Players take selfies with fans and sign autographs. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Auckland's Victoria Park was painted red and blue as hundreds of league supporters came together in full force for Toa Samoa Fan Day on Tuesday.
The players were welcomed with hundreds of excited fans waving the country's flag with pride.
It was a dream come true for many fans to meet their rugby heroes in person as the team mingled with the crowd taking selfies and signing tee shirts and posters.
The rugby league team is in Auckland ahead of their game against New Zealand's 'Kiwis' this weekend.
It will be their second game in the NRL 2023 Pacific Rugby League Championships.
The competition involves six men's teams and seven women's teams playing across two pools.
Toa Samoa Fan Day Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Toa Samoa supporter Walter Sipili is a fan of the game but would like to see more matches in coming seasons.
"I love the concept, but it'd be nice if they all got to play each other, rather than in separate pools, but it is what it is," Sipili said.
Contemplating how the weekend will go, he said: "It should be a close game, they've both got good teams but I'm hoping for Toa Samoa to win."
Two young friends, Julian and Levi agree, they have great faith Samoa will triumph over New Zealand this weekend.
"I reckon we have heaps of potential to take over the Kiwi's," Julian exclaimed, adding "it's time to run amuck."
"Easy work" Levi added on, nodding enthusiastically.
Whatever the outcome, the boys are proud of the team saying, "it's a blessing" and "it's good to represent our country and to have a solid team behind us that can carry us all the way."
Walter Sipili and his family attending Toa Samoa Fan Day. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Toa Samoa Coach Ben Gardiner took a moment on stage to acknowledge the fans for their endless support.
"It's a really good opportunity to be out in Auckland and represent the people of Samoa so thank you everyone for turning up today, absolutely stoked that you're here"
Gardiner noted the team has been training in North Harbour, preparing for this weekend's game.
Judging by the hundreds of Samoa flags filling the air at the fan day, there will be no shortage of supporters backing the team.
Amongst them are popular artists 'Tenelle' Christine Luafalemana and Wayne 'Wayno' La'ai.
"I think they're gonna do great, they're gonna shine like they always do, regardless of win or lose."
"But we're gonna win, we're taking it." Tenelle says confidently.
The two were special guest artists at the Fan Day which Wayno felt was a great honour.
"Following their recent success at the Rugby World Cup last year, I feel like this is the first time we've seen them since that, it's an amazing atmosphere."
He too has full confidence the Toa Samoa team will be victorious.
"We're gonna thrash the Kiwis 40 nil."
'Wayno' entertains the crowd. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Eden Park will be an absolute hive of excitement with the triple-header between New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga.
The gates open at 12:30pm with the NZ Kiwis A squad facings Tonga's A squad up first, followed by the Kiwi Ferns vs Tonga women's teams.
The Toa Samoa vs Kiwis game kicks-off at 6pm on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Toa Samoa captain Peseta Junior Paulo told Radio Samoa there are youthful faces in his side and big things are expected from rugby league Samoa in the future.
Paulo said it can be intimidating coming in as a new player, but the culture is welcoming.
Toa Samoa Fans fill the grounds with red and blue. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Toa Samoa Fan Day Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
