Twenty teams, 600 players, 25 referees and hundreds of spectators all add up to the New Zealand Maori Rugby League Tournament in Rotorua this weekend.
From Wellington to Auckland, and even Brisbane and Perth, teams of Maori league players are making their way to Puketawhero Park to compete against each other, meet new friends and catch up with whanau (family).
Tournament manager John Devonshire, known as JD, said there would be a powhiri at Tangatarua Marae at Waiariki Institute of Technology tomorrow, round robin games all day Saturday and finals on Sunday afternoon.
He said there will be a "huge influx'' of people coming into Rotorua this weekend for the tournament.
"There will be 20 teams of 30, which makes 600 people. Then we've got the referees and officials, who number about 25. Then we've got the families on top of that.''
Mr Devonshire said the tournament wasn't just about playing rugby league, but also about whakawhanaungatanga (relationships).
"It's about family, it's about haka, it's about friendship. Each player will probably bring five supporters from their family, their uncles, cousins or brothers in that way that's unique to Maori.
"We get full on, with no quarter given, but there are also a lot of friendships made _ it's not just a game of league.''
This tournament will be the first time Queensland and Western Australia Maori teams will be participating.
Mr Devonshire said it was likely there would be talent scouts at the tournament, as there would be some talented players taking part.
"Scouts will be looking to see the potential and find the next Benji Marshall.''
He said the tournament was in Rotorua because it was central for North Island players and because the Puketawhero grounds were high quality and well maintained.
"Puketawhero is such a great ground. You've got the enclosed areas with a great viewing place. We're grateful to the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League for the assistance they give us, and the council take good care of the park.''