Whangārei-born Warriors back rower Adam Blair is excited to play again in front of his home fans against the West Tigers on March 2.
Boasting 48 tests for the Kiwis and 289 NRL games, Blair will be a leading figure in this year's Warriors campaign. In a video from the Warrior's camp, Blair described how the team's pre-season game at Whangārei's Northland Events Centre will be a special occasion for him.
"I don't get many opportunities to come home and play where I grew up, I've got lot of good memories there."
Blair said he held Whangārei close to his heart and was proud to have also played there for the Kiwis in 2014.
"It's a special time not only for me but my family to play a trial match up there and it's awesome for the town to be able to rub shoulders with some of their idols."
He said the most important part of the experience would be spending time in the community.
"The best thing about it is giving our time to the locals that may not get the opportunity to travel to Auckland because of costs and other reasons."
The Warriors were up against a strong side in the West Tigers and Blair confirmed this game would be vital to get momentum for the start of the season.
"We're training hard as of late so it's important we get all our combinations, our communications and our executions all done really well leading into our first game."
The Warriors take on the Bulldogs on March 16 in game one of the season.