Last year they played an epic grand final and today Moerewa Tigers and Takahiwai Warriors will battle it out for a place in this year's Northland Premier Rugby League grand final.
The Tigers and Warriors play in the major semifinal at Trigg Stadium, Whangārei, from 2.30pm for a place in the final against Otangarei Knights at Okara Park on August 4.
Last year's Northland Rugby League premiership final was an epic, with Moerewa Tigers storming to an impressive 44-30 win over 2016 premiers Takahiwai Warriors.
But today past results will count for nothing, with both teams desperate to make it into the grand final and another shot at being crowned the best team in the region.
After a tough season only three points separated the top three in the competition, with Takahiwai finishing top on 25 points, Otangarei Knights second on 24, Moerewa third on 23 and Portland Panthers completing the top four with 12 points.
In last week's semis Takahiwai lost to Otangarei and Moerewa beat the Portland Panthers to set up today's major semi, which kicks off at Trigg Stadium, Kensington Park, Whangārei, from 2.30pm.
The semi is preceded by games between the Warriors and Tigers U7s U9s and U11s starting at 12.30pm.
THE TEAMS:
Moerewa Tigers:
1. Jahdon Palmer
2. Arama Prime
3. Henare Cherrington
4. Jaydenn Bentley-Hape
5. Saia Lopeti
6. Rock Wiki
7. Wilson Hona
8. Jud Davies
9. Jarrod Hona
19. Isaac Harris-Toi
11. Herewini McGregor
18. Marshall Ruka
13. Peter Prime
Reserves: 14. Aaryn Wikaire; 15. Anania Anderson; 16. Mark Aperahama; 26. Blair Roberts-Sionetali.
Coach - Rock Wiki/Sean Hancy; Manager - Mack Hau; Match Manager - Tainui Hape; Trainers - Dj Palmer/Johny Bates; Ball Boys - Hawk McGregor/Crete Taikato
Takahiwai Warriors:
1. Hori Tuhoro
2. Taydem Lui-Matagi
3. Taine Lee-Shelford
4. Ross McFarlane
5. Nicolas Poutama
6. Kyle Hool
7. Jesse Epiha
8. Ed Wilson (CC)
9. Witaiawa Thompson
10. Marley Mackay
11. Charlie Tarau
12. Deane Tuhoro
13. Joel Freeman (CC)
Reserves: 14. Jaime Hurring; 15. Whiwhia Tarau; 16. Nicholas Schuster; 17. Mike Hauraki
Head Coach - Joel Freeman; Assistant Coach - Mark Freeman; Trainers - James Tavaga, Manu Tuhoro; Manager - Nicholas Schuster; Match Manager - Kani Epiha; Ball boys - Brody Schuster, Michael Doak-Ashby.