Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

NRL Magic Round: NZ Warriors v Brisbane Broncos

Kickoff 6pm NZT, Sunday, 17 May

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Live blog updates on RNZ

For the first time in 2026, NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster will finally unleash his two-headed beast – co-captains Mitch Barnett and James Fisher-Harris – in a formidable starting front row against Brisbane Broncos on Sunday.

While Kiwis colossus Fisher-Harris has been a pillar of strength for the 7-2 Warriors, Barnett has struggled to stay on the field, since starting his campaign late, as he completed rehab on his season-ending knee injury from last June.

After quietly bringing up 50 games for the Auckland club on the road against his old Newcastle Knights outfit, he broke a thumb in his next outing, missed two games, then played two games, but suffered concussion and had to sit out another week under protocols.

Then came last week’s bye.

“I’ve become a bit used to it, after last season, but it’s good to be back,” Barnett acknowledged. “I’m hoping I can get a bit of a run going now and string some games together.”

All four of his appearances have come off the interchange, as in-form dynamo Jackson Ford seemingly made the No.10 starting jersey his own, with a series of performances that have put him into Dally M Medal contention, sometimes going the full distance.

Webster has taken a risk tinkering with his winning line-up for NRL ‘Magic Round’, but is comforted by the knowledge he has re-united two of the game’s best front-rowers in tandem.

“We never intended to play Jackson Ford for 80 minutes each week,” he explained. “I think there have been three occasions when he hasn’t played 80 this year.

“We always wanted to get Fish and Barney pairing up together, with a passer, which is Erin Clark. We always wanted Jackson Ford to come on and finish the game.

“He could come on after 15-20 minutes and you almost don’t have to worry about Jacko – he can go 100mph right through to the end. That’s always what we thought would be the best dynamic, but Mitch obviously hasn’t got that momentum going.

“That’s why we wanted to do it – we’ve got our two skippers out there in the front row, and Jackson gets to come on and do his job.”

Barnett admits to being somewhat blindsided by Webster’s call.

“That’s not really a question for me, but for Webby,” he said. “He approached me and I just said yeah.

“I feel for Jacko, he’s been going really well, but I’m just here to do my role. Webby has obviously picked me, because he wants my style of game at the kickoff.

“The big fella, instead of playing 80 minutes, he might play 70 this week, so nothing really changes for him.”

With State of Origin looming, this weekend represents the last chance for contenders to push their cases, before selectors name their squads.

Barnett has made two appearances off the bench for New South Wales, both wins. Four days after last year’s 18-6 victory in the series opener, a torn anterior cruciate ligament curtailed his involvement.

Given his rotten run with injuries, he hasn’t had a chance to build any kind of form and would have to rely on past feats.

“I’m just trying to play rugby league at the moment, and put my best foot forward for the Warriors first and foremost,” Barnett conceded. “That other stuff takes care of itself, but if that opportunity comes, I’d be stoked.”

NSW fanatic Webster absolutely denies he’s switched his line-up to give his skipper his best chance to push for Origin inclusion, but is adamant Barnett deserves that call-up.

“I’m not trying to prepare Mitchell for Origin,” he said. “Personally, I think Mitchell is one of the game’s best players, particularly front-rowers.

“I know what leadership he brings. I thought, when he didn’t play last year, after he got injured, they missed him and I think great players like Mitchell have enough runs on the board, but I don’t pick the team.”

Ironically, Barnett and Ford may be competing for the same spot on the Blues’ roster.

Ford has been the best front-rower in the league this season, leading his team in running metres and tackles, and pacing the competition in post-contact metres.

As a starter, his ability to go wire to wire has essentially given Webster the luxury of an extra second-half substitution.

Barnett considers his teammate has done more than enough to deserve the call-up.

“Bloody oath,” he said. “I think he’s made for Origin.

“I just think he wouldn’t let anyone down. He does all the stuff that people don’t really see – the kick chase and the tidy-up stuff that Origin is built on.”

Another on the cusp of selection is second-rower Kurt Capewell, a 13-game Queensland veteran who wasn’t wanted for their opening loss last year, but helped turn them around with back-to-back wins to take the series.

At the time, he inexplicably led the NRL in missed tackles, but made some big stops in the Origin decider.

“I’m not particularly fond of Queensland, but I am fond of Kurt Capewell and think he should be in the team too,” Webster offered. “The way he played against Parramatta last week was an Origin performance.

“We weren’t playing our best football at times, but the way he defended and the effort areas, he’s made for Origin.

“If you look at his history, he’s got a great strike rate in Origin, so if they pick him, he won’t let them down.”

