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Todd Payten says tears welled up in his eyes when Warriors and Sea Eagles players performed a haka on Adam Blair after a 40-28 victory over the Sea Eagles on Sunday.
Blair pulled the curtain down on an NRL career that began in the Storm’s fourth-round game against the Tigers in 2006.
His family was there to watch him play his last game, before taking an off-field role with the club.
But before he could leave the field, most of the Warriors players performed an emotional haka on Blair.
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Speaking after the game, Payten said it was moving to watch.
“Tears came to my eyes when I saw the haka,” Payten said.
Matt King / Getty Images
Warriors and Sea Eagles players perform a haka for Adam Blair after the 40-28 victory.
“I’ve seen it at Benji’s (Marshall) wedding. I’ve seen it a couple of times in New Zealand and it’s really powerful. It is a sign of respect.
Payten went on to talk about what it’s been like leading the Warriors for the past three months and how he’s watched everyone grow from his experiences.
“I am very proud of the group,” he said.
“They have represented themselves, the club, their families, really well.
“We have a lot of goodwill in place, and they deserve it, because they are the ones who had to put it in the park every week.
“I was interested in them quite early and there have been some challenges, it has been difficult at times, it has been very pleasant and something positive has come out.
“Being in our bubble at the beginning, you could see the connections and camaraderie grow in the group.
“We have seen some boys become men, we have seen some of our men become true leaders.”
Matt King / Getty Images
Adam Blair ended an incredible run in the Warriors’ win over the Sea Eagles on Sunday.
Blair holds the record for the most NRL matches played by a New Zealander, with 331, while he also played 50 tests for the Kiwis.
But Payten said it’s not just what Blair did on the field that has made such an impact.
“I had Adam on the Tigers,” Payten said.
“He is a professional, he mentors the younger guys, especially the Maori and Polynesians.
“It shows them how to prepare and train during the week. Whether or not he is contributing large amounts on the field, what he does off the field is invaluable and nobody sees it. “
Matt King / Getty Images
Adam Blair gives his sons a hug after playing his latest NRL game.
The victory over the Sea Eagles meant the Warriors finished 10th on the ladder, three places more than last year.
They were eliminated from the final race a couple of weeks ago and since then the idea of being able to come has been at the forefront of players’ minds. But they were able to turn it on one more time to defeat the Sea Eagles.
“I am pleased that we were able to finish on a winning note,” said Payten.
“Send Adam and the rest of the players who walk away as winners.
“I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it, I thought we started the game pretty soft and we had other soft periods in that.
“But we got lucky with our first try, which gave us a little zing. We had a bit of possession and made some decent attempts. “
With the season over, Payten goes to coach the Cowboys, while the Warriors prepare for life with Nathan Brown.
Though he will not be with the team, Payten says he is confident the Warriors can do well in 2021.
“We have a really good soccer team there,” he said.
“I’ve been asked a few times ‘why can’t the Warriors do it together?’
“Athletically they are great, they can execute skills with their catch, their draw and pass, it’s just knowing when to do it and the effort required, constantly for the full 80 minutes.
“At the very least, you need the right effort to put yourself in the game and I think they’ve given it over time. That’s what I’m most proud of. “
