The Pirates accounted for the Kempsey Cannonballs 32-22 on Saturday afternoon to book their place in the final against arch rivals the Hastings Valley Vikings.

It has set the scene for another blockbuster grand final with the Pirates aiming for three consecutive premiership titles.

The Cannonballs were all that was left between the Pirates and their chance to go three in a row but it’s fair to say the home team were pushed to the end by the visiting Kempsey team.

The Pirates got out to a 10 point lead early on but the Cannonballs hit back to go into the half time break up 15-10.

With 15 minutes to go in the game the Cannonballs had skipped even further away and were 22-15 up.

Despite being behind, Pirates coach Nigel Hurlston said he wasn’t panicking.

They had only scored off our mistakes,” he said. "The boys showed courage and dug deep.”

The Pirates eventually scored to take the lead and then kicked a penalty goal to win by 10.

The win may mean the Pirates now play in the final but two serious injuries will make it even harder this weekend.

Jacob Law injured his leg and Tim Williams dislocated his shoulder.

Both are in “massive doubt" to take part in the grand final.

“What can you do? Hurlston asked. "You’ve just got to roll with it. We’re in the grand final now  it’s just a matter of enjoying the day and letting the result take care of itself.”