Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

NRL: NZ Warriors v Canberra Raiders

Kickoff 8pm, Friday, 13 March

Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

The rollercoaster rugby league ride of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck may be nearing an end – or not – but it takes one more twist, as he brings up 150 games for NZ Warriors.

After bringing up his ton during Covid incarceration, the former Sydney Rooster forsook the 13-man code to chase his All Blacks dream, a move that seemed to slam the door shut on that chapter of his decorated career.

“Going to rugby was awesome, I enjoyed it and was lucky I got to do it,” he reflected. “I got to don the black jersey, the Blues jersey and the hoops [Auckland] jersey.

“I didn’t expect to come back. I was all set to go to Japan and was looking forward to that transition, but sat down with the current coaches here and leaned in, when they started talking about rugby league.

“Now I’m stoked I’m back and no regrets.”

Tuivasa-Sheck was already a complete player, when he arrived at Mt Smart, after 84 games for the Roosters, winning Dally M Winger of the Year in 2013 and then Fullback of the Year in 2015.

He helped Sydney to the championship in 2013 and became an international superstar with the Kiwis.

A knee injury curtailed his first season in Auckland after just seven games, but the following year, new coach Stephen Kearney named him captain.

“We didn’t start too well in 2016, had a bit of success a few years after that, then Covid hit and now we’re here playing finals footy, so we’ve been all over the place and I’ve enjoyed every minute,” RTS recalled. “Pretty stoked to be here now.”

“I think I’ve grown massively. I came over as a marquee signing, I was still 22, 23 and got thrown into captaincy … I’ve grown a lot.

“I felt like I matured over the years and learnt a lot. So many lessons I’ve learnt at this club and I think it will make me better for the future and for my own family.”

After his two-year hiatus in union, Tuivasa-Sheck, 32, tried to re-invent himself in the midfield, where he had played for the All Blacks, but has settled back onto the wing, where he began his career.

When he runs out onto Go Media Stadium on Friday to face Canberra Raiders, he joins select company as the 13th to log 150 appearances for the Warriors.

“We joke around, because he’s the oldest in the team now,” revealed teammate Chanel Harris-Tavita. “He doesn’t look like it, but we do joke around.

“He’s a legend of the game, he’s done everything there is and, personally, I’ve looked up to him my whole career. He was a fullback when I debuted and to rub shoulders with him this week is pretty special.”

Harris-Tavita plays on the same left edge as his idol and was the beneficiary of some deft playmaking for a try double against the Roosters in last week’s season-opener.

“As an edge, we like to compete for everything and the ball’s never dead,” he said. “My first try, the ball went to the ground, he capitalised on the opportunity and I was there to pick up the scraps.

“The same happened for my second try, which was nice.”

Tuivasa-Sheck hoped those around him might return the favour this week.

“That’s the plan,” Harris-Tavita grinned. “It doesn’t always go to plan, but we’ll try and get him one for his 150th.”

Tuivasa-Sheck’s future with the Warriors is uncertain, with his current contract ending this season and no extension in sight, as he considers a possible switch back to union for the rebel R360 competition, now delayed until 2028.

Last month, he insisted he wasn’t thinking about what came next, just the here and now. Coach Andrew Webster went on record as saying he hoped his star never left the club.

“I think his journey is unbelievable,” Webster said. “He started as a young local boy in the area, obviously he went off and progressed, learnt his trade and came back to captain the club.

“He’s done almost everything in the game, became an All Black. He’s come back and added so much value … the amount of times he’s won Player of the Year, the energy he brings, the experience he brings and just the workrate as well.

“I’m really happy for him – a local boy getting to play 150 games for the club where he grew up is awesome.”

How many more games did Tuivasa-Sheck think he had for the club, tested the reporter.

“We’ll find out, eh,” he winked. “We’ll see how this body goes.”

He didn’t bite.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

It’s rivalry round, and shots have been fired before kick off.

The weekend sees a trio of rivalries, two traditional grudge matches, and one burgeoning beef.

Moana Coach Tana Umaga has unleashed a tirade against the Blues before the two Auckland based sides go to battle at Eden Park on Sunday.

Tensions between the two teams are at boiling point, after Moana picked up a stunning upset win over the Blues in 2025.

However, they will be without the Albany crowd and their inspirational leader Ardie Savea, who drove the victory with one of the greatest individual performances in Super Rugby history.

It was another rough week for Moana, who were soundly beaten by the Chiefs in Hamilton with Damian McKenzie returning to run the show in Hamilton.

