Warriors a big hit in Rotorua (+ video)

PHOTO TIME: Warriors Glen Fisiiahi (left), former player, now NRL community ambassador, Jerome Ropati and Charlie Gubb take a selfie with St Mary's School students. PHOTOS/STEPHEN PARKER

St Mary's School students were keen to find out what Warriors ate for breakfast, how old they were and how hungry they get after a game during yesterday's school visit.

Two groups of past and present team members went to 12 Rotorua schools this week as part of community engagement events leading up to today's game against the Penrith Panthers.

NRL community ambassador Jerome Ropati and current players Glen Fisiiahi and Charlie Gubb visited St Mary's School to talk about the importance of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

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Also touring the schools were rehabilitation coach and former player Ruben Wiki and player Siliva Havili.

St Mary's students watched a video of the Warriors before having a chance to win a team logo pen if they answered a health quiz question correctly. They also had the opportunity to quiz the players.

"Do you always wake up hungry?" one student asked Gubb.

"I don't always wake up hungry but I always make sure I have breakfast," Gubb said.

St Mary's School teacher in charge of sports, Sheryl Todd, said the visit was enjoyed by the entire school.

"The kids really loved it. They were enthusiastic and there were really positive comments in the classroom," she said. "It's great to have positive role models of young men, fit and healthy doing something worthwhile and encouraging young people to achieve.

"There's a lot of support for the team amongst the older boys and there was a lot of discussion heading back to the class about who their favourite players were."

Visiting schools was a highlight of being a Warrior, Gubb said.

"It's awesome just being able to talk to the kids and see their reaction when we come. Being in Rotorua for a few days is going well. We're appreciating the support and have had people toot and wave to us around town."

-Today's game will be held at the Rotorua International Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm. Tickets can be bought at the gate, or at the Ticketmaster office at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, or online at www.ticketmaster.co.nz.