The much-anticipated 2025 League 9’s in Paradise tournament ended on a high at the national stadium in Nikao on Saturday with Arorangi Bears taking home the victory for this year’s tournament.

They dominated the Men’s finals against Tokoroa Pacific Sharks with points 15 to 11 while Avatiu Eels came third and Titikaveka Bulldogs came fourth with an impressive win of 25 – 8.

For the Women’s finals, Ngati Umutahi were named the champions having won against Lady Panthers with 16 – 8 points, Raukawa Kuki’s won against Vaine Toa in the 3rd and 4th place with a close win of 19-18 points.

Under 18 men’s teams vying for the championship title. TALAIA MIKA / 25011256

For the Under 18 Men’s finals, Avatiu Eels placed 1st, Titikaveka Bulldogs came second, TKV Warriors came third, and NGA/MAT Sea Eagles came fourth.

Arorangi Bears head coach, Andrew Purua said they only managed to get the squad together two weekends ago.  Due to the lack of time to train, the squad had three days of solid training and with their numbers.

Smiles and tears of joy as Arorangi Bears takes the cup. TALAIA MIKA / 25011260, 25011257

The biggest challenge for them was having numbers down at the field however, one thing they hold dear in this team is the value of family.

“The biggest thing for us was representing our club, representing our village and our people. So we all knew that as a family that's the only way we could really achieve representing them. So to come out on top of this competition is just extra special for all of us,” Purua added.

“You know obviously we still got a long season ahead with the 13s but we're just going to enjoy this one because you know its winnings are a really scarce thing for this young group of boys so we're just going to really enjoy this win and look forward to the season ahead for the 13s.”

Arorangi Bears’ final try seconds before the game finished. TALAIA MIKA / 25011259

Tokoroa Pacific Sharks coach Paniroa Daniels said participating in the competition locally is enough to train their overseas players for what’s to come.

Tokoroa Pacific Sharks are the only team from New Zealand with 50 per cent of local players,

“I guess our goal here was to come and compete, but our main goal was to get our first senior side over here. Like I said in our speech in the middle, that our fathers and grandfathers left this place and never came back.”

Player of the tournaments, James Strickland. 25011263

“But they started this rugby league club back in 1965, so that's an honour in itself and a win for us. Yeah, disappointing on the game, but that's finals 40. We've played enough finals 40s to know that if you don't take your opportunities, that's the result.”

Daniels said their team was probably not as clinical as they were in the semi-finals. He added that their discipline was the biggest issue as they didn't adjust to some of the other calls that were being made.