They're league-mad at one Northland school, and want to see the rugby league World Cup come to Whangarei.
Pupils at the city's Manaia View School followed the Kiwis' successful World Cup campaign in Australia and are keen to see the silver trophy for themselves.
Teacher Rowena Maxwell, a self-confessed league nut, sent
an email to the Northern Advocate, Whangarei Mayor Stan Semenoff and New Zealand Rugby League headquarters, with a plea for the Cup to visit Whangarei.
She and some pupils, many of whom play club league, created a big sign which reads "Show us the trophy, Whangarei loves the Kiwis".
"Rugby league used to have a bigger profile than it does now, and the win is a good chance to capitalise on the interest," she said.
"And it's great for the kids - they just need one role model to look up to, and it'll make a difference."
Tawhiri Witehira, aged 8, who plays for Marist, watched the World Cup final replay on Sunday.
"At the beginning they weren't doing good and I thought they were going to lose," he said.
Tawhiri would love to have the Cup visit Whangarei. "I'd ask if I could touch it," he said.