They head across the bridge to Eden Park to meet a resurgent Blues side, fresh off a decisive victory over the Crusaders.

Beauden Barrett also made a timely return for the Blues, immediately asserting himself in the 10 jersey.

Auckland bragging rights go on the line at Eden.

Elsewhere we have the iconic southern derby and the classic NSW vs Queensland showdown.

Jamie Joseph put the disappointment of missing out on the All Blacks job in the rear with a quality Highlanders win over the Force, but face a tough task as they prepare to meet a wounded Crusader’s side in Christchurch.

Rob Penney’s men have been clearly hurt by the Blues loss, with two of their players almost coming to blows at training this week.

They will again have their most lethal attacking weapon in Will Jordan back at fullback, the Hurricanes continued their dominance over the Waratahs last weekend, picking up their ninth win on the trot to shoot back up to third and kick off round four against the Force in Napier. The Chiefs sit the week out with a bye.

Selection notes

The big news out of Hurricanes camp is that All Blacks Ruben Love and Tyrel Lomax will make their comebacks in Hawke’s Bay. Former All Black prop Atu Moli will make his Moana Pasifika debut at prop while Malachi Wrampling has been named for a potential Blues debut off the bench.

Chay Fihaki will play his 50th match for the Crusaders.

Injury ward

Ngane Punivai was scratched from the Hurricanes 23 after sustaining a hamstring injury in training. Moana are still without both Jimmy Tupou and Solomon Alaimalo. Stephen Perofeta injured his calf in last week’s Blue’s warm up and will sit out the week while Patrick Tuipulotu still recovers from shoulder surgery. Jamie Hannah will need two weeks to recover from a knock to his hip while no word yet on when Cullen Grace may return for the Crusaders. Highlanders utility Jonah Lowe’s shoulder will keep him sidelined for at least a round.

Key stats

The Hurricanes have lost only one of their last 14 games against the Western Force.

The Brumbies have won all six of their encounters with the Fijian Drua.

Caleb Tangitau has scored 10 tries across his 11 Super Rugby Pacific games since the beginning of the 2025 season.

Caleb Clarke has scored five tries across his last two Super Rugby Pacific games after not scoring any in his previous 13 games.

Team lists

Hurricanes vs Force

Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 13 March

McLean Park, Napier

Live blog updates on RNZ

Hurricanes:

1. Pouri Rakete-Stones. 2. Jacob Devery. 3. Pasilio Tosi. 4. Caleb Delany. 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere. 6. Brad Shields. 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (cc). 8. Devan Flanders. 9. Cam Roigard. 10. Callum Harkin. 11. Fehi Fineanganofo. 12. Jordie Barrett (cc). 13.Jone Rova. 14. Bailyn Sullivan. 15. Josh Moorby.

Bench: 16. Asafo Aumua. 17. Xavier Numia. 18. Tyrel Lomax. 19. Warner Dearns. 20. Brayden Iose. 21. Jordi Viljoen. 22. Ruben Love. 23. Riley Higgins.

“We had a draw with them last year, went to golden point and weren’t good enough to get across the line, so we know it’s going to be a tough challenge.” – Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

Crusaders vs Highlanders

Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 March

Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch

Live blog updates on RNZ

Crusaders:

1. Finlay Brewis. 2. Codie Taylor. 3. Fletcher Newell. 4. Antonio Shalfoon. 5. Tahlor Cahill. 6. Ethan Blackadder. 7. Johnny Lee. 8. Christian Lio-Willie. 9. Noah Hotham. 10. Rivez Reihana. 11. Sevu Reece. 12. David Havili (c). 13. Braydon Ennor. 14. Chay Fihaki. 15. Will Jordan.

Bench: 16. George Bell. 17. George Bower. 18. Seb Calder. 19. Will Tucker. 20. Xavier Saifoloi. 21. Kyle Preston. 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku. 23. Dallas McLeod.

“As a team, as a group, we’ve got some really good strategies around trying to nullify their strengths and expose our strengths as often as we can.” – Crusaders coach Rob Penney.

Highlanders:

1. Ethan de Groot. 2. Jack Taylor. 3. Angus Ta’avao. 4. Tomás Lavanini. 5. Mitch Dunshea. 6. Te Kamaka Howden. 7. Sean Withy. (cc) 8. Lucas Casey. 9. Folau Fakatava. 10. Cameron Millar. 11. Jona Nareki. 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc). 13. Tanielu Tele’a. 14. Caleb Tangitau. 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Bench: 16. Soane Vikena. 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown. 18. Rohan Wingham. 19. Oliver Haig. 20. Nikora Broughton. 21. Veveni Lasaqa. 22. Adam Lennox. 23. Reesjan Pasitoa.

