League: Big hits in Te Arawa Pa Wars

Ngati Ngararanui player Tai Kapua runs the ball against Tuhourangi on Saturday at Puketawhero Park during a thrilling 28-all draw. Photo / Ben Fraser

It was rugby league with a twist. The Te Arawa Pa Wars rugby league tournament was held at Rotorua's Puketawhero Park on Saturday - featuring some big hits, silky skills and plenty of mana.

The tournament includes eight teams this year with each side representing their hapu.

Not surprisingly, one of the features of the event at the weekend was some hard-hitting defence as the players put their bodies on the line.

"One of the things we do see at Pa Wars is everyone wants to get out there and knock people around," Jason Walker, the Te Arawa Rugby League committee chairman, said. "There were a few [big hits] on Saturday."

He said it was all in good fun though and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

"It was a very successful day with good numbers and some good football," he said. "The feedback we got was pretty good. They seemed to enjoy the day and there was some good football played."

The event this year is being held across two weekends with the last pool play matches and finals being held this coming Saturday at Puketawhero Park.

Walker said there was plenty of talent on display which would help them pick a Te Arawa men's team for the up-coming Maori nationals during Labour weekend.

"Some of the players had talent which was hard not to notice. The only thing is if they make themselves available [for the Te Arawa men's team]."

The Pa Wars tournament was not held last year but was brought back again this year by Te Arawa Rugby League.

Following the first two rounds on Saturday, Pikiao currently lead Pool A while Ngati Rangatihi lead Pool B. The winners of each pool will meet in the final to battle it out for the title of best hapu in Te Arawa.

Results from the Te Arawa Pa Wars on Saturday:

Pool A:

Round one: Ngati Pikiao 54 Ngati Kearoa 14, Ngati Whakaue
12 Iwi Tapu Te Oranga Ake 12.

Round two: Ngati Pikiao 48 Ngati Whakaue 6, Ngati Kearoa
24 Iwi Tapu Te Oranga Ake 16.

Pool B:

Round one: Ngati Ngararanui 28 Tuhourangi 28, Ngati
Rongomai 0 Ngati Rangatihi 48.

Round two: Ngati Rangatihi 28 Tuhourangi 26, Ngati
Rongomai 26 Ngati Ngararanui 38.