It's not an understatement to describe Michael Hoonhout as one of the Bay of Plenty Steamers' most avid fans.
So the 13-year-old Aquinas College student was thrilled when he and his class got to have lunch with his favourite team yesterday, after winning a Bay of Plenty Times and More FM
competition.
Michael was the lucky winner of the Collect Steamie Coupons and Win competition, which attracted thousands of entries from all over the Bay.
The teenager and his classmates dined out on a barbecue lunch with the "really cool" players in their classroom.
Dad Victor Hoonhout said playing rugby was all Michael talked and thought about.
His son's bedroom was decked out in Steamers and All Blacks memorabilia and he knew the details of every game.
So it goes without saying that Michael will be at Baypark Stadium tomorrow to watch the Steamers play the Southland Stags.
When asked whether his team would win, he replied with an emphatic "yep".
Classmate Connor Gilbert, 12, said the whole class stood up and cheered when Michael told them of their special lunch-date.
Injured Steamers half-back Joshua Hall said he and other players got a real kick from the visit.
"The boys just love doing things like this, as the kids are our number one supporters. The enjoyment they get and we get from it is heartfelt."
When asked about the Steamers' chances of winning tomorrow, Mr Hall said the Southland Stags must be hurting after losing the Ranfurly Shield last weekend.
Tomorrow's game was "do or die" for both teams and the players would it give it their all, he said.
