Fans turn it on for players at Wendy's

Vodafone Warriors members and fans turned up in exceptional numbers for an in-store signing session at Wendy's in Te Atatu South, Waitakere City, on Wednesday night.

The hugely popular Manu Vatuvei, fellow winger Bill Tupou and prop Sione Lousi were swamped as crowds queued for an hour and a half to get autographs or have photos taken with the players.

This was the last of a series of in-store functions major sponsor Wendy’s has run throughout the season. All have attracted big attendances but last night’s was by far the biggest of the year.

Vatuvei was stunned by the size of the turnout as he was kept busy signing, having photos taken and talking to fans.

The line of members and fans waiting for their chance to see the players stretched outside the entrance for the duration of the event, many fans standing in the rain waiting for their chance to see the players.

It was a massive show of goodwill for the players and the club from committed fans in Waitakere City as the Vodafone Warriors prepare for their must-win 22nd-round clash against Cronulla at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday.

After satisfying every last request, Vatuvei, Tupou and Lousi spent time in the kitchen with staff, had photos taken with them and Vatuvei also handed out meals to surprised takeaway customers.

VODAFONE WARRIORS v CRONULLA SHARKS
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Sunday, August 05

11.30am Gates Open
11.45pm Vodafone Junior Warriors v Sharks (NYC)
2.00pm Vodafone Warriors v Sharks (NRL)

• Save by pre-purchasing tickets for Sunday’s match against the Sharks at www.ticketek.co.nz and at selected Mad Butcher outlets (Albany, Glen Innes, Mangere East, Manukau and Papakura).