League: RLN Premiership enters crunch time

Te Tuhi Tipene has been a major component of Moerewa Tigers' dominant attack, crossing the line for 16 tries in 2017. Photo/John Stone

As we enter round 11 of the RLN Premiership, the playoff positions are suddenly looking secure.

The top three of Takahiwai Warriors, Otangarei Knights and Moerewa Tigers have all but assured their positions in the finals. The fourth position is still up for grabs at this point.

Hikurangi Stags, in their return to the competition, have gone from strength to strength throughout the season and after their vital victory over Portland Panthers are sitting in the boxseat.

Hikurangi now just need to remain consistent over the last four rounds to assure themselves of a finals berth.

Portland pick up an automatic two points on Saturday as they rest for the bye, while Hikurangi take on Northern Wairoa Bulls.

Northern Wairoa are battling to get off the foot of the ladder, which they occupy with the winless Hora Hora Broncos.

Things for Hora Hora don't get any easier as they line up against the offensive juggernaut that is Moerewa.

Moerewa have scored 138 more points than the next best attack and back that up with the second-best defence.

The main attacking weapon for Moerewa has been Jaydenn Bentley-Hape, who has scored 164 points so far.

As well as nailing 42 goals with his accurate boot, he's been a try-scoring savant with 20 in just seven outings. This includes a hattrick and three four-try hauls.

Moerewa have four of the top five try scorers with Te Tuhi Tipene (16), Eli George (13) and Wilson Hona (11) all consistently finding themselves in the opposition in-goal.

The final match shapes as the clash of the titans as top-of-the-table Takahiwai face off again with second-placed Otangarei.

Otangarei's only loss of the season came against Takahiwai back in round four where a clinical effort from Takahiwai gave them a resounding 36-12 win.

Since then both sides have not lost a match and seem to be in top form with the business end of the season right around the corner.

Centre Ross McFarlane and second rower Nic Poutuma have been in top form as the top try scorer and points scorer respectively for the leaders.

Meanwhile Otangarei have been a constant threat with ball in hand with halfback Verne Wilson and centre Jordan Katene the most dangerous components.

All games kick off at 2:30pm.