“Highlanders-Crusaders games are traditionally fairly tight. Typically it comes down to discipline, a few moments. It’s a close competition, so every match matters and the Crusaders in Christchurch is always one of the season’s biggest challenges.” – Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph.

Blues vs Moana

Kick-off: 3:35pm Sunday 15 March

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues:

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi. 2. Kurt Eklund. 3. Marcel Renata. 4. Josh Beehre. 5. Sam Darry. 6. Anton Segner. 7. Dalton Papali’i (c). 8. Hoskins Sotutu. 9. Sam Nock. 10. Beauden Barrett. 11. Caleb Clarke. 12. Xavi Taele. 13. AJ Lam. 14. Codemeru Vai. 15. Cole Forbes.

Bench: 16. James Mullan. 17. Mason Tupaea. 18. Sam Matenga. 19. Laghlan McWhannell. 20. Malachi Wrampling. 21. Taufa Funaki. 22. Pita Ahki. 23. Zarn Sullivan.

“We were really pleased with the effort against the Crusaders, but the challenge for us now is to back that up. There’s good energy in the group this week and some extra players have an opportunity to take their chance.” – Blues coach Vern Cotter.

Moana:

1. Tito Tuipulotu. 2. Millennium Sanerivi. 3. Atu Moli, on debut. 4. Tom Savage. 5. Allan Craig. 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c). 7. Semisi Paea. 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa. 9. Augustine Pulu. 10. Patrick Pellegrini. 11. Glen Vaihu. 12. Lalomilo Lalomilo. 13. Tevita Latu. 14. Tevita Ofa. 15. William Havili.

Bench: 16. Mamoru Harada. 17. Monu Moli. 18. Lolani Faleiva. 19. Veikoso Poloniati. 20. Dominic Ropeti. 21. Joel Lam. 22. Ngani Laumape. 23. Tuna Tuitama.

“We’ve got nothing against the playing group, nothing against the staff that work there. But the people that make decisions have made it very hard for us to survive over here. That’s why they (the Blues) are our greatest rivals because they want us to see us not do well, not thrive. I struggle with that when rugby’s in a place where we’re at.” – Moana coach Tana Umaga.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Former Black Caps captain Kane Williamson has a very personal reason to be invested in protective gear in high-impact sports.

In 2012, a Dale Steyn delivery during Test against South Africa in Wellington split Williamson’s box in half and caused the Black Cap to think about how protective gear could be modernised and improved.

“It was extremely painful and it just absolutely dropped me,” Williamson said.

“I was hit, my box split, and that made it pretty clear that the protection players were relying on wasn’t up to the demands of the modern game. That started the idea to create a product which can actually provide the protection required.”

It was an incident which is all too familiar at every level of the sport, right from club cricket, through to international, where Australian Captain Mitch Marsh was last month ruled out of the T20 World Cup after being hit in the box by a fast paced delivery in training.

The moment stuck with Williamson and in the following years he helped assemble a team to bring science-backed design into the sports protection category which has changed very little in decades.

After years of research and development, the company is now releasing its first product: a New Zealand-made premium alloy box, engineered to withstand the extreme impacts of high speed projectiles across multiple hard ball sports including cricket, hockey, lacrosse, and baseball.

Co-founder Jason Low oversaw the initial development and testing of the box.

“We wanted to do this properly, so we took a scientific and data driven approach towards our research and development programme,” Low said.

“For a long time, this space has leaned on tradition rather than proof. In testing, our box has handled ball speeds well over 200 kilometres an hour, while most existing options start to fail at around 100. That margin of safety gives players real confidence when they’re out there.”

The business is backed by a group of investors including New Zealand Cricket, while former Black Cap Grant Elliott is leading the organisation’s commercial programme.

“We’ve put the box in front of a wide range of cricketers, from club cricket through to elite, and the response has been extremely positive,” Elliott said.

“It’s been built with care and rigour, and is for any cricket player, no matter their level. In my view, it’s the best box in the world. It’s comfortable to wear, durable, and does a great job of reducing pain on impact.”

Williamson has been wearing the product throughout the summer and says the difference is obvious.

“A few months ago I took a quick one flush in the box and I remember thinking “that should have hurt more than it did”.

