Kiwis skipper Adam Blair admits he hasn't been paying too much attention to the off-field dramas throughout the week between Tongan and Samoan rugby league supporters, but said, "everybody needs to be respectful."
The Toa Samoa and Mate Ma'a Tonga Rugby League World Cup clash tomorrow has been marred by conflicts and brawls between fans in South Auckland this week.
Blair, 31, said the Pacific Nations are proud people.
"I haven't seen too much, I guess the people are passionate," said Blair.
"I guess that is all I can really comment on – I haven't really seen much of what has been going on.
"I just know that the Tongan and Samoan people are passionate about their cultures."
Blair said the actions of a few fans affect players and the game.
"At the end of the day we are out there to do a job and we want to be respected at the same time," said Blair.
"Yeah at the end of the day it is a game and we are passionate about what we do.
"Again going back to the respect thing, everybody needs to be respectful of what is going on."
Samoan-Kiwi heavyweight boxing legend David Tua and even Government Ministers pleaded with fans to respect one another and stop the violence.
Samoa take on Tonga tomorrow night at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton at 7:30pm on Saturday.
The Kiwis host Scotland tomorrow night in Christchurch at 5pm.
SHARE ME