In a do-or-die clash this afternoon at Raemaru Park, the Titikaveka Bulldogs will take on the Arorangi Bears for a place in next weekend’s Rarotonga League 13 final.

The Bulldogs, fresh off their victory against the 2024 champions Avatiu Nikao Eels 26-22 last Friday, will be aiming to advance further in the competition. Meanwhile, the Bears will be hoping for success in their second attempt after losing to the Tupapa Panthers 10-36 in the top-place playoff last Saturday.

The winner of today’s clash will take on the unbeaten Panthers in the final for the premiership title.

Bears representative Romaric Purua said while the team is confident and high on energy with the aim to reach the finals, they know they have to overcome Titikaveka Bulldogs.

“We are one step closer to reaching the finals, but to get there, we will have to overcome the Titikaveka Bulldogs and it won’t be easy,” Purua said.

“Everyone has seen just how much the Bulldogs have improved this season, and we know that beating them won’t be an easy task.”

Following their loss to the Panthers last week, Bears captain Robert Purua acknowledged the Panthers’ superiority in an interview with the Cook Islands Rugby League.

“They’ve been the benchmark team this year. We let the game slip and allowed the referee to dictate too much.”

He also expressed that discipline and execution really hurt their team on the day – “it shows we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

The Bears are hoping for a much better performance this afternoon at home.

Meanwhile the age group under-14 and U16 competition will be held tomorrow and Romaric Purua said, “Arorangi has always been big on development. We have some talent coming through our under 16 and 14s. We will help them with their development and help them reach their full potential.”

The Bears have also acknowledged their families and supporters for standing by them during the league 13s season.

Fixtures

Today at Raemaru Park: 4.45pm Bulldogs vs Bears. Tomorrow at the National Stadium: 12pm U14’s Eels vs Bears/ Sea Eagles, 1pm U16’s Bears vs Sea Eagles.