Johnson says farewell as Bulldogs secure September

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Warriors v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs spoiled the party in Shaun Johnson's farewell with a 34-18 victory over the New Zealand Warriors in front of a sold-out crowd.

On a night which saw Johnson honoured with Go Media Stadium renamed to commemorate the New Zealand legend's final home appearance, the Bulldogs overshadowed the occasion by fighting back from multiple deficits to secure their first finals appearance in eight years.

In an error-riddled start that saw Johnson drop the ball with his first touch, the Warriors opened the scoring with Luke Metcalf creating space for Marcelo Montoya (9th minute) to cross against his former club.

Metcalf had a hand in another four-pointer minutes later with the Warriors five-eighth sending Kurt Capewell (14th minute) on a 20-metre untouched run to establish a 12-0 lead.

The Bulldogs managed to halt the one-way flow of points midway through the half with Bronson Xerri (26th minute) sliding over and Stephen Crichton (29th minute) capitalising on a bomb after the Warriors sent the kick-off out on the full.

An explosive run by Viliame Kikau put the Bulldogs in front with Kurtis Morrin (34th minute) providing strong support to score his first try of the season, however a burrowing effort by Wayde Egan (40th minute) with seconds to spare saw the Warriors take an 18-16 lead to the change of ends.

In a controversial moment which saw Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ruled out of the match early in the second half, referee Wyatt Raymond elected not to send Crichton to the sin bin despite the Canterbury-Bankstown captain making shoulder contact to the head.

The Bulldogs regained the lead with Harry Hayes (54th minute) pouncing on a Toby Sexton grubber kick for his maiden NRL try, while Matt Burton did likewise for Josh Addo-Carr (62nd minute) - his 139th try - to extend the visitors beyond a converted try.

Capping their first win at the Warriors home ground since 2012, the Bulldogs finished in style with Crichton making a break off a scrum which saw Jacob Kiraz (78th minute) round out the 34-18 victory.

Next week, the Warriors will play their final game of the season away to the Sharks on Saturday night, while the Bulldogs will host the Sea Eagles on Friday evening.