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The Warriors have played a charity NRL warm-up match in Greymouth with funds going towards those affected by the Pike River mining disaster and West Coast Rugby League.
The match saw the Warriors play the Newcastle Knights at Greymouth's Wingham Park before a sold out crowd.
With the 5000 capacity ground bursting at the seams, fans crammed every available vantage point, watching from tree branches and from the tops of buses.
Warriors head coach Ivan Cleary said while the team was taking the match seriously, it was mainly a chance to give.
"We'll try a few options and mix it up a fair bit but really the time we have in Greymouth is principally about the occasion, just being there to do what we can to give the local people a bit of joy.
"They've had a terrible time with the mining tragedy and we hope we might be able to lift their spirits a bit through being out and about in their community."
And the team was certainly well received in the community
Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshorn told ONE News that it was a special occasion for the community
"It's just brilliant, it's humbling that they've come here in our hour of need."
Warriors Chief Executive Wayne Scurrah said the team wanted to do what they could to help.
"We can't do much to repair the disaster but we can do a little bit to help the town and the folk look forward and turn a page."
And with Newcastle being a mining town, even the opposition got a warm welcome.
The final score was a draw - 22 all.
- With NZPA
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