Just as the Melbourne Storm players had watched one another's backs in the 80-minute duel on McLean Park they were quick to emulate that feat afterwards.
An army of the Tohu Harris whanau broke out into a haka on the balcony of the Harris Stand not long after the finalwhistle in the match against St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday night.
Just as they had weathered the Dragons' assault in the first 15 minutes, Harris responded to the Tika Tonu challenge to find three teammates, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich and Mahe Fonua, joining him, to the delight of 14,532 fans at the park.
"The family fired up the haka at the end and a few of the boys wanted to do it back so I jumped in there," a softly spoken Harris explained.
"The timing was a little off but we did the best we could and it was a great cultural experience for the boys because a lot of them haven't had that sort of stuff before.
"Let's hope it's one everybody will remember for some time."
He grinned at the coincidence of the main Harris Stand befittingly matching his surname at McLean Park but saluted the Bay community for making the Melbourne contingent feel at home.
"It'll be great to come back and have another fantastic experience like this time."
His former Tamatea Rugby and Sports Club had put on a hangi for the Storm before the game on Saturday and the players were looking forward to the leftovers at the Crown Hotel later that night.
"The Storm are huge on family because they are that sort of a club and what they let happen here for the past few days is something my family will always remember and hopefully vice-versa," said the 23-year-old, revealing the team had savoured the marae visit that morning.
Coach Craig Bellamy had spoken a few words of Maori there.
"I'd like to thank Hawke's Bay for making us feel welcome and comfortable and also the Storm for letting us enjoy a great weekend."
