Riley Thomas-Orupe having a kick at the Warriors's Captain's Run at the Rotorua International Stadium with his sister, Tiwaiwai. Photo / Stephen Parker
Riley Thomas-Orupe having a kick at the Warriors's Captain's Run at the Rotorua International Stadium with his sister, Tiwaiwai. Photo / Stephen Parker
One Australian newly-wed couple made a special effort to be not only at the Warriors game but at the captains' run this morning, too.
They joined about 50 fans of all ages scattered along the Rotorua International Stadium grandstand to watch the Vodafone Warriors Captain's Run ahead of the finalNRL trial against Wests Tigers tomorrow.
What fans lacked in numbers was made up in fierce support.
Elbows were on knees, chins resting on fists; the concentration was unwavering.
Brayden and Renee Wilson, a couple from Bundaberg in Queensland, Australia, got married last Saturday and arrived in New Zealand on Monday for their honeymoon.
The Warriors at their Captain's Run at Rotorua International Stadium. Photo / Stephen Parker
Brayden was a Warriors fan "through-and-through" despite being born and raised in Australia.
The couple would spend three days in Rotorua and Brayden said the warriors game ranked "highly" on the honeymoon, and anticipated a good game of both teams going "full steam".
Renee, on the other hand, was unfazed either way but was there for the ride.
Riley Thomas-Orupe, 10, knew he had to be there for the training session to get an up-close and personal look at the Warriors in action.
He met the team when they came to his school, Westbrook School, earlier in the week.
Riley Thomas-Orupe having a kick at the Warriors's Captain's Run at the Rotorua International Stadium with his sister, Tiwaiwai. Photo / Stephen Parker
He arrived at the training with the goal of a signature from each of the players and left with that wish being exceeded after he and his sister, Tiwaiwai, got to have a few kicks with the boys.
While he would not be able to make it to the game, he would be sure to watch the game live from the comfort of his living room, as he did with all the other games.
One day, he hoped, it would be him on the field.
Perhaps as the next Hayze Perham, a Rotorua Boys' High School old boy, and the 21-year-old will be playing in front of the crowd on home soil.
Rotorua's Hayze Perham getting ready for a game for the Warriors on home soil. Photo / Stephen Parker
Joseph Begg, 10, was armed with a Warriors ball, cap and jumper
For two years, Begg has been a Warriors fan, and he could not wipe the grin off his face in his front row seat on the grandstand.
The week of excitement began on Thursday when the team visited his school and will end tomorrow when the full-time whistle blows.
This will be the first time seeing his favourite team play live.
His loyalty to the team stemmed from his father, Nairin, who predicted a tight game.
Elijah Adams, 9, excited to watch the Warriors players at the captain's run. Photo / Stephen Parker
A game that would lean in favour of the Warriors, he said, if they did not let the offence down.
Rotorua's Rio Crawford said hosting the game for Rotorua was good, "but there should be more".
This was not the first Warriors game he would be at but said having it in Rotorua was important for up-and-coming kids to see and meet their heroes.
"It's inspiring."
Although he was more of a Broncos fan, the Warriors were right up there, and it was more about the game.
"[NRL] is in my blood," he said.
WARRIORS v WESTS TIGERS:
When: Sunday, March 1, 2pm Where: Rotorua International Stadium
Ticket Information: General Admission Adult: $20 General Admission Child: $7.50 General Admission Family of five: $50 General Admission Corporate Lounge: $75 Tickets are available from Ticketmaster NZ.
