When AM Show host Melissa Chan-Green ventured to NZ Warriors headquarters, she received more than she bargained for from some of the club's biggest stars.
The Auckland-based team are braced for the 2024 NRL season, hoping to go one better than last season, when rookie head coach Andrew Webster guided them to within a game of the Grand Final, after their disastrous worst-ever finish in 2022.
The excitement around the 'Wahs' is palpable, but Chan-Green was just as nervous about leaving co-host Lloyd Burr babysitting nine-month-old daughter Mabel. She turned to star halfback Shaun Johnson for comfort.
"All the best, brother," joked Johnson, who has two daughters - Sachi (seven months) and Millah (3) - with wife and former Silver Ferns netballer Kayla Cullen.
Last season, Johnson was on midseason babywatch, but managed to sign a contract extension and celebrate Sachi's birth in the same week, without missing a game.
"Hey, a baby in your arms is a content baby," he offered. "I don't know about your little one, but Sachi, any time you've got her in your arms, she's very content."
Warriors fan Chan-Green jumped at the chance to meet her rugby league heroes and Burr was happy to accommodate her dream.
"Either I do it or you do it, and I'm not that much of a Warriors hardcore, like you are," admitted Burr. "Motherhood shouldn't prevent you from doing that, so I was like, 'I'll do it'.
"It was great fun. Thanks for having me."
Mingling with the Warriors, Chan-Green also took the opportunity to quiz dashing winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on haircare.
"I do a lot of early mornings, and they come and do my hair with a lot of product," she explained. "It gets a bit lacklustre - have you got any hair advice?"
'DWZ' has quickly gathered a cult following at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart for his explosive tryscoring feats AND his gorgeous flowing locks.
"I am actually bringing out my own product, so I have to give you some," he said.
"I've been working on it since maybe June last year. I was hoping to get it done quite soon, but it's a long process - a lot longer than I thought.
"I want it to be perfect as well."
The Warriors kick off the new season at home against Cronulla Sharks on March 8.
