In thrilling Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) 13s Premiership action at Nukupure Park, the Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers booked their place in the grand final with a dominant 36-10 victory over the Arorangi Bears on Saturday, while defending champions Avatiu Nikao Eels bombed out of the competition after their loss on Friday.

In the Premiership Playoff despite a sin-bin-filled encounter marred by discipline issues, the Panthers proved too strong for the Bears.

Referee Boso dished out four sin bins in total, but it was the Panthers' firepower and composure under pressure that secured the win.

The Panthers were reduced to 12 men early when Mafu Kalas was sent to the sin bin just five minutes in. Nevertheless, they struck first at the 15-minute mark through a powerful drive from powerhouse captain Eric Newbigging, with Jason Potoru converting for a 6–0 lead.

Momentum stayed with the Panthers as winger Apolosi Lawasiliwa crossed two minutes later, again converted by Potoru. A third try by Ozwell Tunupopo before halftime stretched their lead to 16–0, although Kalas missed the conversion after returning to the field.

The second half saw more disciplinary issues, with Tunupopo earning a sin bin just two minutes in. The Bears finally responded with a try from Isaia Aleni, converted by Basil Matapo to make it 16–6. However, their captain Andrew Purua was also sent to the bin soon after.

Kalas slotted a penalty to push the Panthers ahead 18–6, before John Noovao added a try, converted by Tunupopo. Another Panthers sin bin—this time for Teina Savage—couldn’t halt the Panthers' momentum as Petero Lagilagi scored next, with Kalas converting for a 30–6 lead.

Douglas Matakibau added a late consolation try for the Bears, but it was Kalas who had the last word, soaring over for a final try converted by Tunupopo to seal a commanding 36–10 victory.

In Friday’s semi-final, Titikaveka Bulldogs upset reigning champions Avatiu Eels 26–22 in a nail-biting clash.

The Bulldogs stunned defending champions Avatiu Eels with a hard-fought win. The match went down to the wire, with Avatiu threatening a late comeback before the hooter signalled victory for the underdogs.

Bulldogs co-captain Timothy Tangirere said the result was a reflection of preparation and determination. “Everyone turned up hungry. We had to be consistent for the full 80 minutes and we managed to hold on. Avatiu were creeping back in, but we stayed in the game and had the hooter on our side.”