An emotional evening is expected at Friday's NRL game between NZ Warriors and Manly Sea Eagles, as one of the home team's iconic figures is celebrated.
Former Warriors coach Daniel Anderson was left a quadraplegic after a bodysurfing accident in December.
While both teams want to continue their momentum towards the post-season, for the Warriors, tonight is all about one man, who's known simply as 'Ando'.
For a golden period, Mt Smart Stadium was Daniel Anderson's canvas. For one night, his name has been painted around the place he once called home.
"I think it will be emotional at times," says Warriors great Monty Betham.
News of Anderson's accident sent shockwaves around the NRL and through the team who filled Mt Smart with golden moments during his tenure.
The club made its inaugural trip to the post-season in 2001 and went all the way to the Grand Final for the first time the following year.
"No-one thought that this squad of misfits and eclectic group of individuals, as Ando puts it, would come together and do what they did," said Betham.
His success not just isolated to the Warriors, coaching NZ Kiwis and success with Saint Helens, including the world club challenge, but his three-and-a-half seasons in Auckland remain fresh 20 years on.
"In a short amount of time, he had a big impact on the club and it's still felt today," said captain Tohu Harris.
Even in the same box where he once sat.
"I've gone and had coffees with him, and he's been a mentor for me in my younger days as a coach," said coach Andrew Webster. "I'm really grateful for that and I think it's important to repay him."
Comparing Anderson to Webster, Betham said: "They're both redheads, they've both got a way with how they deliver messaging.
"They're both very smart in the game and knowing a lot about the game, and they both have a way with the players."
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