While Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is a star in his own right, the presence of NBA basketballer Steven Adams after NZ Warriors' victory over Manly Sea Eagles left him starstruck.
Watene-Zelezniak, 28, was the Warriors hero in their 29-22 victory, scoring a stunning hattrick of tries as his team consolidated their ace in the NRL top four.
During his post-match interview with Sky Sport, all 2.11m of Adams caught his attention.
"It was awesome, the crowd got us through," said Watene-Zelezniak. "A win's a win, even if we do win ugly... we're just really grateful.
"Oh look, Steven Adams is here. He's the man."
Adams, 30, is currently at home in New Zealand during his off-season for Memphis Grizzlies. The centre's last campaign was cut short by injury, with a knee problem keeping him offcourt since January.
That injury also scuppered any chance of Adams making his long-awaited Tall Blacks debut, who are about to begin their Basketball World Cup campaign in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Watene-Zelezniak's hattrick puts him level atop the NRL tryscoring rankings with South Sydney Rabbitohs star Alex Johnston on 21.
Join Newshub at 8pm Friday for live updates of the Warriors v St George Dragons NRL clash
