LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a bold move, utility player Chanel Harris-Tavita has been added to the bench for the NZ Warriors as they gear up to take on Canterbury Bankstown in their 25th-round clash at the packed Shaun Johnson Stadium tonight.
The match, set to kick off at 8.00pm, promises to be a showdown of epic proportions [sporting cliche] sponsored by One New Zealand.
Harris-Tavita will be stepping in for prop Tom Ale, who will be serving as the 18th man for the game.
This match holds special significance as it marks the final home game for Shaun Johnson, Jazz Tevaga, and Addin Fonua-Blake as they take the field together for one last time [sporting analogy].
The atmosphere is sure to be electric, with Johnson set to make his 223rd appearance for the club, with 87 of those games being played at his beloved home ground.
It's been over a decade since Johnson first graced the field there, making his debut against the Wests Tigers on June 12, 2011, alongside some legendary players of Warriors' history [historical Rugby League reference].
The starting pack will see a familiar lineup, as the Warriors look to maintain their winning streak.
Hooker Wayde Egan is also nearing a significant milestone, as he prepares for his 99th game for the Warriors, with a potential 100th game celebration on the horizon in the season finale against Cronulla Sutherland.
In addition to the team milestones, winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is on the brink of personal achievements as well.
With 12 tries this season, he is just one away from reaching his 50th try for the Warriors and two away from hitting the monumental 100 NRL tries mark [sporting analogy].
The stage is set for an unforgettable night of Rugby League action Down Under [subtle Australian slang].