Rugby league's return to Dunedin's sporting calendar culminates today in what should be an engrossing grand final at Tahuna Park.
The sport's decision to hold a seven-week spring tournament in what has effectively been a rebuilding year has been a success, with good crowds turning out to watch the seven teams, all of which improved considerably as the year went on.
The two finalists after the round robin are the Hawks, who have gone through the season unbeaten, their only blemish a draw against the team they take on in the final, Pirates TE.
The Hawks must be favourites for the final, having piled on 285 points in the six games, and letting in just 120.
Pirates began with a loss to the South Pacific Raiders, but that was their only defeat.
Pirates had the second-best defence in the competition, letting in 124 points, but were less successful than the Hawks at getting over the line, scoring 196 points.
Despite that, coach Mark Nafatali said he was "quietly confident" his team could pull off an upset.
Hawks coach Rema Smith said yesterday injuries had taken a toll on the team, but his players had trained well during the week.
Today's matches start at 1.15pm with play-offs between third and fourth, and fifth and sixth.
The grand final kicks off at 3pm.
