I like a bit of fisticuffs says Edna, 84

Warrior Brent Webb gets a hug from 84-year-old fan Edna Burnett yesterday. Picture / Greg Bowker

For diehard rugby league fan Edna Burnett it was a moment she couldn't resist: a chance to meet the Kiwi heroes who thrashed Australia.

So the 84-year-old made the trip across Auckland from Birkenhead to Ericsson Stadium to meet some of the players from the historic game.

About 500 fans were at the stadium in Mt Smart to congratulate the Tri-Nations titleholders.

"I enjoyed the Sunday morning game more than I have any other," she said.

"It was absolutely awesome that they won. Every one of them really played out of their skins."

She remembers going to watch league games during World War II. "My step-sister was interested in league, and I went with her to Carlaw Park just about every Saturday," she said.

"I've been to every Warriors game this season. I used to watch them on telly and didn't go to the games because I thought I was a bit old. But now I'm older and I'm going."

The rough nature of the sport is not something she shies away from. "League is rougher than rugby in some ways. I like to see a bit of fisticuffs, but nothing worse than that."