“The most important factor is that it gives you confidence,” he said. “When you trust your protection, you can play more freely.”

Cover’s launch is part of Williamson’s long term ambition to leave cricket in a better place.

“For me, this is about helping the next generation. If we can raise the standard of protection, we can improve confidence, performance, and safety for everyone who plays the game.”

More protective categories will follow from the company.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Asked whether the Blues rivalry is personal, Moana Pasifika coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga didn’t hesitate.

“Oh f*** yeah.”

Umaga and his men say they have felt a general sense of derision from the other side of the bridge since their inception .

“I don’t know if they [the Blues] realise there are two professional rugby teams in this city, but we do know that they don’t want us here.”

Umaga clarified his scorn is reserved for the exec suite at Blues HQ, not the team.

“We’ve got nothing against the playing group, nothing against the staff that work in there. But the people that make decisions have made it very hard for us to survive over here.

“That’s why they are our greatest rivals because they want us to see us not do well, not thrive. I struggle with that when rugby’s in a place where we’re at.”

One particular narrative which came from the Blues in 2025 has incensed Umaga.

“They believe that they’re representing the Pacific. Well, a Pacific team’s here, but you’re not willing to assist us for the betterment of rugby.

“I do struggle with that. That’s why this game does mean a lot to us.”

Under their current licensing agreement, Moana can only host five games in Auckland per season, due to fears it would saturate the viewing market.

Umaga said this was pushed by the Blues, who have continued to prove a barrier to the new franchise.

“We’re only allowed five games here. When our game against Tonga didn’t go through straight away, we had the Northland Union come to us and say, ‘we’d love to have you’, which they’ve done numerous times and the Blues said ‘no that’s in our region, you can’t go there’.

He said they similarly tried to block Moana from playing at Pukekohe two weeks ago, technically a Chiefs region, but Umaga alleges the Blues attempted to stop them as it fell within the Super City boundary.

“So that’s what we’re up against.”

The Moana coach drew parallels to the difficulties the franchise has had trying to establish a foothold in Auckland, with the daily battles faced by their ancestors who came to Aotearoa.

“We just have to look back enough in our past as Pacific Islanders around how tough it is for us here. How our families have fought to provide for us here and give us an opportunity in this great country.

“So it’s nothing new for us as a small entity, trying to grow and build for the betterment of our people that have come behind us.”

Blues CEO Karl Budge said he felt Umaga was trying to create a “bit of extra spice” against their cross-town rivals ahead of Sunday’s game.

“Tana was one of my idols growing up and I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a coach, and he is entitled to his opinions.”

Budge did not respond directly to Umaga’s allegations of attempting to block them from playing in Northland and South Auckland.

Instead, Budge talked up the importance of working together for the betterment of the sport in the region.

“It has been great to see our two proud clubs work closely together to promote the game and ensure rugby fans, be they in Blues or Moana Pasifika jerseys, get out and support their team.

“We have really enjoyed the rivalry we’ve created on the field and this weekend will be no different.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The speculation surrounding his All Blacks appointment became so overwhelming, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga had to turn off his phone.

On Wednesday afternoon, rumours spread rapidly that Umaga was set to be announced as an assistant to newly appointed All Blacks coach, Dave Rennie.

However, Umaga insists nothing has been set in stone.

“I don’t really deal in speculation. I’m really honoured and privileged to be involved in the conversation. But it’s just that. I suppose it was my turn this week. I saw there’s a lot of names involved in who Rens is looking for.

“My family are the ones that are letting me know what’s happening and I’m getting a lot of these texts, so I had to turn my phone off.”

The Moana Pasifika head coach was coy about the conjecture, but hinted that he did have interest in the gig.

“There was a bit of interest in terms of having a chat with him [Rennie] from my agent to see if anything comes up, and said ‘you wouldn’t turn that down, would you?’ So we’re just waiting for those things to happen, if it happens, it happens. You always want to set goals for yourself, you want to be part of the best and involved with the best. In my mind, the All Blacks have always been the best.

“Until it’s a done deal and everything’s down on paper. It’s speculation. It’s great to be in that conversation, but it is a bit of a nuisance right now at this stage.”

Umaga, who was coached by a rookie Rennie in 2000 as the Wellington Lions won their first NPC title in 14 years, said Rennie’s appointment was a smart one.

“He doesn’t let much fluster him, he is very precise about what he wants and what he believes in, that looks like a calmness and a steadiness to anything that he becomes a part of. He’s added value everywhere he’s been.

