Photo / Counties Manukau RL

The Counties Manukau Stingrays men have booked a spot in the NZRL Premiership final after they beat Akarana 26-8 in the semi-finals on Saturday.

In a typically close affair at Trusts Arena in Waitakere, the Falcons made life challenging for the Stingrays, but the Counties Manukau outfit always had their noses in front.

They led 18-8 at halftime and went on to shut the Falcons out in the second spell to secure a spot in the decider.

The Stingrays will face the Auckland Vulcans at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Sunday to determine the 2023 champions.

The Stingrays women had a bye over the weekend but will face the Akarana Falcons on Sunday, also at Navigation Homes Stadium.