“It’s our time, it’s our year,” says a confident Tupapa Panthers co-captain Mafu Kalas, who looks forward to facing Arorangi Bears in the Rarotonga League 13s Premiership grand final today at the National Stadium in Nikao.

The unbeaten Panthers claimed the Minor Premiership title and went on to book their place in the final after defeating the Bears 36-10 in the playoffs a fortnight ago.

Bears then faced Titikaveka Bulldogs and won 20-4 to secure their place in the final.

According to Kalas, they have prepared well for the match and are looking forward it.

“Everyone’s tired from training but we are looking forward to that game because we learned a lot from the start of the games. We have seen some lapses and now it is the grand finale, we don’t want to waste it,” Kalas said.

“It’s our time. It’s our year … we are looking forward to the game against our Arorangi brothers. I’m not underestimating our brothers from Arorangi but we are going all in.

“We have our winning spirit and we can’t wait for the game.”

Kalas said they fell short two years ago and are raring to reclaim the title.

The Panthers are a win away from achieving a clean sweep and finishing the domestic 13s competition unbeaten – a rare feat.

“We’re looking forward to this and we want to win this year.”

According to Kalas, from their last match against the Bears, they have learnt a lot in terms of discipline, “clean footy”.

“We have a game plan, but we think out of the box,” he said.

“Arorangi is a good team too. They have big boys, big forwards, and the young boys still coming up … We’re going to prepare for them.”

Kalas thanked the Panthers fans, supporters and the management.

Arorangi Bears skipper Andrew Purua says the team includes a good balance of young and experienced players and they are excited about the clash.

Purua says consistency has been a big battle for them this year because of a big squad of players they have had all season.

“We thought that in the first couple of rounds we were just trying to find the combinations and what would and wouldn’t work for us.”

Purua said that they had finally found the right combination of players, which had propelled them to today’s final, as “evident through our big win over the Bulldogs last week”.

However, he said their problem against the Panthers all season, “hasn’t been what they’ve been able to do to us, but rather what we haven’t been able to get right”.

“I am not taking any credit away from them. Like I said, they are a well experienced, well coached team; they’ve got the goods in the forwards and the backs,” Purua said.

“If we can correct (the mistakes) and get the things that we know we need to get right, I think we’re in with a good chance.”

Purua acknowledged all their families, friends and supporters from Arorangi.

“At the end of the day, we’re not only doing this for ourselves, we’re doing it especially for our village, our people and our families.”

The finals will kick off with the Mini Mods at 10am and will culminate with the men’s premiership showdown, which kicks off at 4pm. Entry fee is $5 for adults and $2 for teens. For children 12 years and under, entry is free.

Fixtures

Today at National Stadium: 10 Mini Mods, 12.20pm U14 Eels versus Bears/Sea Eagles, 1.20pm U16 Eels versus Bears, 2.30pm U19 Bears versus Sea Eagles, 4pm Premier Panthers versus Bears.