NZ Kiwis hooker Brandon Smith hopes an emphatic victory over Mate Ma'a Tonga can be the first step to restoring mana to the black jersey and kickstart a new era.
New Zealand will face their Pacific Island foes on Saturday at Mt Smart Stadium, but are expected to be outnumbered in fan support.
With COVID-19 restrictions disrupting the usual NRL and international rugby league fixtures over the past two years, the test match brings a rare opportunity for players to return home.
Smith reveals being back has brought a buzz within the camp and the players look forward to repaying the faith to their loyal supporters.
"It's reconnecting with the motherland," he said. "I've been back in New Zealand since Saturday and feel like I'm already lifted.
"Seeing Pop, my sis and all my family here, and all the friends I grew up with, it raises your spirit and makes you want to play for those people that are coming to watch.
"I know a lot of people in this team have the same feeling. It's about taking this jersey to a place where it hasn't been for a while.
"I think everyone has that same goal, and we're just hoping that we can put some mana back in the jersey and make everyone in New Zealand proud.
The Kiwis will be up against a strong Tongan forward pack, with NRL stars littered right across their imposing side.
Smith is confident they have the players to run their opponents off their feet and looks forward to expressing himself in a more open game. After sharing dummy-half responsibilities with Queensland star Harry Grant at the Storm and often forced to play out of position, he's also keen to reclaim his preferred spot in the national team.
"I'm super excited to be playing hooker again, and go out there and showcase my skills," he said.
"I think we have a super-good team at the moment. We've got good halves, a great spine and just representing this jersey means a lot to me, and doing it at home means even more.
"They're all running players and they can all make something happen. Joey Manu, we've seen what he can do when you give him space.
"I think every one of our spine players are runners, but I think that works well in international football. The defence isn't as structured as it would be in clubland - they'll do a lot of damage."
Smith has also welcomed the challenge of playing in front of the roaring Mate Ma'a Tonga supporters.
"It's not really a rivalry, but I loved playing the last game," he said. "The red sea was out and I've never felt an atmosphere like that in a rugby league game.
"The singing at halftime, the singing after the game… I hope they all show up and do that on the weekend."
Join us at 5:40pm Saturday for live updates of the Kiwis v Tonga test
