The car crash-like league hit

Many believe rugby league is not as tough as it once was with the shoulder charge now banned, but if you needed a reminder of players' toughness, you only need to watch this hit.

The enormous collision occurred in a top-flight finals match in Auckland last Saturday between the Mt Albert Lions and Pt Chevalier Pirates.

Match footage from the 39th minute shows Mt Albert prop Saimon Lomaloma cannon into Pt Chevalier's defensive line from a kick return.

Pirates defender Misa throws himself at Lomaloma but comes off a distant second best in a sickening hit as he momentarily becomes a human pinball before hitting the deck.

A concerned Lions player takes out Misa's mouthguard as Pirates players try to move their clearly concussed teammate into the recovery possession.

For the record, Mt Albert ran out winners, 27-20.