Warriors and Tonga playmaker Ata Hingano has spoken about his first trip to his homeland after being humbled by the rapturous welcome his side were given by their fans.
The team will spend the next week in Tonga, given a chance to bond with one another as well as meet their fans before the Rugby League World Cup later this month, with Hingano blown away by the reception from the locals since players began to arrive yesterday.
"It's been pretty mean!" Hingano told 1 NEWS.
"Pretty much all of Tonga turned up, it definitely made the first day a memorable one."
Hingano even joked that he's wanting to get a gold tooth or two while in Tonga.
Ata Hingano, Tui Lolohea and Sione Katoa spoke passionately about what returning to the island means to them and their family.
Half of the Tongan squad arrived in Tonga today with Jason Taumalolo and rest set to arrive tomorrow
Andrew Fifita, Daniel Tupou, David Fusitua and other NRL players touched down in Tonga today.
"If there's time, probably yeah," he said while giggling.
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