The Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions boosted their points differential with a 62-22 win over Central Vipers in Tokoroa on Saturday to stay in the hunt for a NZRL National Premiership final spot.
Yannis Mea and Johnson Peri each scored two tries, with Hayden Karena converting nine of their 11 tries.
Wai-Coa-Bay will now finish the regular season with an outstanding 5-1 record, which still may not be enough to progress.
The Canterbury Bulls only needed to beat the Counties Manukau Stingrays at home on Saturday to confirm a grand final spot against the Stallions. But Counties' 26-20 triumph means the Stallions must hope one of their rivals falter in the final round.Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions 62 (Yannis Mea 2, Johnson Peri 2, Hamiora Mihaka, Tamatoa Karora Reu, Victor Karora Reu, Hayden Karena, Patrick Russell, Terry Kopua & Raureti Grace tries; Karena 9 goals) Central Vipers 22 (Manaia Osborne 3 & Kele Kose tries; Matthew Murtha 3 goals) HT: 26-10.
- The Akarana Falcons under-15 and under-17 sides defended their titles at the NZRL National Youth Tournament in Rotorua. Akarana (Auckland) were too good for Counties Manukau, who they played in the final of both grades, the U15s winning 22-14 and the U17s 20-16.