Maori rugby league, with its unique brand of passion and intensity, was on display at the Rotorua International Stadium on the weekend.
The New Zealand Maori Rugby League Tuakana tournament included divisions for wahine toa (women), rohe (premier) and waka (reserve) and each division produced some great performances.
There was even a touch of stardom as Parramatta Eels forward and one of the characters of the NRL, Kenny Edwards, was in action for Raukawa ki Runga.
In the Rohe division, local team Te Arawa claimed the title. They won two and lost one in the round-robin stage to finish top of their pool and book a spot in the semifinal.
In the semis Te Arawa faced a tough match-up against Raukawa ki Runga, but came out on top 13-8. In the final they were too good for Auckland Maori, prevailing 24-16.