AUCKLAND has once again been turned into a sea of red as thousands of Tongan fans descended on Manukau’s Vodafone Events Centre to greet their heroes on Wednesday.

The scenes were reminscient of last year’s Rugby League World Cup when Tonga changed international rugby league forever after a memorable charge to the semi-final where they were beaten in a thriller by England.

Even though Tonga doesn’t play Australia until October 20 at Mt Smart Stadium, it didn’t stop fans coming out in force.

The team arrived in Auckland on Wednesday where they were taken straight to the venue to meet the diehard supporters who had been waiting for hours.

Mate Ma’a Tonga jerseys flooded the streets, while hundreds of flags flew proudly from cars, trucks and vans.

The players were welcomed with a moving hymn before the cheering soon took over once again.

Before their historic first Test with Tonga, the Kangaroos will first meet New Zealand on Saturday in what will be a tripleheader at Mt Smart Stadium involving the women’s match and junior game.