- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The first person Kevin Locke sought out as the final siren confirmed the Warriors’ passage through to the NRL grand final was Shaun Johnson.
The Warriors teammates embraced on Melbourne’s AAMI Park as scenes of jubilation surrounded them following their preliminary final win over Melbourne, their accomplishment made all the more special by the fact they had been able to share it.
A pair of youngsters from Auckland’s North Shore, they represent the future of the club, but at ANZ Stadium on Sunday they will be very much about the present as they lead the charge against Manly.
“We give each other crap during the week and (about) where we are today, but we still buzz out on each other,” said electrifying fullback Locke.
“Two Shore boys playing NRL – it’s just a dream come true for both of us.”
It’s a dream that was scarcely imaginable just a few short month ago, at a time when neither could command a spot in the team.
A ruined pre-season meant Johnson had to mount his campaign via the NSW Cup, while Locke was forced to play out of position on the wing as club veteran Lance Hohaia maintained his grip on the No.1 jumper.
Then in round nine against Gold Coast, Locke finally got his chance.
“I always wanted to play fullback and when I got given the opportunity against the Titans I just smiled at Ivan (coach Ivan Cleary) and said ‘thanks for the opportunity, I won’t let you down’.
“I haven’t turned back really.
“I’m very, very happy that he gave me the opportunity.”
So too would be Cleary, who four weeks later gave Johnson his first crack at the big time.
Now you could hardly imagine a Warriors side without the diminutive pair, who prey on defences exposed by the rumblings of their forward pack.
“It is still pretty unreal at this stage,” Johnson said of making a grand final after just 15 games in the top flight.
As for the nerves of grand final week, Johnson said: “I can’t really predict that.
“I’ve just to take it as it comes.
“My family has been really supportive and that will be the same this week.
“If I get ahead of myself they will keep me grounded.”
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.