Over the past week, since Maroons halfback Tommy Dearden fell to an ankle injury, some pundits have even built a case for in-form Warriors half Tanah Boyd to replace him, while hooker Wayde Egan is another outsider on the NSW radar.

Chances are the successful candidates – or at least the contenders – will already know by now.

They will have been told to pack an extra bag for their trans-Tasman road trip.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The New Zealand women’s cricket team continue to show promising signs ahead of the defence of their T20 World Cup crown next month, after beating England in Cardiff, in the final of a three match ODI series.

The White Ferns won by 17 runs by the DLS method, after rain interrupted the match.

England batted first scoring 181 for seven in a shortened innings of 33 overs, with Bree Illing and Rosemary Mair both taking two wickets for New Zealand.

The White Ferns initial target for the win was 184, and when England’s opening bowler Lauren Bell took three quick wickets, removing Suzie Bates, Melie Kerr and Georgia Plummer, all lbw, New Zealand’s task looked grim.

But Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze steadied ship in the rainy conditions, as New Zealand got to 141 for four midway through the 25th over, before play was abandoned.

Halliday was named player of the match for scoring an unbeaten 42 off 54 balls.

The series finished tied 1-1 after England won the first match by one wicket, while the second game was abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain.

Green was named player of the series, largely in the back of scoring 88 in the opening game.

The teams now switch to a best of three T20 series, which begins on May 20 in Derby, ahead of the T20 World Cup, which starts on June 12.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The original Hurricanes side adopted the mantra ‘expect the unexpected.’

However, the 2026 version of the side has set very clear expectations – to win the title.

After a record win over the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday, ending a six year losing streak on the hallowed turf, the Hurricanes are now eyeing an end to their decade-long title drought.

“We want to be the best team, we want to finish first,” coach Clark Laidlaw emphatically declared following the demolition.

“We understand you’ve got to start again in the playoffs, but if you don’t have expectations you’re probably going pretty rubbish.”

Laidlaw stated anything short of a championship at this stage would be considered a loss.

“It would be disappointing, we’re not here to shy away from trying to win this competition.”

Skipper Jordie Barrett said they have been plotting their path to glory since pre-season, having fallen short in the semis at home two years ago.

“We sat down at the start of the year and understood some of the metrics it takes to win this competition. A lot of guys are carrying that with them and you see how motivated the boys are. We want to own this season and we’re not going to shy away from that.

“We got jumped two years ago at home against the Chiefs. We were quite loose with the ball and we got beat. That’s all it takes in do-or-die footy. Our main focus is to try [to] get there in the first place, try [to] qualify first, and then whoever we’ve got in round one of the quarter-finals, we’ll do what we need to do to them.”

After letting three tries in late against the Blues, Barrett admitted they may have taken the foot off the pedal somewhat.

“It doesn’t take much to be perceived as clocking off. You give a good side who’s third on the table some entries into your half and you get punished, and that’s the nature of this competition.”

Fehi Fineanganofo’s purple patch continued in Auckland, the try scoring machine now equal with Joe Roff and Ben Lam’s combined season record of 16.

“I’m super proud of him. I’ve known him since he was 18,” Laidlaw said.

“His growth, his ability to learn, his work rate and work ethic. He’s shouldered some amount of work through the season.”

However, he may have to wait a little while before his chance to break that record, having limped off the field late.

“He might need a wee break. He just pulled up a bit lame there, so hopefully he’s alright. But yeah, I’ll back him if he’s fit and healthy.”

Plenty of talk has surrounded the winger’s future, as he is set to leave our shores to join Newcastle after the season.

Asked if there was a chance of keeping him in the country, Laidlaw wasn’t overly optimistic.

“That’d be nice, wouldn’t it? I do get asked that most weeks. We’ve said at length, he’s made his decision and he’ll have made it for the right reasons for him and his family.”

Dave Rennie’s outside backs’ stocks took a major hit last night after Highlanders star Caleb Tangitau ruptured his achilles.

“I’m not too fussed around higher honours, I just enjoy him in Super Rugby. You want good players, top New Zealand players, playing here. Who knows, he may come back in the future, but it’s not for me to worry about.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

FOR SUNDAY MORNING

The Wellington Phoenix women started this A-League season with a two-year project in mind. The plan was on fast forward when the club reached the grand final for the first time in the club’s history, but there was a speed bump in Melbourne.

A 3-1 loss to Melbourne City in the grand final on Saturday ended the Phoenix’s season without silverware.

In playing finals football for the first time in their five seasons in the competition, the Phoenix were finally among the top sides after four seasons closer to the bottom than the top.