“I think he’s very particular around the way he wants to play and the way he sees the game. I’m a big believer in that myself. I think the game’s awesome – it’s just making sure that the way we deliver it is simple for our players to understand. Nowadays, the players can get overwhelmed. So trying to simplify as much, and I think that’s one of his strengths is that.

“And obviously culturally, he’s very big on connection. And again, that’s what I enjoy too. So those are probably the key things that stand out for me.”

The former All Black skipper admits it’s been tough to see the All Blacks lose some aura on the world stage.

However, he believes they can rebuild the empire.

“That’s an exciting challenge for Dave and his group that’s coming in. We’re saying that we’re feeling it here because we’ve been knocked off our perch as number one, but we’re not far away. The previous group weren’t far away and now it’s been given to someone else and so they’ve got to try and get us back up to the top.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Blues want a bigger slice of Auckland’s sporting crowd – and the club’s new chief executive believes they can close the gap with the Warriors.

Both the Super Rugby and NRL seasons are underway with the Blues hosting matches at Eden Park and the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.

The Warriors typically pull bigger crowds than the Blues. In 2025, the Warriors averaged almost 24,000 people through the gates for home games, with the Blues averaging around 15,000.

Blues chief executive Karl Budge, the former boss of Auckland’s ASB Tennis Classic said the Warriors are on top in the oval ball battle, but the gap is closing.

“I think the Warriors are doing an unbelievably good job,” Budge told RNZ’s Morning Report.

“The entertainment experience at the Warriors games is absolutely brilliant. They’re doing a great job and something we can learn a lot from. The reality for us is we’re only about 20% behind where they are. Our first two games so far this season, we’ve hit 20,000 people through the gates.”

Eden Park has a capacity of about 45,000 with Mt Smart Stadium about 25,000. Budge said the size of the Blues home ground, which is a lot larger than any other Super Rugby stadium in New Zealand, brings unique challenges and opportunities.

“When you 20,000 at Eden Park, it does leave a lot of empty seats in a 45,000 seat stadium. But It’s a privilege to have a stadium the size of Eden Park and we’ve just got to put on a better entertainment experience to make sure that we can get north of that number of 25,000 people through the gate.

“We know we’ve got a long way to go to put on a complete entertainment offering, not just a rugby match.”

So what does a “complete entertainment offering” entail? Budge said it’s about finding the right balance for fans who have different ideas about what they want from a Super Rugby match.

“We’ve got to try and fuse our traditional rugby fan that likes listening to the game and focusing on the 80 minutes, with the new crowd that is very entertainment first,” Budge said.

“The rugby is almost a by-product of the entertainment experience. It’s first and foremost a social gathering and an opportunity to be part of something, a bit of community belonging. Those two things aren’t always perfectly aligned. So we’ve got to be really purposeful around the precincts that we create and try and make sure that the offering is giving everybody an opportunity to enjoy what they’re looking for.”

Budge said he’s seeing some positive results from some early initiatives from the Blues.

“Our kids zone that we partnered with Lego on is going great guns. We’ve almost sold that out for both the first two games.

“The corner, which is more of our entertainment first sort of party zone, that did sell out on Saturday night.”

Budge said was pleasing to see the new offerings starting to get some traction, but he said the Blues still have a “long way to go” to start regularly attracting crowds of 25,000 or more.

He said the cost of living and the current economic climate had to be taken into account and said pricing was something they are constantly reviewing.

“That’s something we’ve got to keep working on and looking at, how do we go and get family packages together that can be more affordable?

“The game this weekend (against Moana Pasifika), we’re playing on Sunday afternoon and kids go free. I think you can get an adult’s ticket for around the $20 to $30 mark, depending on where you want to sit. A beer will cost you $11, which I think is pretty competitive.”

However, Budge said it wasn’t just about providing low budget options.

“I also look at what our customers are spending. We’ve done quite a lot of analysis around who our customers are and where they’re spending their money. And there’s a lot of them spending money on things like meal kit delivery services.

“So we know that there’s the ability to have luxury items if the customer sees value.”

Rugby’s rules often draw the ire of fans who bemoan confusing laws and the stop/start nature of some games.

The rules, as well as the Blues on field performances, are things Budge can’t control, but he said that’s no reason to give up chasing bigger crowds.

“Some of it is outside your control, but some of it is also about not hiding behind excuses and I think one of the benchmarks of the ASB Classic during that tenure was we didn’t let excuses mean we didn’t do our job.”

