League fans turn out in force to meet their heroes

Five years since they were last in Christchurch, the Kiwis are back in town to take on the Kangaroos.

The New Zealand league team have been preparing to line up against Australia at a sold-out Apollo Projects Stadium on Sunday.

Hundreds turned out at Wainoni Park to see the New Zealand and Australian men's and women's teams. Photo: Geoff Sloan

On Wednesday afternoon the Kiwis, Kangaroos, Kiwi Ferns and Jillaroos squads headed to Wainoni Park, Aranui, to meet and mingle with their fans from Canterbury.

They took time out from their busy preparation ahead of their Pacific Championships double-header on Sunday when the women will kick off at 3.35pm and the men at 6.05pm.

Watching the Kiwis train at Ngā Puna Wai

They rubbed shoulders with hundreds of league fans at the 'Fan Day' event yesterday, with many relishing the chance to get autographs and selfies with their favourite players.

Shaun Johnson taking selfies with fans in Aranui. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Kiwis great Stacey Jones, who stepped into the role of head coach earlier this year, was also at the event.

Up to eight players are set to make their Kiwis' debuts on Sunday. But Jones has also named a raft of experienced campaigners - none more popular than seasoned Warriors' playmaker Shaun Johnson.

"The back end of the season for the Warriors, (Johnson) showed some really good signs of having a clear thought around how he wanted to play," Jones said.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was popular with the crowd. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Johnson announced his retirement from club and international league at the end of the last NRL season. But Jones pulled the veteran halfback back into the fold to cover for injuries.

"Shaun's doing it for his country, he's doing it for this group of players. He's doing it for himself and his family," Jones said.

"He knows that this is the end, he's just really thriving being in the group, and he wants to deliver a performance."