Photos: More than 6000 turn up to Warriors and West Tigers clash in Whangārei

Tane The Taniwha had the Warriors mascot for company.

Despite a smaller than expected crowd, the voices of loyal Northland rugby league fans echoed around Northland Events Centre as Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck led the home team out on to the field.

More than 6000 league fans attended the clash between the Vodafone Warriors and the West Tigers at Okara Park on Saturday.

Conditions were almost perfect with a strong breeze making any aerial play unpredictable, but under a glorious summer sun, you couldn't have asked for a more suitable setting for the return of the Warriors to Whangārei.

Northern Advocate photographer John Stone captured the action.

Alan and Mary Arkinstall, from Whangārei, were happy to watch a home game in their hometown.

Die hard fans Kevin Goodwin and Greg Andrews drove up from Pukekohe to catch the game.

Jenny Cripps, Ryan Cripps, Leah Maple and Aaron Maple - all from Whangārei.

Pals Pita Tuhaka and Nige Hume from Ngunguru.

Over 6000 punters turned up to the game.

Tane The Taniwha had the Warriors mascot for company.

Huia and dad Tipene Tana heading to the stadium.

Tane The Taniwha switched codes for the evening to support the Warriors.