Departing NZ Warriors coach Todd Payten admits he had a tear in his eye as he watched players perform an emotional haka for retiring Kiwis legend Adam Blair.
On Sunday, Blair played his 331st and final NRL match - the most by a New Zealander - as the Warriors beat the Manly Sea Eagles 40-28 to cap off a tough year which has seen them play all their games in Australia due to COVID-19.
Blair's family were in the stands at the Warriors' 'home' stadium on the Central Coast and is set to take up an off-field role with the club.
After the game, the Warriors' and Sea Eagles Kiwi contingent performed a haka for Blair.
"I had a little tear well up when I saw the haka," says Payten.
"I've seen it at Benji's [Marshall] wedding and seen it a couple of times in New Zealand. It's a sign of respect.
"Whether or not he's [Blair] contributing in large amounts on the field, the stuff he does off it is invaluable and nobody sees that.
"I had Adam at the Tigers, he's a professional, he mentors the younger guys, particularly the Māori and the Polynesian kids, and shows them how to train and prepare.
"I'm really proud of our club and particularly the group, they've really represented themselves, the club [and] their families really well.
"I'm glad we were able to finish off on a winning note and send Adam and the rest of departing players out winners."
Along with his achievements in the NRL, which has seen him play in four Grand Finals, Blair has also had success representing New Zealand. Last year he became only the second Kiwi (after Ruben Wiki) and the ninth player overall to play 50 tests.
He is also one of three active players (Marshall and Issac Luke) in the NRL this year who were part of the Kiwis' World Cup-winning side in 2008 when they beat Australia 34-20 in the final.
Meanwhile, Payten was delighted for the Warriors to end their season with a well-deserved win.
The Warriors finished the season in 10th place, three places higher than last year.
"I'm pleased we were able to finish off on a winning note," says Payten.
"I thought we started the game pretty soft and had some other soft periods in that.
"But we were fortunate with our first try, which gave us a bit of a spark. We got a bit of possession and we scored some decent tries."
Payten now leaves the Warriors to link up with the North Queensland Cowboys, as Nathan Brown becomes the new head coach of the Auckland-based NRL side.
On Monday, the majority of the squad will return to New Zealand, having been based in Australia since May 3.
