League: Takahiwai wait for ruling

Takahiwai's Des Tarau and his side are likely to hear a result tonight from the judicial committee for their abandoned game last weekend. However, this weekend Takahiwai face Hora Hora fresh off their second win of the season. Photo/John Stone

While a result is yet to be confirmed for Takahiwai and Kerikeri's abandoned game last weekend, it doesn't change anything for Hokianga, who host Kerikeri on Saturday.

With Kerikeri improving from game-to-game under the guidance of coach Benson Selwyn, the third-placed Hokianga side will have plenty to deal with in this weekend's MultiKai Cooker Premiership.

Last weekend Kerikeri stunned competition leaders Takahiwai with the quality of their play, establishing a four-point lead before a serious injury forced the early finish of the match.

Helping Hokianga is that they will hit the ground running after a big 48-24 win over Muriwhenua last weekend.

A crucial clash this weekend will be Portland's against Northern Wairoa, with both teams needing a win to stay in touch with the top three teams.

With both teams coming off heavy defeats - Portland losing 50-22 to Otangarei and Northern Wairoa falling 48-30 to Hikurangi - they sit mid-table, equal on six points and similar points differential.

Otangarei will look to continue their recent strong form, which sees them sitting fourth, when they face Muriwhenua.

With Muriwhenua too having a slow start to the season, like Kerikeri, it will be a tough ask for them to knock over the newly organised Otangarei side.

Rounding out the weekend sees Takahiwai host Hora Hora, who are fresh off claiming their second win of the season, a 62-24 demolishing of Moerewa last weekend.

In relation to what is to come of last weekend's abandoned game between Takahiwai and Kerikeri, Rugby League Northland general manager Alex Smits said the judicial committee would meet tonight to decide the outcome. "We don't have any precedent as to what the result of the match will be. The priority at this stage is the welfare of the player."