Fans of Tongan rugby league have descended on Ōtāhuhu in a sea of red and white, hoping to get last-minute autographs before the national team heads south to Hamilton for their next game against Toa Samoa on Saturday.
The team beat Scotland in their first World Cup clash in Cairns on Sunday evening, igniting a fire in the fans in Aotearoa with many celebrating into the night.
Tongan rugby league fans ditch school for chance to see stars
Before heading to Hamilton ahead of the next game against Samoa, the team made a pit-stop in Ōtāhuhu at the Rovers Rugby League club.
Tongan supporters at the fan day at Ōtāhuhu Rugby League Club Photo: Photosport NZ
Tongan player and former Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell said it was important to make time for people in Auckland - the city with the largest Tongan population - and for the players to see their families.
"It's pretty special for us," he said.
Because of the time constraints at the airport it had been good to see the fans for a longer period yesterday, Mr Hurrell said.
A fan holds a Tongan flag cheering on player Manu Ma'u. Photo: Photosport NZ
Fan Mosese Sitaleki said he was heading to this weekend's game in Hamilton between Tonga and Samoa and appreciated the pit-stop in South Auckland.
"It shows how humble they are and just the bonds that they have with their Auckland families ... choosing to represent Tonga."
The Tonga World Cup squad made waves when heavy hitters Jason Taumalolo from the Kiwis and Andrew Fifita from the Kangaroos decided to play for the Tongan team.
Mr Sitaleki said he backed the move.
"It shows that money isn't everything and their family, their heritage, is more important."
Antoni Sisikefutapavalu, 9, said he was a true league fan and was pleased he could meet Mr Taumalolo.
He said even though he was not going to any of the games, he had high hopes for the team and predicted they would make it to the final.
Tonga will play Toa Samoa in Hamilton on Saturday and the Kiwis at the same venue the following weekend.