Rugby League: Hāwera lift premiership title in tight match

The Hāwera Hawks have claimed the Taranaki premier rugby league title, holding off the Waitara Bears 22–18 in a hard-fought grand final played in front of a crowd of around 300.

The result caps a strong finish to the season for Hāwera, who drew 26-all with Pātea in the final round.

In contrast, Waitara went into the grand final without a run the previous week after Western Suburbs defaulted, leaving them short of match play.

In the final, both sides traded blows in a high-quality contest before Hāwera edged ahead late to seal the win.

Hāwera’s tries came through Brent Aston-Landers, Koby Bird-Luke, Koby Smith and Deegz Eades, who crossed twice. Aston-Landers also added a conversion.

Waitara stayed in the contest thanks to a standout performance from Daniel Fa’aseu, who scored a hat-trick, alongside a try to Kavelle Tuuta-Hughes. Kyson Broughton added a conversion, but the Bears fell just short in the closing stages.

Earlier in the day, the Marist Dragons under-16 side were convincing 40–22 winners over Waitara in their grand final.

Monty Mason led the way with two tries and four conversions, while Luke Tamatea, Poutama Murray, Kian Rosewarne-Devonshire, Lucas Hurley, Riley Haira and Matai Mauga also crossed the line.

Waitara’s under-16 tries came from Tye Olsson, Delas Langman-Mattock, Rhys Wilson and Cooper Taylor, with Olsson adding three kicks.

Organisers praised all four teams for delivering an entertaining day of rugby league, highlighting the skill and effort on display across both finals.

Match officials were also acknowledged for their efforts in challenging conditions.