Napier might just become the Melbourne Storm's home away from home.
After a crowd of 14,532 flocked to McLean Park in the east coast New Zealand city to watch the NRL's Victorian-based side dispatch St George-Illawarra 22-4 on Saturday night, the likelihood of a return loomed as a distinct possibility.
"Home is always home and we always enjoy playing at AAMI Park but this has been a great experience," said Storm skipper Cameron Smith.
"The town and the Hawke's Bay region have really embraced the Melbourne Storm.
"If we can come back another time when it fits in with our travel, I couldn't see why we couldn't do it."
The trip included a visit to the home marae of the locally-raised Tohu Harris where coach Craig Bellamy spoke some words of Maori.
Bellamy said the side were determined to make the most of the trip and do Harris proud in front of his home crowd.
"It was a big occasion for him and we wanted to make sure we enjoyed it and learnt something out of it," he said.
"We've really enjoyed it to be honest."
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