Pōwhiri sets the stage for New Zealand Warriors and West Tigers clash

Richard Shepherd (standing) welcomes the New Zealand Warriors and the West Tigers to Whangārei. Photo / John Stone

It might have been all smiles at yesterday's pōwhiri at the Northland Events Centre but come Saturday, the New Zealand Warriors and West Tigers won't be holding back.

Both squads were greeted and officially welcomed at 3pm yesterday at the scene of Saturday's game with speeches from respected tangata whenua, Whangārei mayor Sheryl Mai and events centre trust members. Along with events centre staff, the teams were led in song to commemorate the occasion.

Warriors star and Northland-born Adam Blair spoke on behalf of his team first in te reo, then in English, in appreciation of the welcome and the joy he felt in being back in Whangārei.

Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who travelled with the team to Northland in 2017 but did not play, said he was glad to be making it out on to the park on Saturday.

"It's good to be back here and it'll be nice to actually go out there this weekend.

"These trial games are great for building combinations, you're going to see a lot of the senior players coming in and it's all about getting ready for round one."

The talented fullback said a hard preseason would be worth the confidence the Warriors would take from the game before their season opener against the Bulldogs at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday March 16.

"The boys have been getting flogged for the last couple of months but it's going to pay off in the end and it'll be good to get that confidence."

Tuivasa-Sheck was grateful for the warm welcome and said it was a special moment for the squads of both teams.

"It's a good feeling seeing that the tradition is still alive and it's pretty special for Adam Blair in his hometown to receive and give out the welcoming."

Former Northland boy and Tigers forward Elijah Taylor spoke on behalf of the Sydney-based club, thanking present members for the welcome and describing the enthusiasm of the Tigers players, who were keen to get stuck in come kickoff at 3pm on Saturday.

Taylor, who said he last played in Northland in 2012, said the welcome and seeing the field at the Northland Events Centre brought back memories of his life in Northland.

"It's good to be home, we couldn't ask for more, playing the Warriors up here so hopefully the community come out and support it."

Taylor, who played a lot of junior rugby in Northland, said this was the Tigers' first chance to perfect the execution of their set-plays ahead of the season.

"Now it's time to put those on out there under pressure as a team because we've been training really well and this will be a good gauge for where we are."

Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney said the squad was feeling good and looking forward to the contest on Saturday.

"The boys have worked really hard so they are ready to get out there and have a hit out."

Kearney said the team's defensive structures had been looked at strongly over the preseason period and would be a focus for the weekend's game.

"I'm not expecting it to be a super polished performance but if they put in that effort and work hard for each other then they will set a good foundation for the rest of the season."

The Warriors will host a captain's run at the Northland Events Centre today, from 10am to noon that is open to the public. Players will also be available to fans straight after the main game on the field on game day.

Tickets are available from www.ticketrocket.co.nz and Forum North Box Office, Rust Ave, Whangārei.

Ticket prices: Grandstand adult $30 (16 years and over), child $15 (4-15 years old) and general admission terraces/ embankment adult $15, child $10. Ticket fees apply.

Kids aged three and under are free if they are sitting on an adult's lap and not taking up a seat.