The man killed in a forestry incident yesterday, north of Napier, was a rugby player who had potential to take his rugby career further in the future.
Former Gisborne man Niko Brooking was killed while working in Pohokura Forest, between Napier and Taupo, when a steel cable struck him, an initial WorkSafe notification said.
The 24-year-old was a former Poverty Bay representative and Gisborne Pirates club rugby player and had played for Clive, in Hawke's Bay this year.
He played for the Clive Premier team as a blind side flanker and lock. He also played some games for the second team.
Coach Blair Cross said Mr Brooking had a way of keeping the mood light amongst the players, "he could be a bit of a joker".