Vodafone Warriors players and staff were moved by a touch of class provided by Canterbury Bankstown after last night’s Homecoming Series win at Mount Smart Stadium.
As the Vodafone Warriors celebrated their commanding 42-18 victory, former Bulldogs player now head of wellbeing Luke Goodwin arrived for an impromptu visit to the dressing room with five New Zealand-born players from the club’s travelling squad.
Goodwin said the Bulldogs wanted to show their appreciation to the Vodafone Warriors after being based in Australia for three seasons to ensure the NRL competition continued during the Covid era.
“We just wanted to take a bit of time today to come over and thank you for the sacrifices the whole club has made to keep our great game alive,” he said.
“It hasn’t gone unnoticed. We respect you and thank you so much for what you’ve given up.
“We couldn’t be happier for you tonight. Great win and kia kaha all the way.”
One of three NRL-playing sons of legendary 1970s start Ted Goodwin, the former New Zealand Māori player and coach had a special word for former Bulldogs Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Marcelo Montoya.
Joining Goodwin were Auckland-born former Vodafone Warriors second rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (born in Whakatane) as well as two other Auckland-born forwards Jackson Topine and Phillip Makatoa and New Plymouth-born utility Zach Dockar-Clay. Makatoa came through the Vodafone Warriors’ under-20 and New South Wales Cup sides.
