Benji Marshall's 250th game was an even bigger privilege for the Dragons halfback after he received a meaningful haka from family and friends following his side's 25-12 loss to former club, West Tigers.
Marshall was visibly emotional from the offering by his personal support team, but explained in a post-game interview to Dragons TV why it meant so much to him.
"It wasn't just any haka," Marshall said.
"It was the one our family grew up with and something that's relevant to our tribe."
The Ngai Tuhoe descendant says the moment reflected his NRL career to this point.
"There's three things that [rugby league] is about to me and it's family, respect and loyalty.
"I thought today my family showed me that by turning up in the numbers they did and that's what's helped me to get to where I am today."
Marshall's younger brother led the haka.
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