Despite a smaller than expected crowd, the voices of loyal Northland rugby league fans echoed around Northland Events Centre as Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck led the home team out on to the field.
More than 6000 league fans attended the clash between the Vodafone Warriors and the West Tigers at Okara Park on Saturday.
Conditions were almost perfect with a strong breeze making any aerial play unpredictable, but under a glorious summer sun, you couldn't have asked for a more suitable setting for the return of the Warriors to Whangārei.
Northern Advocate photographer John Stone captured the action.
![Alan and Mary Arkinstall, from Whangārei, were happy to watch a home game in their hometown.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/OCKIKNE2L5FDO7ONIRJ2KBJPRM.jpg?auth=b216edfa82cc956e6912e670fced0da17e5ad26c4e6df0f25f7cc139e1ca856d&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)