Tonga supporters were out in full force overnight as they welcomed their rugby league heroes to New Zealand for their upcoming World Cup matches.
Approximately 2000 supporters were present at Auckland International Airport to welcome Mate Ma'a Tonga after the Tongan team started their campaign with a dominating 50-4 win over Scotland in Cairns on Sunday.
Hurrell was at his comical best as soon as he got the mic into his hand. (Source: Other)
The team was welcomed with a hymn before they received a Sipi Tau from a young Tongan team also in attendance as well.
It's the latest, remarkable display of passion and pride from Tonga supporters after they nearly brought the South Auckland suburb of Otahuhu to a standstill when they hit the streets to celebrate Tonga's win on Sunday night.
Some supporters sat out of windows and on bonnets to show their joy - others simply stood in the street waving shirts to show their delight.
Tonga's culture was on full display as junior and senior players showed each other the ultimate respect. (Source: Other)
Sunday's game was Tonga's only pool match in Australia, with their next two taking place in Hamilton at Waikato Stadium against Samoa next Saturday and the Kiwis the following weekend.
SHARE ME