Jamayne Isaako scored a Kiwis-record 38 points as New Zealand beat the Cook Islands in Christchurch, putting their Rugby League World Cup campaign back on track.
The match was also Tanner Stowers-Smith's Kiwis debut, and he scored twice.
Friends and family watched as the forward received a standing ovation when he left the field.
Stowers-Smith said his first try and the crowd's reaction felt like a dream. "I've only dreamt of that."
He had expected to cry during his first haka and national anthem in a Kiwis jersey.
Stowers-Smith said, "But I was very emotional inside."
His cousin Isaako said he was proud to see him debut at home. "Just so proud of him, being able to get a debut, especially back here at home, and getting to play in front of his family."
Isaako called his scoring record a proud achievement, but said, "I don't really play the games for those accolades,"