The Blues host cross town rivals Moana Pasifika at Eden Park on Sunday afternoon.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Taufa Funaki’s rugby career was almost over before it started.

Six years ago, when he was a highly-touted young halfback on the cusp of his first Super Rugby season, Funaki suffered a concussion so severe he believed it would force him from the game.

“I had a pretty bad head-knock a few years ago [2020]. It took me a long time to get back and for a while I didn’t think I was returning to rugby, but I was pretty lucky with the support I got.”

The electric halfback said he battled serious symptoms which left him unable to do basic tasks.

“They were big headaches that got to a point where I had to learn how to read and write, it got that deep. I couldn’t be in, or see light and stuff. It just really irritated me. I think overall it took about five, six months for me to get back to training. So yeah, it just showed me how important it was for me to be grateful for what I had, because just like that, it felt like everything was gone.”

Funaki just 20-years-old and not long out of Sacred Hart College when he got concussed in an NPC game for Auckland.

“Being that young, I had just debuted for Auckland, done a pre-season for the Blues, so there’s that big mental doubt because I’d never faced anything that big before, adversity in terms of my career,” he said.

“I think I grew a lot out of it. It matured me quite early and I now want to make the most of this opportunity I have to be a rugby player. There was that mental battle, but I think if anything, it made me stronger.”

However, Funaki said he is fully fit and no longer impacted.

“There’s no worrying getting into a game. I’m back and I’m ready to go.”

Funaki has long been locked in a three way fight for the Blues number nine jersey since his debut in 2021.

He has often sat on the bench as backup to Sam Nock or Finlay Christie.

Despite the competition, Finaki said the trio share a close bond.

“We’ve got a really tight group of nines. Offering advice, always finding ways to help me out, especially in my early years. We’re just there for each other whether or not we’re playing.”

Funaki has again been named on the bench for the Blues home clash against newest rivals Moana Pasifika on Sunday afternoon.

“We’ve obviously got a lot of friends in there that we’ve come up with through the grades. We know that they’re big boys and we have got to front up or they’ll punch you right in the face. They’re no easy task.”

Funaki admitted there was a unique rivalry with Moana, being the only sides that share a region in Super.

“I see some funny stuff over the media and all that, but yeah, I guess so. It’s a little bit of a rivalry.”

A proud Blues man, Funaki never envisioned himself playing for any other franchise.

“I grew up here in Auckland. So Blues and Auckland rugby player through and through. I grew up watching the likes of Joe Rocks (Rokocoko) George Moala , all guys like that who’ve just been Blues men. I found my spot here and this is something that really means a lot to me.”

However, there is interest from overseas to secure his signature.

“There has been a bit of interest elsewhere. If it was an ideal situation, I’d be in the Blues forever. But obviously other things come up and as you get older, I feel like as I’m growing up a bit, there’s a few other decisions that need to be made as well and other things taken into account. But, right now I’m a Blues player and I hold a tonne of pride putting this jersey on.”

Of Pasifika heritage, Funaki will be eligible to represent both New Zealand and Tonga.

“If it came to it. The possibility of playing for Tonga is definitely there for me. I’d be just as proud of being there and representing my family and heritage. But yeah, whether it’s a black jersey, a red jersey or a blue one, I just want to do the jersey justice wherever I get the opportunity.”

Funaki has endeared himself to fans through his love of pro wrestling, even performing a Randy Orton style celebration after scoring a try.

“I found a lot of fun in that growing up and I think now a few of us in the team, we sort of play around with that stuff, it taps into us being kids again. I managed to pull out that Randy Orton a couple years ago, but that’s just me being like the kid again, just doing rugby at its purest form and me just expressing myself.”

So, does he have more wrestling inspired celebrations up his sleeve?

“We’ll see. I just need to get over that white line first and we’ll see what comes out.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills is stepping down after more than two decades in the role.

The NZCPA said Mills had played a huge role in shaping the modern landscape for professional cricketers in New Zealand and internationally, as well as being a strong advocate for the growth and professionalisation of the women’s game.

Mills, who has led the NZCPA since 2001, will remain in the job until June.

He said the decision to step down had been a difficult one, but that the time felt right for both himself and the organisation.

“The NZCPA has been a huge part of my life for more than 25 years, and the experiences, opportunities, challenges and relationships along the way have shaped me profoundly,” Mills said.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate that the game’s best players have trusted me to serve them in this role. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has allowed me to represent and support them, and I hope I’ve been able to contribute in a way that justifies that trust.”

