Palmerston North

Police said the men were aged in the 30s and 40s and were from the same family.

The two bodies were recovered from the Manawatū River on Sunday afternoon.

Police received reports just after 5.30pm on Sunday that two men who were swimming in the river near Awapuni were missing.

Searchers recovered the men’s bodies a short time later at a nearby location just before dark.

Police are making enquires in relation to the deaths on behalf of the coroner, who will release their findings in due course.

Maraki Aumua, 16, leaves on Monday for Townsville where he will join the North Queensland Cowboys and head straight into pre-season training with the NRL squad.

The talented goal-kicking five-eighth was spotted at a touch tournament and signed to a six-year deal last year.

He has just finished year 11 at Palmerston North Boys’ High School, where he was in the first XV rugby team, but he will go to Kirwin State High School, a top Australian school for league, to finish his schooling.