrior #1 and foundation skipper Dean Bell along with John Simon (#69), Stacey Jones (#24), Kevin Campion (#86), Monty Betham (#61), Steve Price (#121), Simon Mannering (#125), Ryan Hoffman (#195) and Tohu Harris (#224). A total of nine members of the side that lined up on opening night on March 10, 1995, will be in attendance, among them outstanding winger Sean Hoppe who is returning home from Australia for the occasion. Hosted by the inimitable James McOnie, Legends Lunch – Auckland will bring together not only an array of former Warriors, the 2026 Warriors’ coaching staff, other sporting legends and One New Zealand Warriors corporate partners. “This is one of the premier events on our calendar,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George. “Last year’s inaugural lunch at Go Media Stadium was a fantastic occasion and the one we had in Christchurch was unforgettable. “We love celebrating our old boys. They have all helped to shape the club we have today. “We really appreciate PlaceMakers joining us again as we grow our partnership around the concept of celebrating our legends. “It’s also a great opportunity for us to connect with our partners and the business community who do so much to support the One New Zealand Warriors.” As he did in Christchurch in June, the inimitable James McOnie will again be the MC pulling together a programme which will feature chats with some of the club’s greats of the past. Legends Lunch naming rights partner PlaceMakers is New Zealand’s largest building materials and hardware supplier with almost 70 outlets across the country. The event will also have a charity component to raise funds for programmes run by the Warriors Community Foundation. If you are interested in attending the Legends Lunch – Auckland on September 4, please get in touch with One New Zealand Warriors commercial sales manager Thomas Harris: thomas@warriors.kiwi Legends Lunch - Auckland Friday, September 4 1.00pm-5.00pm TLH Recruitment Lounge, Go Media Stadium - Table of 10, complete with a three-course meal served direct to your table with access to a cash bar throughout the afternoon. - Entertainment from past players across the afternoon, including Steve Price, Ryan Hoffman, Sean Hoppe and Awen Guttenbeil. - Live music across the course of the afternoon. - Networking opportunities with other like-minded One New Zealand Warriors businesses ahead of the club’s final regular season match against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on Saturday, June 21. - Price: $2600 excluding GST per table. 2026 PlaceMakers Legends Lunch Confirmed or possible attendees 1 Dean Bell 3 Sean Hoppe 5 Whetu Taewa 8 Gavin Hill 9 Duane Mann 12 Tony Tatupu 13 Tony Tuimavave 15 Tea Ropati 18 Joe Vagana 19 Syd Eru 20 Willie Poching 21 Logan Edwards 24 Stacey Jones 26 Richie Blackmore 27 Frano Botica 29 Marc Ellis 32 Nigel Vagana 33 Awen Guttenbeil 34 Doc Murray 35 Iva Ropati 36 Anthony Swann 38 Bryan Henare 41 Grant Young 42 Logan Swann 44 Shane Endacott 50 Jerry Seuseu 53 Tyran Smith 55 Ali Lauitiiti 56 Joe Galuvao 58 Odell Manuel 60 Terry Hermansson 61 Monty Betham 62 Cliff Beverley 64 Wairangi Koopu 66 Clinton Toopi 67 Carl Doherty 68 Robert Mears 69 John Simon 70 Boycie Nelson 71 Talite Liavaa 76 Mark Tookey 77 David Myles 78 Paul Whatuira 80 Shontayne Hape 81 Henry Fa’afili 84 Jonathan Smith 85 Henry Perenara 86 Kevin Campion 87 Richard Villasanti 89 Jason Temu 90 Motu Tony 91 Nathan Wood 94 Anthony Seuseu 96 P J Marsh 97 Brent Webb 98 Sione Faumuina 100 Vinnie Anderson 101 Jeremiah Pai 102 Evarn Tuimavave 106 Vince Mellars 107 Tevita Latu 108 Jerome Ropati 110 Epalahame Lauaki 112 Louis Anderson 115 Manu Vatuvei 116 Shannon Stowers 117 Herewini Rangi 118 Cooper Vuna 121 Steve Price 123 Ruben Wiki 125 Simon Mannering 131 Sam Rapira 132 Wade McKinnon 135 Corey Lawrie 141 Russell Packer 142 Ben Matulino 143 Malo Solomona 145 Joel Moon 146 Jacob Lillyman 147 Leeson Ah Mau 151 Lewis Brown 152 Kevin Locke 155 Siuatonga Likiliki 159 Sione Lousi 160 Bill Tupou 161 Mataupu Poching 163 Glen Fisiiahi 168 Shaun Johnson 172 Konrad Hurrell 173 Ben Henry 174 Omar Slaimankhel 176 Sebastine Ikahihifo 177 Carlos Tuimavave 180 Ngani Laumape 183 Charlie Gubb 189 Tony Martin 191 Agnatius Paasi 193 Solomone Kata 194 Bodene Thompson 195 Ryan Hoffman 197 Albert Vete 204 Blake Ayshford 208 James Gavet 217 Kieran Foran 224 Tohu Harris 226 Leivaha Pulu 227 Anthony Gelling 230 Gerard Beale