"We've extended the competition over the two days of the Rural Games – that way our athletes will physically be in top form throughout the competition.
"Audiences on both days will get to experience the thrill of what the heavies can do.
"This year our Kiwi heavies will come up against big men from Canada and Australia."
Professional Unique Realty Rural Specialist Jeremy Cotter said he was a little bit in awe of the heavies.
"Having been a professional rugby coach for the Manawatū Turbos, I've worked with some big boys over the years, but I can tell you that heavies are seriously next level in terms of strength.
" From tossing the caber to picking up 150kg Manawatū River rocks it's more than a little bit awe-inspiring."
"For PUR it's a fantastic alignment – providing a free entertaining event that showcases what training and mind over matter can achieve.
"I'm super stoked that three of our heavies are locals – that puts some real meaning behind the saying Mighty Manawatū."
Steve Hollander said 2020 is shaping up to be a great year as 80-year-old Des McLean, master caber craftsman, from One Tree Bay in Northland, is crafting a new caber for the Southern Hemisphere Highlander Champion competition from a tanekaha tree.
"Tanekaha is the crème-de-la-crème for cabers as they don't snap," said McFarlane.
"The heavies in Waipū have been using them for years and it's fantastic to have one being made for our new competition."
The 2020 Southern Hemisphere Highlander competitors are: Luke Blue Mountain Reynolds, New South Wales; Joshua Plate, St Catharine, Ontario; Jayden Hill, Adelaide; Caig Lifts n Biffs Manson, Canterbury; Reuben de Jong, Auckland and three Palmerston North heavies - Callum McConachy, Carl Waitoa and Adam Miller.
Hollander said the Games are in discussions with heavies in Scotland and Europe, with the aim to have a world-wide field of competitors in 2021.
