Cameron George was asked some hard questions after it emerged Reece Walsh would be the latest star to depart the club this season.
The Warriors said Reece Walsh "had indicated his wish to stay in Australia" while confirming the previously-reported return of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
The teen will quit the Warriors at the end of 2022, reports say, with the NZ club set to acquire former player Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad from Canberra.
The controversial prop said he was keen to stay but the club's treatment of his father-in-law and brother-in-law left him no option but to walk out.
It will be the first city outside of Australia to host the annual rugby league showdown between the Māori All Stars and the Indigenous All Stars.
A packed Mt Smart welcomed them back with rapturous applause.
Reece Walsh is now in isolation and will follow NRL health protocols.
Some 60 matches and 1039 days since they last played at home, the struggling Warriors will hope for a huge boost in front of a sell-out crowd.
The Kiwi NRL team have a milestone man among the squad as they finally return home after nearly three years.
Nathan Cleary starred for the Blues, scoring two tries and setting up two others against Queensland.
The Kiwis dominated with speed and precision to defeat Tonga 26-6 in front of a sell-out red army at Mt Smart Stadium.
It’s the pre-match ritual everyone had been waiting for as New Zealand performed a powerful Haka while Mate Ma'a Tonga responded with an electrifying Sipi Tau.
Despite being greeted by a sea of red flags in what was supposed to be a home fixture, the Kiwi Ferns have picked up where they left off with a dominant 50-12 win over Tonga in their women's rugby league Test.
Kalyn Ponga wants to share the load with Cameron Munster as he seeks a happy homecoming in State of Origin game two.
West Tigers star David Nofoaluma says Samoa have what it takes to challenge for Rugby League World Cup glory later this year.
All rugby league eyes will be fixed on Mount Smart Stadium when New Zealand host Tonga for the first time since 2019.
The Kiwis have named four debutants in their team to face Mate Ma'a Tonga on Saturday at Mt Smart Stadium.
Mate Ma'a Tonga's double header on Saturday will unite a community in need of something to celebrate.
Kiwis debutant Moses Leota came close to NSW State of Origin selection before an eligibility issue dashed that dream.
Star power and new talent make up the Kiwi Ferns squad named to face Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.