THE Pepsi Capital Rugby Union has hit the playoffs with the premiership to be decided between title holders Valley Hunters, Harlequins, Brothers and first timers MBB Marlins of Gerehu. The competition, which caters for over 1200 male and female players (five divisions) will, over the next two weeks, feature the quarterfinals and preliminary finals at the Bava Park, with the grand final day set for the premier Santos National Football Stadium on September 6. In the premier grade, tension is at a high this week, more-so for first-time finalists Theodist MBB Marlins, who have had a huge season playing consistent rugby to make their debut in the playoffs. All credit to Marlins coach and mentor Rawali Bokuik and former PNG Pukpuk Raymond Vagi for breaking a few barriers to reach this milestone stage. Their flair and no-nonsense approach has already bested the cream of the competition this season, and the Bava Park this Sunday can expect a throng of supporters coming from Gerehu to witness a huge match-up with heavyweights Kramer Ausenco Brothers. For Brothers, their advantage of finals football and having their full line-up with playmaker Jonah Kautu Jr, they will be hard to beat. But, Marlins who aim to continue their fairytale run, really don’t care who is in front of them. Especially with elusive fullback Michael Karo in exceptional form, he will play a key role in the minor semi-final, if not contained. In the major semi-final on Saturday, Hilton Hotel Valley Hunters have had a scrappy run to the playoffs, but still maintain their favouritism tag, despite in-different form. Coach Frank Genia yesterday said: “We have only earned the right to an opportunity this weekend. “So that is our focus. “It’s a huge challenge ahead as Harlequins have been consistent all year and found a bit of form of late. “So, we’re happy to be the underdogs this weekend. “They (Harlequins) have a good mixture of youth and threats across the park and they are well coached plus being seasoned finals campaigners.” Genia added that they will have their work cut out for them, but confidently stated that they will back themselves this weekend to give Harlequins a run for their money. For Supreme Industries Harlequins, coach Billy Rapilla will be without the services of key strike players. But, their depth stood firm last weekend. But, if Valley Hunters revert to their full-strength lineup, they will be hard to beat. The Hunters will dominate the scrums and the opening 30 minutes, but at the back-end of both halves, that is where Harlies are the most dangerous in what should be a cracker of a Grand Final qualifier.