Just over two months since Tohu Harris announced his immediate retirement, faithful One New Zealand Warriors members and fans will have their chance to give him an emotional send-off at the club’s first home game of the season at Go Media Stadium tomorrow night.
The inspirational leader will feature in two special moments, one just before kick-off in the round two clash against Manly Warringah and another at halftime.
On January 9, just two days after his 33rd birthday, Harris ruefully ended his playing days due to ongoing challenges following surgery on his troublesome wrist injury.
His 234-game NRL career finished with an even split of 117 appearances each for the Melbourne Storm and the One New Zealand Warriors.
Appointed captain to replace the departed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in 2022, he led the Warriors 52 times in his three seasons as skipper, highlighted by taking the club within one win of the grand final in 2023; it was the first time the Warriors had played in the preliminary final since 2011 and the fourth time in all (2002, 2003, 2008 and 2011).
Match: Warriors v Sea Eagles
Round 2 -
home Team
Warriors
14th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
4th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
“The position I held was special because of the people who held it before me,” said Harris.
“I didn’t take it lightly. Part of the reason I took so long walking out onto the field was because I wanted to be in those moments and appreciate what that moment was for me and my family.
“The club couldn’t be in better hands with (co-captains) Mitch (Mitchell Barnett) and Fish (James Fisher-Harris). They care about the team and they care about the club. They will certainly lead us forward in where we want to go.”
After time out since his retirement announcement, Harris has been able to digest and come to terms with the end of his career.
“For my family and myself it has been a special eight or so years and it’s been made even more special by the members and fans,” said Harris.
“We’re very grateful and thankful for those moments I got to have out on the field, moments like taking my son (Harlan) out with m. Those are moments I’ll hold with me for the rest of my life.”
Harris became Warrior #224 when he made his club debut in the 2018 season-opening 32-20 win over South Sydney in Perth. A 2017 grand final winner with Melbourne, he was a back-to-back winner of the club’s Simon Mannering Medal player of the year award in 2020 and 2021 and was shortlisted for the 2023 Dally M lock of the year and captain of the year awards.
His last match was the 32-16 win over Brisbane at Go Media Stadium on June 29 last year.