A bid by a consortium of high profile cricket figures, pulled together by Mills, to launch a T20 competition became a flashpoint late last year.

It culminated in the resignation of NZ Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink days before Christmas.

The NZCPA and all six Major Associations strongly supported the bid, which is still being considered, while Weenink was accused of undermining the proposal in favour of alternative options.

Mills will continue to work closely within the global cricket landscape through his position as Executive Chairman of the World Cricketers’ Association.

He will also remain involved with the NZCPA in a project management capacity over the next 18 months, helping oversee negotiations for the next Master Agreement with New Zealand Cricket and the six Major Associations.

NZCPA chairperson Ross Verry paid tribute to Mills’ leadership and influence on the organisation and the wider game.

“Heath has been one of the most knowledgeable, progressive and influential leaders in New Zealand sport over the past two decades, and his impact has been felt across the global game,” Verry said.

“More importantly, he has always been absolutely committed to the members of the NZCPA. Heath has consistently had the players’ backs – past and present – and has represented them with loyalty, integrity and a deep sense of purpose.”

Verry said Mills had led significant innovation within the players’ association movement while navigating a constantly evolving cricket landscape.

“Under Heath’s leadership the NZCPA has become an organisation that players around the world look to as a benchmark. Initiatives like the Personal Development Programme, the Retirement Fund, the Cricketers’ Hardship Trust and the Cricket Players’ Property Trust have created opportunities and security for players long after their playing careers end.

“He has also been a passionate supporter of the women’s game and played a key role in the progress that has enabled more women to pursue cricket as a profession in New Zealand.”

The NZCPA board would begin a process to appoint Mills’ successor in the coming weeks.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

English forward Brooke Nunn and American striker Makala Woods have become the first import players to re-sign with the Wellington Phoenix in the five year history of the women’s team.

The Phoenix women are having their best season so far and currently sit fourth on the A-League ladder.

Now two of the side’s leading attacking threats have both recommitted to the club for the 2026-27 A-League season.

Nunn has already matched her four goals and three assists from her championship winning season with Central Coast Mariners in 15 matches for the Phoenix, while Woods has five assists and four goals for the club in just seven appearances since arriving in Wellington at the turn of the year as an injury replacement.

The club already has nine women’s players on its books for next season.

Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said the club was committed to investing in players who were invested in the team and said the pair had a high ceiling.

“What we’re seeing from Brooke and Makala now is only just the start, and I think that’s what excites me the most,” Priestman said.

“We’ve also secured two big personalities, with massive hunger and desire, that are a big part of the culture of this team.

“Brooke’s unique. She has an ability to get at players one-vs-one. Her dribbling ability is exceptional and in this league that really shines through, not to mention her ability to assist with some great crosses.

“And Makala’s a dynamic forward who has many strings to her bow. She’s not just a forward that can finish, that certainly helps, but she’s quick, she’s powerful and she loves to defend too.”

Nunn, 33, said it was an easy decision to sign a new contract.

“I didn’t realise I could fall in love with a club, a country and a culture so much,” Nunn said.

“I feel like we’ve been creating so many beautiful, historic moments at the Phoenix and I want to continue contributing to being part of the success of this team and really showing the world what this club’s about.”

The Arsenal academy product said she had been able to express herself at the Phoenix and Priestman had put a lot of trust in her.

Woods, 23, said she had had developed a close connection to the Phoenix in a short period of time.

“I’ve never felt so passionate about a group of girls and an organisation,” Woods said.

“We’re achieving a lot of firsts, we’re paving the way for something really great and it’s an honour to wear the Phoenix on your chest.”

Woods’ sole focus for the remainder of the season was to win.

“I want to do something cool that’s never been done before here. I want to be a part of something that’s so special and that’s all I’m trying to do.”

Woods and Nunn will be in action for the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday evening when the women host Brisbane Roar in Wellington.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

NRL: NZ Warriors v Canberra Raiders

Kickoff 8pm, Friday, 13 March

Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ website

Canberra Raiders will arrive at Mt Smart this week with an even bigger chip on their shoulders than usual.

The ‘Green Machine’ finished top of the NRL table last year, but were bundled out of the championship race with back-to-back defeats in the playoffs.

They start the new season with a renewed determination to go one better in 2026 and NZ Warriors present a stiff early challenge to those aspirations.

With this fixture, the Warriors will have played the Raiders more times than any other NRL team over their history.

