Steamers players meet young fans

Joe Tupe, Dan Hollinshead and Tino Nemani pose for a photo with Eva Kolose, 6.

The 2015 Steamers ITM Cup squad made their public debut yesterday to a flock of adoring young fans.

Keen kids got to "take to the grass" with the region's best rugby stars for skills and drills at Bayfair Shopping Centre.

James McKay, 7, Alex McKay, 9, with Dan Hollinshead, Tino Nenam and Joe Tupe.

The boot was on the other foot for some of the Steamers players, who could still remember the excitement of meeting their idols when they first started the sport.

Midfield back Terrence Hepetema said he was 9 and living in Wellington when his dad picked him up early from school to watch the All Blacks training, where he got to meet Tana Umaga and Jonah Lomu.

He had been playing rugby since he was 4 and "like every other Kiwi kid" looked up to the All Blacks, as well as the Wellington Lions.

Tino Neman gives some pointers to Kaes Bolt, 9.

"I just remember it was very exciting. I used to collect their Weet-Bix cards and watched all of their games on TV."

Yesterday, it was his turn to inspire the next generation of rugby players.

"It's just nice to see the kids smile and you know what they're going through because you were, not too long ago."

Te Auripo Samuels, 8, gets some tips from Tino Neman.

The kids got to try out an obstacle course, test their skills against the Steamers, and grab a photo and an autograph.

Hepetema said about 100 youngsters had visited the stand yesterday afternoon and even more in the morning.

A lot of girls were showing an interest in the sport as female rugby became more popular, he said. "Obviously, with the Black Ferns doing so well, it's becoming more popular."

Joe Tupe watches on as Ineka Cartwright, 6, practises her sidestepping skills.

The Steamers will be meeting and greeting at Bayfair until Thursday, with their first pre-season game against Auckland only two weeks away.

Hepetema said the team had a good mix of fresh faces and more experienced players.