Warriors fans overjoyed to meet idols (+ video)

BIG SMILES: Siliva Havili (left), Glen Fisiiahi and Charlie Gubb meet one of their adoring fans, Wharekiri Bhana, 9. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

For 9-year-old Wharekiri Bhana, meeting his favourite rugby league players was a dream come true.

The sports-crazed Rotorua primary student was one of hundreds of children who enjoyed the opportunity to get up close and personal with their most-loved Vodafone Warriors at the Rotorua Night Market last night.

Ruben Wiki, Jerome Ropati, Charlie Gubb, Siliva Havili and Glen Fisiiahi spent hours signing autographs, rugby balls and T-shirts at the market and mingling with fans, after a busy day visiting local schools.

The Warriors are in Rotorua ahead of tomorrow's game against the Penrith Panthers at Rotorua International Stadium.

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Wharekiri struggled for words after meeting his idols.

The aspiring rugby league player said he was the team's "biggest fan" and he had the hair cut to prove it.

Sporting the Warriors' logo shaved into his hair, his favourite Warriors' T-shirt and matching rugby league ball, he queued nervously until getting to shake hands with Charlie Gubb, Siliva Havili and Glen Fisiiahi.

"It was so exciting, I was so nervous. I mean, they're the Warriors," he said, with a big grin across his face.

His dad, Eru Bhana, said a passion for rugby league bonded the two of them together.

While 11-year-old Albert Tamaki's favourite player Shaun Johnson wasn't at the night market, he said he was still excited to meet some of the team. "It's a pretty cool experience. They're my heroes."

Glen Fisiiahi said he was amazed to see the effect the team had on their fans.

"It's been great, I've really enjoyed seeing the smiles on the kids' faces and the joy that we can bring them," he said.

"It's been an awesome experience so far ... the hospitality in Rotorua has been amazing."

Tickets for this weekend's game can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.nz.