League: Panthers starting to assert themselves as contenders

Portland Panther Bu Nathan and his teammates have been been cruising under the radar this season but are in the top three. Photo / Tania Whyte

This year's Rugby League Northland Premiership is nearing the halfway point.

However, as the competition enters Round 10 this weekend there is still no clear indication of who might be in contention for premiership honours come August 15.

The Moerewa Tigers still hold top spot on the ladder, but only by a small margin.

After a bold start to the season, the Tigers will be looking to claim a win this weekend as they host the Hokianga Pioneers in Moerewa.

The Portland Panthers strong season is putting them in the spotlight as serious contenders.

Portland have cruised under the radar this season but recent wins over Otangarei and Takahiwai put them in a commanding position heading into this weekend's clash against the Hora Hora Broncos.

Rounding out the top three, the Hikurangi Stags will be looking to better their position on the ladder after going down in a 34-30 loss to the Moerewa Tigers in round nine.

The Stags are a definite chance of a play-offs berth and will be hungry for a win over the Takahiwai Warriors at Takahiwai Domain on Saturday.

The last clash for the weekend features the Otangarei Knights and the Northern Wairoa Bulls.

The Bulls defeated Takahiwai in round nine but will have to be at their best if they are to take down the Knights in front of their Fishbone Park crowd.