The former Australian, State of Origin and Warriors prop turned up at Hancock Park to meet and dole out advice for players who were about to run out into sleet, snow and piercing wind to play for pride in their local club.
The visit from the man with an alarmingly strong handshake was a hit with the locals.
He toured the concrete block dressing rooms, stopped on the way by ladies with cameras, suddenly overcome with fits of giggling, and the local men of league, looking suddenly sheepish, desperately searching for pens for that all-important signature.
As players were strapped up and the click-clack of studs on concrete echoed through the dressing sheds, Price told the players nobody liked to see opposition forwards running full tilt at them.
"When you get the ball, that's what you do."
Saturday's wet weather conditions, he said, meant tackles should be targeted at the ball.
"It's hard enough to hold the ball in good weather."
Price made the trip to Dunedin as part of a renewed push to lift the profile of rugby league in Otago.
The Rugby League World Cup made its way south nearly two years after the Kiwis shocked the Kangaroos in the final, and was displayed at the Meridian Mall on Saturday afternoon, with Price on hand to talk to fans and sign autographs.
Price said having the World Cup in New Zealand was good for the game.
"It's good for everyone."
After his words of advice, two teams expected to be at the wrong end of hefty scores both fought for 80 minutes, despite both losing.
Pirates MT played the Kaikorai Silverbacks, and despite being three tries down at halftime, rallied in the second half, dotting down twice to get back in the game.
Kaikorai's superior strength and skill led to a 38-14 win for the Silverbacks, though the score did not reflect the contest.
University was always going to struggle against the South Pacific Raiders, but managed to hold out against a larger team for extended periods.
While the game was lost, the students rallied well for a time in the second half, with the final score 44-10 to the Raiders.
In the final game of the day, Pirates TE beat the South City Dragonz 18-14.
Pirates trailed 8-0 at halftime before scoring three quick tries in the second half, then holding out against a Dragonz comeback.
The round left the Raiders and Pirates TE both on six points, two points behind the Hawks, who had the bye, with two games to go before the final.