Coach Bev Priestman in her first year in the job had instilled belief that the team could be competitive.

After the grand final defeat Priestman could see the bigger picture.

“We don’t want to just be a one-hit wonder in a grand final,” Priestman said.

“I will do everything in my power to make sure we are back here next year, and we come back and this grand final is no longer new to this group and we can cope with that occasion and hopefully give a better account of ourselves.”

She was “super proud” of what they had achieved in an injury-hit 2025-26 season but said when they were on the biggest stage they were not at their best.

“We never gave up, which I think is important. But it wasn’t our best night and I think to beat City with their experience in a grand final, you have to be at your best and we weren’t.

“But what I would say is it doesn’t define our season.”

The experienced coach wanted to channel the inevitable “hunger” that the returning players would have from falling short in the last game of the season for year two of the project.

“I’ve seen people be at their best when they’re hungry and I think this leaves a little bit on us and in many ways it might help us next year, to push to another level.

“I’ve got an ambitious club…when we turn up in pre-season for next season, we all know what could have been and I think what you learn about people in difficult moments is those who then grab it by the scruff of the neck and push forward.

“So I think I’ve got a very dedicated, humble group of players who all wanted the best for the club.”

The Phoenix had become a team this season that piqued the interest of players who might have overlooked the club from the capital in the past.

While many of the squad wanted to come back next season, Priestman knew others would be getting in touch too.

With the blueprint of how to get to the top already in place, Priestman now had the off-season to plot how the club would build on the history they created.

“The bar’s gone up, right, I think we all see something bigger.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Mystics have beaten cross-town rivals the Stars 57-51, in a battle for third place on the ANZ Premiership ladder, without one of their stars.

Both sides came into the game on Saturday with a record of three wins, two losses, and a bonus point, but the Mystics sat third on the ladder, thanks to a superior goal differential.

The way things are going, the two Auckland teams could be battling it out until the final round in a month’s time for that third spot, and a place in the play-offs.

When the teams met in the opening round of the ANZ Premiership, the Stars defeated the Mystics 63-59.

The Mystics have now won three games in a row, while the Stars have lost two on the bounce.

The Mystics were without defender Catherine Hall, who had to leave the court late in round five, after awkwardly jarring her foot into the base of the goal post.

They are waiting on scan results to determine the seriousness of the foot injury and with just two weeks before Silver Ferns’ selectors are due to pick the Commonwealth Games team, they will be sweating on those results too.

To meet the New Zealand Olympic Committee deadline, the national selectors need to submit the team on 1 June.

Hall has been dominating the defensive stats, and is arguably the player of the ANZ Premiership so far. She got her Silver Ferns debut last year and gave a glimpse of what she is capable of on the international stage.

Despite only having a handful of test caps, the national selectors would surely have the 22-year-old pencilled in for July’s Commonwealth Games.

In Hall’s absence the Mystics defence end produced a blinder.

Rookie Charlotte Manley got nearly a full game and was one of the best on court. Veteran Phoenix Karaka used all her smarts in the home straight and blocked two of Martina Salmon’s shots.

The Stars led 16-11 after the first quarter but the Mystics responded with a huge 20-8 second quarter effort to take a seven goal half-time advantage.

In what was a see-saw affair, the Stars then won the third quarter, to trail by just three goals heading into the final spell.

Mystics coach Tia Winikerei made a number of changes throughout. When Manley received a warning in the last few minutes of the game, she was replaced by Leila Atkins, a Marvels national league player.

Tactix heap more misery on Magic

Earlier, the Tactix extended their home win record to 10 consecutive matches, after beating the Magic 58-37 at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, in Christchurch.

The new-look Tactix have suffered just one loss after six rounds to sit at the top of the ladder. The Steel could overtake them if they beat the Pulse in Wellington on Sunday.

Off the back of an MVP performance in her first start of the season Hannah Glen started at goal shoot and provided a solid foundation before Charlie Bell replaced her during the second quarter.

Glen returned midway through the final quarter, giving goal attack Amorangi Malesala a well deserved break after putting up 14 goals.

The Magic welcomed experienced shooter Saviour Tui back from injury, when she took the court during the second quarter. Midcourter Georgie Edgecombe tried to keep the Magic in touching distance, pulling off a game high six intercepts.

But the Tactix were consistent throughout, winning every quarter. The home side also enjoyed 91 percent shooting accuracy, compared to the Magic’s 75 percent.

Former Silver Fern Gina Crampton played 15 minutes when she entered in the third quarter, in what was her first ANZ Premiership game in two years.

