The Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) Rarotonga 13s competition knockout round on Saturday delivered a thrilling display of athleticism, strategy, and sheer determination, with the Tupapa Panthers asserting their dominance in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

As the dust settled on an action-packed day at the National Stadium in Nikao, the Panthers emerge as the team to beat, setting the stage for an epic showdown in the finals.

In the women’s division, the Lady Panthers showcased their strength and skill against the confident Lady Bulldogs.

From the opening whistle to the final buzzer, the Lady Panthers dictated the pace of the game, rattling the Bulldogs’ defence with their relentless attacks.

Led by a stellar performance from their star players, the Panthers executed their game plan with precision, resulting in a clinical finish and a final score of 22-12 in their favour.

The Lady Bulldogs are still in contention for the finals and will face the Lady Bears in the semifinals this weekend.

In the highly anticipated premier men’s clash between the Panthers and the Avatiu Nikao Eels, spectators were treated to a spectacle of rugby league at its finest.

As the Minor Premiership winners faced off against the Panthers, it was evident that this would be a match for the ages, with both teams leaving everything on the field in pursuit of victory.

The Panthers, fueled by their determination and unwavering focus, capitalised on every opportunity presented to them, exploiting the Eels’ defensive vulnerabilities with clinical precision.

Despite the Eels’ bold efforts to stem the tide; they ultimately succumbed to the Panthers’ relentless onslaught, with the final score of 26-14 in favour of the Panthers.

Panthers coach Darren Piri emphasised the importance of their attacking strategy, stating, “Our focus was to work on what suits us in attack for eighty minutes ... defence is crucial.”

In the feature match of the week – a do-or die battle – reigning champions Arorangi Bears found themselves locked in a fierce battle against the determined Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles.

As the game unfolded, tensions ran high, with both teams leaving nothing to chance in their quest for supremacy.

The Bears, aware of the formidable challenge posed by their opponents, dug deep and showcased their championship experience, responding to every Sea Eagles surge with resilience and determination.

The Bears emerged victorious with a score of 26-12, securing a hard-fought win and moving one step closer to another shot at the premiership title.

The Bobby Hansen-coached Bears will take on the Clive Nicholas-coached Eels in the semi-final this Saturday.