It will be a do or die for Avatiu Nikao Eels and Arorangi Bears when they meet this afternoon in the Cook Islands Rugby League 13s premier men’s semi-final at Victoria Park in Tupapa.

The two teams have met twice this season with the Clive Nicholas-coached Eels winning in round one and the Bears guided by coach Bobby Hansen emerging victors in round two.

The Bears who finished third after the preliminary rounds were impressive in round two, winning all their matches including against defending champions Tupapa Panthers who have already booked their spot in next week’s final.

The Eels who claimed the minor premiership title for finishing on top after the round robin competition, lost to the Panthers 34-36 in a nailbiter last week.

They have another shot at the title but will have to overcome a spirited and determined Bears in a what is expected to be a thrilling clash this afternoon.

Nicholas said: “Training has been good despite some injuries. The boys’ energy levels have been really good and they are looking forward for this week’s game.”

He said they were disappointed with their performance last week especially after leading 28-6 at the break and allowing the Panthers to crawl back into the game and eventually win it.

“(The loss was) disappointing but the boys have gotten over that, we’ve put that to rest because we got another challenge this week, we got bigger things to worry about this week, and that’s a strong opposition.”

Nicholas gave credit to the team for their outstanding first round performances and score lines and also winning the minor premierships.

“We’re very lucky to keep the number one spot and get a second life. We’re lucky we get one more chance to have a crack at this grand final trophy.

“The guys can’t wait!”

The Bears have been boosted by the return of Andre Iro who will add the much-needed firepower to their attack.

The Brisbane-based Iro who played for the club in the age group climbing up to senior level will be a torn for the Eels defence.

Bears executive Tina Iro said the team will be bringing their “A game” to the semis.

“They have been training well, the numbers at the training have been good as well. The focus will be on team work and making sure we bring our A game and leave it all on the field.”

Meti Noovao, former Cook Islands and NZ Warriors rep, said the match would come down to the “halves and who of the two sides play the smartest in that area”.

“The halves, those playing number six and seven, control the game, they direct the forwards and make big decisions, big plays and are game breakers. It will eventually come down to them, who will play the smartest in this area,” Noovao said.

“It will be a nailbiter, an exciting clash that you wouldn’t want to miss and the team that sticks to the basics and do the simple things correctly will come away with the win.

“It will also come down to mental toughness. They have done all the hard work to come this far, and now it will be the matter of how prepared they are mentally. The Eels have been here before and have the experience to handle pressure in the semis but the Bears are new to this and it will be interesting to see how they fare here. They both have a good coaching system in place.”

Entry fee to the game is $3.

Fixtures

11am Junior Development, 12.30pm U14 Sea Eagles vs Eels, 1.30pm U16 Panthers-Eels, 2.30pm U19 Bears-Panthers, 4pm Premier Men Eels-Bears, Entry fee $3