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 but also the 2026 Warriors’ NRL 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 who 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 honouring 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 - Auckland
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
