But the Warriors coach maintains he is 100% genuine when he gushes about Forsyth Barr Stadium, and when he stresses the importance of the clash against the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday.
He points out it is the only ''proper'' NRL warm-up game following two early pre-season games and the Auckland Nines.
''This is our one real trial,'' Elliott told the Otago Daily Times.
''Our first two games were three days apart, and we couldn't play any of our Nines players in the second trial. We had 20 players sitting in the stand.
''It was great to get some young guys an opportunity to play. But the game in Dunedin is our one real chance to execute our team strategy.
''There's a fair bit of pressure on us to get this performance right.''
It is a cliche, but the Warriors will use this game as a chance to finalise starting jerseys for the season opener against the Parramatta Eels on March 9.
Asked how many starting positions were already settled, Elliott replied: ''Oh, I reckon Simon Mannering [captain] is going to make the team.
''Our strong message is that this game is a trial not just for our systems and structures, but for selection as well. It's open slather. Who wants to start the season?''By any measure, the Warriors' first visit to Dunedin last year was a thorough success.
The Warriors beat the Broncos 16-10, and more than 15,000 fans - a remarkable number for a non-competition game - were at the stadium.
Matching that number will be tricky as the novelty factor will have worn off for some, the Sunday afternoon slot is not exactly prime time, and the Highlanders-Blues game on Saturday night has sucked up a lot of attention.
But there are still plenty of passionate Warriors fans in the South, and for Elliott, the appeal of coming back is strong.
''I loved our trip to Dunedin last year.
''I just wish we had a similar stadium for our members up here.
''I loved the city, the vibe, the students at one end. I couldn't have been more impressed.''
Elliott enjoyed the inaugural Nines tournament, despite the Warriors being knocked out in the semifinals.
The response of the home crowd stunned the coach, and while Shaun Johnson and new recruit Sam Tomkins were rock stars, Elliott was pleased with some of the supporting acts.
''Everyone's talking about Shaun and Sam.
''They were just phenomenal, though perhaps we didn't manage their time very well.
''Sione Lousi, his contribution was really special. Young guys like Solomone Kata, Tui Lolohea and David Fusitua all showed they're not far away from stepping up and contributing.''
The Warriors will be in Queenstown this afternoon before heading to Dunedin tomorrow.
