NZ Warriors have touched back down on NZ soil to a warm reception from their loyal fans, after their heartbreaking exit from the NRL finals.
Understandably, there was a lingering feeling of disappointment among the players, after their heavy 42-12 defeat at the hands of Brisbane Broncos, which saw them fall agonisingly short of their first Grand Final since 2011.
The faces of their adoring fans at the arrival section of Auckland International Airport at least momentarily relieved some of that pain.
"It's so special," said fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. "They've been here since the start of the season and they’ve been strong, faithful, loyal the whole way, so it's cool to see them here to support us.
"Obviously it wasn't the result we wanted or the game that we wanted to play, but to see the turnout here - it's an overall proud season for us."
Wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak echoes those sentiments, as he works his way through hoards of autograph hunters showering him with gratitude for a memorable season.
"Still a bit disappointed, but stuff like this puts a smile on your face.
"Looking back on it, we actually did something special this year. We've just got to keep looking for those positives and focusing on those.
"We'll come back better and stronger next year."
