Despite the scoreboard going against the Northern Swords more often than not, all three teams - the 15s, 17s and premiers - have punched above their weight.
That is the belief of Rugby League Northland general manager Rob Wakelin, who is in Whangarei for round six of Rugby League New Zealand's National Competition on Sunday, at Toll Stadium.
It is the final fixture of the season for all three Swords teams, as none of the sides earned berths in next weekend's finals round.
"It's only our second year competing at this level, and if you consider the player talent pool we are competing against, all three of our teams are punching above their weight," Wakelin said.
Northland have 1000 rugby league players in total, while Auckland boasts 5500, the South Island has 7500 and Counties Manukau has 4500 players.
The Northern Swords 15s, coached by Kaitaia's Jim Larkin, have been the most successful team of the three this season, winning two from five matches. The team, which contains New Zealand Residents 16s representative Kadince Christensen, will be going for a third win this weekend against the Mid Central Vipers 15s.
"If the 15s can finish the season with a 50 per cent record, that would be an outstanding achievement for our zone. It's a credit to the players and the people around the teams," Wakelin said.
A win on Sunday will be a tough ask, but not impossible. The Mid Central Vipers have won one game and drawn two and sit equal on the ladder with the Swords.
The Mid Central 17s Vipers, like their Swords counterparts, are also chasing their first win this weekend, in a match which promises to develop into a tense battle.
Despite not having a victory under their belts, the Swords have had a few close calls this season, and will be leaving everything on the paddock on Sunday against the Mid Central Vipers premiers, who caused the upset of the season when they defeated heavyweights Counties Manukau in round one.
Although winning was a bonus, Wakelin said it was the team outcome that he wanted and had witnessed this season with the Swords.
"What was most important for me, was to see the quality of football being played improving - along with the culture within the team.
"And the improvements in these areas have been phenomenal over the past 12 months," Wakelin said.
The Northern Swords 15s kick off against the Mid Central Vipers 15s at 10.15am on Sunday, followed by the 17s at 11.30am.
Whangarei Boys' High School play Te Rangi Aniwaniwa, in the final of Rugby League Northland's Adam Blair Trophy secondary schools competition, at 12.50pm, ahead of the Northern Swords premiers clash against Mid Central, at 2.15pm. Toll Stadium opens at 10am. It is $5 entry for adults, and children 14 and under are free.