National rugby league scouts will be winging their way to Rotorua this weekend for the annual Rangatahi Maori Rugby League tournament.
More often than not the under-15 and under-17 tournament has been hosted in Rotorua over its 17-year history. With 28 teams taking part this year will be the biggestas for the first time, girls' teams are taking part.
''The women's game is growing all the time and young girls are experiencing playing rugby league,'' said New Zealand Maori Rugby League (NZMRL) chairman John Devonshire.
''In the Waikato there are [under] 15 and 17 girls' competitions and that a good reason to progress that to a tournament level.''
Devonshire said the tournament always attracted 10 to 12 scouts from NRL clubs.
''Generally in the vicinity of 20 to 26 boys get scouted to trial and so it's a shop window for them as well.''
While most teams come together specifically for the tournament, the players often play together in rep sides.
''Some start training eight to 10 weeks out, juggling it with school and other commitments. There's a lot to play for because there are rep sides and opportunities with scouts, so they do take it pretty seriously.''
He said the young players played with a huge amount of energy.
''From the haka to the games to the camaraderie - they don't hold back. They are honest and innocent and leave it all out on the field. It's not an easy tournament. There's mental toughness as well as physical fitness because there are four or five games over a two-day period. It's pretty demanding on the body, so we modify the rules to allow 20 players per game and bigger squads - it's not easy but it's exciting.''
Devonshire said the NZMRL was grateful for the help of Bay of Plenty Rugby League in organising the tournament and allowing the use of Puketawhero Park.
Games start both days at 9am. The first of the tournament's finals are scheduled for 1pm tomorrow.
