NZRL Media Release - Final Spots Down to the Wire

NZRL Media Release - Final Spots Down to the Wire

Counties Manukau have kept their Pirtek NZRL National Championship hopes intact, after successfully appealing a charge of playing an ineligible player last month.

The Stingrays currently lead a three-way battle with Akarana Falcons and Canterbury Bulls for the two spots in next week's final.

The rivals are locked together with four wins and a loss each atop the competition table, with the Bulls lagging behind in a points-difference countback.

But Counties have had to survive a protest that could have cost them two competition points, after they incorrectly fielded a player in their win over Canterbury two weeks ago.

The penalty would have dropped the Stingrays from first to third on the ladder and struggling to make up lost ground in this weekend's final round.

But an independent panel, headed by former High Court judge Trevor Maxwell, has found that Counties Manukau were not trying to break any rules and reasonably thought the registration had been completed.

Maxwell will deliver his written decision on Monday, but the incident has identified a shortcoming in the transfer process between the Vodafone Warriors, Auckland Rugby League and New Zealand Rugby League that will need addressing.

The result means traditional rivals Counties and Akarana and Counties look destined to meet in the final for the fourth time in five years, barring upsets over the next two days.

The Stingrays enjoy a healthy countback advantage with their +180 points difference, but the Bulls face a massive challenge to get back into the top two and snatch a spot in the title game, scheduled for October 18 at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium.

All three frontrunners face lower-ranked rivals this weekend. Counties host Wellington Orcas (1-4) on Sunday and should have too much firepower for their guests.

Akarana face a tricky road trip to New Plymouth tomorrow and pesky opponents in the Central Vipers (2-3), but have enough talent to win if their minds are on the job.

If both Auckland sides prevail, then Canterbury must outscore Northern Swords by 93 points, plus whatever the Falcons put on the Vipers, if they are to sneak into the final.

The southerners have not been prolific scorers this season, averaging only 30 points a game. But the winless Swords have conceded 57 points per contest and lost their last outing by 70 points (to Akarana).

On the road, with nothing but pride to play for, they could still be ripe for the picking.

ENDS

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