If sporting romantics had it their way, Bunty Afoa would finish his career as a one-club man at the One New Zealand Warriors. So would the man himself.
Fact is, life in the NRL only occasionally plays out that way and yesterday the 29-year-old laced up his boots for one last ride with his beloved club, the one that has and always will mean everything to him.
But while there are now no more tomorrows for him as a player at Go Media Stadium, it was apt that his time as a Warrior should have a joyful and symbolic end.
That’s because it was at Accor Stadium on October 5, 2014 that he first savoured grand final success in the 34-32 win over the Broncos in the NYC premiership decider.
How satisfying then that his run as a Warrior should have such a perfect finish in his grand final return to the same venue - 11 years later to the day - in the NRL State Championship win over the Burleigh Bears.
Match: Warriors v Bears
NRL State Championship -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Bears
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Even more so because he had three NRL teammates alongside him who are also departing in fellow front rower Tom Ale, winger Edward Kosi and centre Moala Graham-Taufa.
They all went out with the ultimate prize helping the Warriors to an emphatic 50-20 victory on the biggest day of the NRL season a week after claiming the New South Wales Cup premiership.
All four were reserve grade regulars throughout the club’s record-smashing season as was another departing player from the top 30 squad former Manly Warringah and Parramatta centre Morgan Harper (who missed the two finals).
Forever Warrior #213: The hair, the carries and the smile
The farewell focus has naturally fallen on the hugely popular Warrior #213 Afoa after spending much of his lifetime with the Warriors. He received a wonderful send-off at the club's awards presentation last month including a powerful haka from his teammates.
From the moment Afoa arrived at the club he stood out with three trademark qualities in his big hair, his flashing smile – and, of course, his no-fear-off-the-back-fence ball carries.
What also stood out and always will is his deep attachment to the Warriors and the fanbase.
“The fans have been a big part of my career at the Warriors,” he said.
“They’ve been cheering me on for the last 16 years and I’m really going to miss them – the best fans in the NRL, the best club in the NRL.
“The jersey means so much to me and I want the club to be successful over the next few years.”
He goes with the distinction of winning three championships, unmatched by any other player in the club’s history.
It also speaks to his ability and longevity that of the under-20 side that won the NYC premiership in 2014 long-time teammate Jazz Tevaga and Toafofoa Sipley were the only other players still playing at NRL level this season.
- Afoa finishes with 145 NRL appearances plus 39 New South Wales Cup games, one in the State Championship and 64 NYC appearances.
- Ale (Warrior #250) made the first of 41 NRL appearances in 2020 while he also played 49 NSW Cup matches and the State Championship final.
- Kosi (Warrior #260) played 36 NRL games from 2021-2025 scoring 19 tries and scored 25 tries in 55 NSW Cup games as well as playing in the State Championship final.
- Graham-Taufa (Warrior #288) played four NRL matches for the Warriors in 2024 and 2025 scoring one try. In 65 NSW Cup games for the club he scored 40 tries.
- Harper joined the Warriors this season after 64 NRL outings for the Sea Eagles and Eels. He didn't add to that tally but made 22 NSW Cup appearances scoring six tries.
