Crowd turns out to watch Kiwis train at Ngā Puna Wai

Seven-year-old Xanthe French-Reriti was among about 100 fans who took the opportunity to watch the Kiwis training in Christchurch on Tuesday.

The New Zealand rugby league team took to the field at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub ahead of the big soldout Labour weekend clash with Australia at Apollo Projects Stadium.

Photo: Geoff Sloan

A crowd of excited youngsters including Xanthe were on hand to collect the players' signatures, but were especially hoping to get one from their special hero: "Shaun Johnson".

The Kiwis and the Kiwi Ferns are both in Christchurch this week, preparing for their Pacific Championships double-header against Australia.

They'll be playing in front of a sold-out crowd of 17,000 fans on Sunday at Apollo Projects Stadium.

The Christchurch test is the first time the Ferns have played in the city since 1998.

The women are up first at 3.35pm, followed by the men at 6.05pm.

But before that locals will get another chance to rub shoulders with the players at a special 'Fan Day' on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the New Zealand and Australian teams will be signing autographs at Wainoni Park, along with photo opportunities, a Q&A session, and even the chance to kick the ball around with the players.