Epic encounter expected in today's Northland Rugby League grand final

Takahiwai's number 7 Jesse Epiha will hope a big performance will help bring his team home in the Rugby League Northland Premiership Grand Final today.

Expect an almighty battle when Takahiwai Warriors take on Otangarei Knights in the final of the Rugby League Northland Premiership today.

There'll be a new champion declared at Okara Park in Whangarei, with last season's winners Moerewa Tigers knocked out in last weekend's major semifinal against Takahiwai.

The competition between Takahiwai and Otangarei is expected to be fierce with each team getting two wins apiece this year.

The Grand Final will finally show who deserves the right to be called the real RLN Champion for 2018.

Otangarei Knights' hooker Sam Henry hopes to continue his good form that has helped get the Knights get into today's Rugby League Northland Premiership Grand Final at Okara Park

Takahiwai proved too good for defending champions Moerewa Tigers last week, playing with much more determination and control than the previous week, when they lost to Otangarei in the preliminary semi final.

Having Hori Tuhoro's control back after missing the loss to the Knights, Takahiwai found the defence and attack that had served them well over the later half of the season.

Captain/Coach Freeman is looking to play with the same intensity that the Warriors brought against the Tigers to the game against the Knights today.

The Knights, having the luxury of a week off after their 35-20 win over Takahiwai, will be fresh and confident.

They know that they need to bring they same game plan to keep Takahiwai at bay and will leave nothing in the tank to get gold medal around their necks.

With both teams playing an expansive game, it will come down to who makes the least mistakes and who can take advantage of any quality field position.

Takahiwai beat Otangarei in the 2016 final.

Prior to the big clash the Masters of the Universe, Hikurangi Legends and Portland Wild Boars take the field to bring back the heroes of yesteryear.

Gates open at noon, with the curtain raiser at 1pm and the Grand Final at 2.30pm.

The Teams:

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. Levita Levita; 16. Nicholas Schuster and 17. Mike Hauraki.

Otangarei Knights: 1.Vincent Pau, 2. Bryce Rauahi, 3. Dominic Ormsby, 4. Jordan Katene, 5. Shaquille Ormsby, 6. Petero Blake, 7. Verne Wilson, 8. John Hetaraka, 9. Sam Henry, 10. Sepeti Tatau, 11. Shane Herbert, 12. Cyris Edward, 13. Sonny Moke. Reserves: 14. Dean Schreurs; 15. Lin Hunapo; 16. Daley Johnson and 17. Cody Takiari.