NINES: The annual Bay of Plenty District Rugby League nines tournament is on today. Pictured is Taupo and Pacific in the nines final last year. PHOTO/FILE
NINES: The annual Bay of Plenty District Rugby League nines tournament is on today. Pictured is Taupo and Pacific in the nines final last year. PHOTO/FILE
The best rugby league teams in the region will compete in the annual Bay of Plenty District Rugby League nines tournament today, marking the final hit-out before the 2016 season begins.
The pre-season nines tournament is being held today at Rotorua's Puketawhero Park from 1pm.
Twelve teams are competing acrossthree grades including four in the premier grade - Pacific (Tokoroa), Pikiao (Rotorua), Ngongotaha, and Taupo.
"Weather permitting it is a really good day," BOPDRL secretary Jenny Nahu said.
"And we have just had the new toilet block completed [at the Puketawhero grounds] and it looks great. I don't know where you would see another rugby league park as good as this one."
Puketawhero Park has undergone plenty of upgrades over the past few years including a new building, with changing rooms and a conference room, plus new stands and flood lights.
Last year, Pacific Sharks won the nines tournament beating Taupo Phoenix in the premier final 10-8.
Both teams then went on to make the final during the regular season, with Pacific just coming out on top in that match as well.
