Dr John Mayhew escorts injured Warriors prop Bunty Afoa from the field. Photo: Photosport
Storm v Warriors
Kickoff: 4pm Sunday, 13 April
AAMI Park, Melbourne
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NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has joined the Kiwi sporting community in mourning the death of trailblazing sports doctor John Mayhew, aged 69, on Wednesday.
Best known for his 16-year service to the All Blacks during a turbulent era that spanned amateurism and professionalism, Mayhew crossed codes in 2005 to spend another 14 seasons with the Auckland-based NRL outfit.
For two of those campaigns (2015, 16), Webster was assistant coach to Andrew McFadden, before heading back across the Tasman to further his head-coaching aspirations.
"Everyone talks about how he's a pioneer in sports medicine in New Zealand, but I felt like who he was as a person was the most special part about him," Webster reflected.
"So often, you get team doctors going to the airport early to help with the kit for big away trips and he did that every week - and he was probably the smartest guy in the room as well.
"The Warriors gained so much when we got the opportunity to have him come across from the All Blacks with all that experience. All those moments will be treasured."
During his time with the club, Mayhew was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sports medicine, after also serving North Harbour Rugby and the Blues.
"We're utterly devastated and saddened," said Warriors chief executive Cameron George.
"As well as being so admired and respected as an expert in his field, John was a truly wonderful person, so well-liked by staff and players alike. He had a terrific manner and always had time for everyone.
"Doc made a tremendous contribution to our club, playing a vital role in the careers of so may players, who came under his care during his time with us."
Fittingly, Mayhew's first game on the Warriors staff was the 2006 season-opener against Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium.
The Warriors will honour him, when they take on the Storm at AAMI Park on Sunday.
