Kiwis' halfback Shaun Johnson says he is relishing the chance of playing in New Zealand at this year's Rugby League World Cup.
It is not often the national side get the luxury of playing in New Zealand; the last time it happened was in the 2014 Four Nations final, where the Kiwis were victorious.
But with three pool games and potentially a further two playoff games in New Zealand, 27-year-old Johnson is hopeful the Kiwis can draw big crowds and impress the public with some exciting footy.
"I got annoyed when I heard the last time we played here was in 2014," said Johnson.
"It is disappointing we have to wait a long time to play games here so we are not going to waste this opportunity.
"We are going to play a style of footy which is attractive and people love watching and when we can we will get out into the public and embrace the local support."
A number of controversies have marred the current culture in the Kiwis squad, with a number of players not considered for selection, and others opting to represent other countries.
"We understand that the spotlight is on us with what has happened over the last six months and we want to make that right," Johnson said.
"We have a big responsibility being here in New Zealand especially with how we represent ourselves, how we portray the jersey and our culture."
"I couldn't care less who wants to play for us. I know we have 24-boys in this room who wouldn't trade this for anything in the world so that is all I care about.
"If these other boys want to go represent other countries, I can't argue that. So good luck to them and that is as far as I'll go with that.
A number of players have pulled out due to injury, including the likes of Tohu Harris and Jordan Kahu, testing the Kiwis' depth in a number of positions.
But that doesn't bother Johnson who still believes they have the best squad in the World Cup.
"In my eyes we have the best players so we don't need much coaching, it is all about pulling it together and making sure the machine works properly."
Johnson has not played much footy in the past few months after injuring his knee during the Warriors loss against the Penrith Panthers in round 19.
He did return for the round 25 clash against the Manly Sea Eagles, but struggled his way through the golden-point thriller and as a result, missed the final game of the season against the Wests Tigers.
The former Golden Boot winner insists he is ready to compete and is fully fit. "I am good to go. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."
"You can't actually replicate what goes on in a game and that is what happened when I came back from injury with two games to play, it was like really? Has it happened again?
"I did all I could at training I'm still at that spot again but I have more time under my belt. I'm keen to finish off the year with a smile on my face so I can't wait to play Samoa."
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