Top talent on show at Puketawhero

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 across three 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.

The 2016 season starts proper on Saturday, April 2.