The Cook Islands Rugby League Rarotonga 13s competition enters knockout rounds this weekend as teams battle for a spot in the finals.

The playoffs to be held tomorrow at the National Stadium in Nikao will feature exciting battles in the women’s and premier men’s divisions.

In the women’s competition, top teams Lady Panthers and Lady Bulldogs will battle for a place in the final. The losing side will play Lady Bears next weekend.

In the highly anticipated premier men’s competition, Minor Premiership holder Avatiu Nikao Eels, having finished on top after the preliminary rounds, will take on second-placed Tupapa Panthers.

The winner of this battle will head straight into the final, while the losing side will still have a shot at glory in the semifinal, where they’ll face the winner of the Arorangi Bears versus the Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles matchup.

Eels coach Clive Nicholas and his group of young players are gearing up for what he believes will be a defining moment in their season. With a focus on discipline, sportsmanship, and trust in their game plan, Nicholas’ expectations are clear as crystal.

For the no-nonsense coach, it’s not just about winning games; it’s about how they play the game. Discipline and sportsmanship are values he instills in his boys from day one. As they step onto the field, Nicholas expects nothing less than their utmost respect for the game and their opponents.

“We’re not just playing for ourselves; we’re representing our community,” he emphasises.

But it’s not just about the players’ conduct on the field; Nicholas also places a significant emphasis on their mental attitude and focus. As they gear up for the upcoming matches, he knows that their mindset will be crucial.

“This week, it will be solely our attitude, focus, and our discipline,” he said.

Nicholas understands the challenges they may face, but he’s confident that with the right mindset, they can overcome any obstacle.

However, fairness in officiating is a key concern for Nicholas. He acknowledges the role of officials in the game but calls for consistency and fairness in their decisions.

“I’m not picking on them; I have total respect for our officials,” Clive clarifies.

But he raised questions about the interpretation of rules, especially regarding issues like tackling.

“How hard are we supposed to tackle, and what exactly is a high tackle?”

Reflecting on recent matches, Nicholas expressed disappointment over some decisions that went against his team.

“There were a lot of calls that went against my team, which I thought was a bit too far for the offense and penalty given,” he shares.

Despite his frustration, Nicholas maintains his respect for the officials’ authority. “We have to try and respect that for the spirit of the game.”

Fixtures

National Stadium: Today – 5pm Girls Mix girls 1 vs Mix girls 2 (15 mins each half); Tomorrow – 11am Junior Development – 6 years old - 12 years old (turning 12 this year), 1.30pm Women’s Panthers vs Bulldogs (35 mins each half), 3pm Premier Men Eels vs Panthers (1^st/2^nd Playoff), 4.30pm Premier Men Bears vs Sea Eagles (3^rd/4^th Playoff).