Returning club icon Shaun Johnson will make his much-anticipated comeback to the NZ Warriors jersey on Saturday for their pre-season trial clash with Gold Coast Titans - a game that will be special in more ways than one.
The 31-year-old will run out for his boyhood side for the first time since 2018, a sight many fans thought they would never see again, after his exit five years ago.
Having wife and Silver Ferns star Kayla Johnson and baby daughter Millah in the crowd adds even more significance to the occasion for Johnson, who got a surprise earlier this week, when they arrived on his doorstep unannounced.
"[It's been] three months since I've seen my family, and I just came back home, walked in the lobby and there they were," Johnson recalls. "It really couldn't have come at a better time, because I was really starting to miss them.
"Really excited that they get to be here this weekend. Obviously, it's going to be a special weekend for my family - the first time running back out in a Warriors jersey - so the fact they’re going to be in the stands for that is pretty cool."
The relatively new father is just one example of Warrios players and staff who are missing family, as the new season looms, and the reunion has proved timely.
"It was certainly refreshing, especially my daughter," says Johnson. "I was missing her quite a lot, missing out on moments I know I'll never get back with her.
"Probably the most pleasing thing for me is she hadn't forgotten who I was. Straight away, it was 'daddy, daddy'... it was a real nice feeling.
"It's been challenging. Any parent out there would understand and sympathise with a mum having to raise their daughter solo.
"We've got family and friends back home, but it's not the same as having both parents around.
"It's not an ideal situation. I won't try and sugarcoat it, it's been really hard, but in saying that, it's all going to be worth it."
Kodi Nikorima will join Johnson in the halves against the Titans, with coach Nathan Brown naming a strong starting XIII, one that will likely resemble the side that starts the season.
Brown says Johnson, with his skills and experience in such a key position, is crucial to fixing the Warriors' problems of last year, especially around organisation and defence.
"The biggest thing is his understanding of what's required on the footy field," says Brown. "He's a far more controlled player than he was when he was younger.
"I think he's a far better team player now, he understands how to make other people look good and what the team needs.
Returning from a nasty hamstring injury, Johnson's off-field recovery efforts have impressed Brown, who hopes they serve as an example to the rest of the squad.
"When you're playing for a long time and recovering from serious injuries, you've obviously got to be fairly professional away from it, which he is," says Brown. "Hopefully, that can have a lasting effect on the younger players."
Johnson adds with a smile: "At 89 kg, I'm pretty much at fighting weight."
The Warriors will need him fighting fit, with his skillset and experience sure to play a big role this season.
"I pinged my hammy last year, a pretty bad one," says Johnson. "The way the club managed me and got me back into the swing of things was pretty impressive.
"I definitely feel like I've got enough work under my belt to go this weekend and go into the season feeling confident with my body."
Join us from March 12 for live updates of the Warriors' NRL campaign
