Arorangi Bears remains confident and excited as they face the undefeated Tupapa Panthers in today’s League 13s Premiership playoff.

Team representative Romaric Purua says that while they have a few players still nursing some injuries, he believes they are fit and ready to face the Minor Premiership winner- Panthers at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia.

“The Panthers are the best team in the competition, and they have been for a number of years alongside the Avatiu Eels.

“We just want to go out there and do our best and make our family and village proud,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a surprising knockout battle yesterday, defending champions and former Minor Premiership holders Avatiu Nikao Eels lost to Titikaveka Bulldogs 26-22.

The Bulldogs will now wait to see whom they face in the play-off match today between the Bears and Panthers.

Rugby League competition coordinator Francis (Franky) Toa explained the format of the playoffs where the winner of 1 vs 2 advance to the finals and looser of 1 vs 2 plays winner of 3 vs 4… the looser of 3 vs 4 bows out of the season.

Avatiu Eels has bowed out of the season and the winner Bulldogs advances to face the team that loses in today’s match.