The top four teams – Arorangi Bears, Avatiu Eels, Titikaveka Bulldogs, and the unstoppable Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers – are set to clash in the knockout round this coming weekend.

The Panthers, coached by Darren Piri and managed by Delaney Yaqona, have been a dominant force throughout the season, by powerhouse forward Eric Newbigging.

Unfortunately, the Takuvaine Warriors and Matavera Ngatangiia Sea Eagles bid farewell to the 2025 season, with Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) offering heartfelt acknowledgments to both teams as they concluded their campaigns.

Meanwhile, at Victoria Park, Tupapa, on ANZAC Day, following the Easter weekend break, as Week 10 marked the finale of the Round Robin competition.

Avatiu Eels won over the Titikaveka Bulldogs, scoring 38 to 22. Eels' fullback, Tama Nicholas, earned the Week 10 Most Valuable Player title after scoring three tries and converting three goals, racking up a total of 18 points. 

Eels Captain Josua Motu expressed satisfaction with the team's performance but acknowledged areas for improvement.

Titikaveka Bulldogs co-captain Timothy Tangirere noted their achievement in reaching the top four, a milestone for the club after seven years.

In Saturday’s performance, the Panthers stamped a 66-14 victory over the hearty ‘never say die’ Takuvaine Warriors, who made their return to the league after any years of absence.

Warriors captain Perry Ioane, in his final CIRL post-game interview for the year, expressed gratitude to supporters and reflected on the season's journey.

“First of all, I say thank you to God. I’m so proud of our boys from Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga, as well as our committee, coach, and club,” Ioane stated. Despite initial doubts about making it through the season, he celebrated the team's resilience and looks forward to next year’s competition.

The Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles faced off against the Arorangi Bears, with Bears captain Andrew Purua commenting on the challenging wet conditions. “It was a scrappy performance with some good patches. Big ups to Ngatangiia for a solid showing,” he said, emphasising the need to build confidence in their play. Sea Eagles player Amani Ama acknowledged their team's struggles with numbers this season but stressed their commitment. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but we carry on with training and appreciate our boys' efforts and our supporters,” Ama said.