If you wondered why Auckland’s Victoria Park was glittered with Samoan flags, it’s because hundreds of faithful Toa Samoa Rugby League fans were on hand to welcome their team back to New Zealand.
Samoa haven’t played the Kiwis since 2017 and on Saturday night they’ll meet again at Eden Park.
Toa Samoa organised a fan day in Auckland where special guests performers including rapper Lisi turned up to what felt more like a festival than a meet and greet.
“It's pretty special coming out to our fans all our Toa Samoa fans coming out to support the boys it’s going to help this weekend," Samoa five-eighth Stephen Crichton told 1News.
"A lot of family out there too, pretty special to finally be able to play in front of our fans, we haven’t been in Auckland yet.
"It's been a warm reception for the boys."
Toa Samoa arrive in New Zealand off the back of an opening round Pacific Championship defeat to Australia.
“We worked pretty hard this week already to get some things right from last week and build our game," coach Ben Gardiner said.
As for the Kiwis – James Fisher-Harris, who’s known for flying under the radar and doing the dirty work through the middle, is now the star of the show.
At the Kiwis opening training session, the Northland native was the signature everyone wants after being named captain of the national side earlier this week.
“I’m ready, it’s my time," Fisher-Harris said.
"I got the boys respect and I respect all the boys and we've got a good group here."
The three-time NRL Premiership winner with Penrith a man of few words – although his tough demeanour sometimes intimidates his teammates.
“He’s pretty scary," centre Joseph Manu said.
"He doesn’t say too much, he’s just got that look in his face but he’s a good dude!"
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