Crampton recently finished a temporary contract in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) competition. The 34-year-old answered an SOS to join the Tactix as injury cover while captain Erikana Pedersen recovers from an injury.

Tactix centre Holly Mather had a strong game on defence and attack.

The Tactix showed why they have the best defensive record in the competition, with Ash Barnett and Laura Balmer winning a lot of ball, supported by wing defence Fa’amu Muliaga in front.

The winless Magic are enduring a tough season, winning just two quarters so far to remain at the bottom of the ladder.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action, as the Blues take on the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Kickoff was at 7:05pm.

Team lists

Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Torian Barnes, 21. Che Clark, 22. Finlay Christie, 23. Stephen Perofeta

“The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us, and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance” – Blues coach Vern Cotter

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Devan Flanders, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Jordie Barrett (c), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Callum Harkin

Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Bailyn Sullivan

“We’re well aware of the threat that the Blues possess. I’m sure they’re highly motivated about the opportunity to beat us and continue that fight for the top two. It’s going to be a highly physical and exciting game” – Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the action, as Wellington Phoenix take on Melbourne City for the A-League women’s Grand Final at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

The Phoenix women are playing for more than just a trophy, says head coach Bev Priestman.

Speaking to media at Wellington Airport on Wednesday, Priestman said, as the only professional women’s football team in New Zealand, the players felt a huge sense of responsibility.

“I think that’s been one of our bigger purposes that we want to put women’s professional sport, but we want to put women’s football in New Zealand on the map,” Priestman said.

“I think for a New Zealand team to be competing, beating Australian teams in football, that’s great. We’re flying the flag in that sense, but it’s not just about representing Wellington, it is about representing New Zealand.

“I think to go and do what we hope to do would be a great feat, and really would put New Zealand football on the map.”

Kickoff is 6.15pm NZT

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fijian Drua’s hopes of winning a top-six spot were buried in the Laucala soil, as NSW Waratahs sailed home to win their Super Rugby Pacific clash 50-35 in Suva.

The Drua, who needed a good win to keep their hopes alive, trailled 36-7 at halftime and finished second best in front of their fans at the HFC Stadium.

Drua co-captain Temo Mayanavanua said they failed to execute, but congratulated the Waratahs.

“I think it’s just the execution in certain areas…. that one got us,” he said. “There were a couple of key moments that we weren’t urgent enough and that’s not good for us.”

Waratahs captain Matt Philip admitted it was a tough clash, but was happy with the win.

Waratahs started well and had six tries on the scoreboard in the first 40 minutes, outplaying their hosts in almost all departments.

Those tries came through Harry Potter, Ioane Moananu, Sid Harvey, Max Jorgensen, Teddy Wilson and Angus Scott-Young. Drua’s only first-half try came via prop Mesake Doge.

The second half started strongly again for the Waratahs, with Moananu, Jack Bowen and Fijian Apolosi Ranawai claiming tries in the second 40, and finished off with a bonus-point win that puts their case for a top-six finish in good stead, heading into the last two rounds of the competition.

Drua failed to fire for most parts of the game, but tries to Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Temo Mayanavanua got them back into the game.

Mayanavanua scored just before fulltime, but the Waratahs had done the damage early and just played it out for the rest of the game.

Follow the live action here:

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action, as the Blues take on the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Kickoff is at 7.05pm.

Team lists

Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Torian Barnes, 21. Che Clark, 22. Finlay Christie, 23. Stephen Perofeta

“The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us, and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance” – Blues coach Vern Cotter

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Devan Flanders, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Jordie Barrett (c), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Callum Harkin

Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Bailyn Sullivan

“We’re well aware of the threat that the Blues possess. I’m sure they’re highly motivated about the opportunity to beat us and continue that fight for the top two. It’s going to be a highly physical and exciting game” – Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the action, as Wellington Phoenix take on Melbourne City for the A-League women’s Grand Final at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

The Phoenix women are playing for more than just a trophy, says head coach Bev Priestman.

Speaking to media at Wellington Airport on Wednesday, Priestman said, as the only professional women’s football team in New Zealand, the players felt a huge sense of responsibility.

“I think that’s been one of our bigger purposes that we want to put women’s professional sport, but we want to put women’s football in New Zealand on the map,” Priestman said.

“I think for a New Zealand team to be competing, beating Australian teams in football, that’s great. We’re flying the flag in that sense, but it’s not just about representing Wellington, it is about representing New Zealand.

“I think to go and do what we hope to do would be a great feat, and really would put New Zealand football on the map.”

Kickoff is 6.15pm NZT

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand