Summary:
The West Ham team's props were among the props used in the Lord of the Rings films.

Full article:
Sam Allardyce clearly won't be afraid to wield the axe this season. The West Ham boss was larking about at the Weta workshop at Miramar in Wellington - the home of props, models and weapons used in the studio's films, including Lord of the Rings. Both the Hammers and Newcastle players went on a tour of the workshop, with the likes of Haris Vukic and Sammy Ameobi posing with props. Ready for battle: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce looks ready for the fight in the Premiership this year . Vukic even found time to pose with a model of Gandalf from Lord of the Rings. Both . of the Premier League sides are on pre-season tours of New Zealand, . with the Hammers' first game ending in a loss to Wellington Phoenix and . looking to bounce back against Sydney FC on Saturday. Newcastle meanwhile play the reverse fixtures, facing Wellington on Saturday after thrashing Sydney 4-0. Making friends: Newcastle's Haris Vuckic lines up alongside a prop of Gandolf at Weta Studios in Wellington, who made the props for the Lord of the Rings films . Watch out: The Newcastle squad will be ready for battle this season and hope for a sharp start . On guard: Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was in fighting spirits as his side enjoyed the trip out .