Here’s what you need to know about how they shape up:

History

Over 54 previous meetings, Canberra hold a 29-25 head-to-head advantage against the Warriors.

The count is tied 5-5 over the past 10 encounters, dating back to 2021, but the Raiders have won the last three, including both meetings last season, when they finished atop the table.

On a May night when the Warriors were without both co-captains James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett, Canberra prevailed 16-10 at Go Media Stadium.

The home side led 8-0 early and 10-8 with a Luke Metcalf penalty after halftime, but Raiders half Jamal Fogarty scored a try and converted for the gamewinning points in the 64th.

Before that, the Raiders accounted for the Warriors 30-8 in their Las Vegas season-opener, a result that had many picking the Warriors for the wooden spoon.

The biggest win in the rivalry came in 2000, when Canberra prevailed 56-12 at home, with Laurie Daley, Brett Mullins and Lesley Vainikolo each scoring a try double.

The Warriors’ biggest margin was their 54-12 win at Eden Park, when Shaun Johnson and Manu Vatuvei scored doubles, and Johnson was a perfect 9/9 from the tee.

Form

Both teams opened the 2026 NRL season with wins, but in very different circumstances.

The Warriors flicked the switch midway through the first half, scoring 22 straight points to grab control of their contest against Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart.

While the Roosters scored back-to-back tries in the second half and seemed to have snatched momentum back, the home side held them out for the next 20 minutes, before sealing a 42-18 victory with late tries to Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

Meanwhile, Canberra needed a Golden Point field goal from Ethan Sanders to overcome Manly Sea Eagles 29-28 in Sydney, after falling 14-0 in the opening 20 minutes.

Both teams were among the competition leaders in set completion last season – the Warriors had 81 percent and Raiders 80 percent. Both were right on those numbers in their season-openers.

Teams

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Demitric Vaimauga, 16. Leka Halasima, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 20. Morgan Gannon

Reserves: 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 22. Marata Niukore, 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Coach Andrew Webster has been able to field the same line-up as last week, but second-rower Marata Niukore nears a return from calf injury, with his addition to the extend reserves.

Barnett is still at least a week away from selection, after rehabbing his ACL knee injury from last season, while halfback Luke Metcalf is apparently ahead of schedule for his return from the same injury, now projected for round seven or eight.

Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes, 2. Savelio Tamale, 3. Simi Sasagi, 4. Seb Kris, 5. Xavier Savage, 6. Ethan Strange, 7. Ethan Sanders, 8. Morgan Smithies, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Noah Martin, 13. Corey Horsburgh

Interchange: 14. Jayden Brailey, 15. Zac Hosking, 16. Ata Mariota, 17. Matt Timoko, 18. Daine Laurie, 19 Joe Roddy

Reserves: 20. Owen Pattie, 21. Jed Stuart, 22. Chevy Stewart

Veteran front-rower Josh Papalii drops out of last week’s team with concussion, replaced by Englishman Morgan Smithies.

NZ Kiwis centre Matt Timoko played for the Raiders reserves last week, as he works his way back from a foot injury. He is named on the interchange, but don’t be surprised if he gets promoted into the starting line-up.

Player to watch

With Fogarty moving on to Manly – and almost guiding his new team home over his old one – Stuart has turned to youngster Ethan Sanders as his successor and he came up trumps with his heroics last week.

“He had more pressure on him tonight than any other player on the field,” Stuart observed afterwards. “I thought his game was very mature, well beyond the amount of games he’s played.”

Sanders may be the real deal or teams may simply work out how to nullify him, as they gather more scouting footage of him. Webster and assistant Stacey Jones will have done their homework.

Kiwi player to watch

Hardman Joseph Tapine has taken over leadership of the ‘Green Machine and has the ability to intimidate opposition with his physical approach to the game.

“He offloads the ball and carries it strong,” Webster said. “He’s a great player and we’ve definitely got to stop guys like him, but there’s a fair few of them – he’s not alone.”

Last time these teams met, Tapine was twice placed on report for dangerous tackles, but somehow avoided the sin bin or suspension. The Warriors must find a way to counter him without losing

their discipline, and the head-to-head between Tapine and James Fisher-Harris will be huge.

What they said

“I think the scoreline flattered us, the video backed it up and the stats backed it up. The way we want to play just wasn’t there in our DNA, but we iced some opportunities and we locked more threatening.”

Warriors coach Andrew Webster on last week’s 42-18 win over the Roosters

“Happens to us a lot.”

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart laments a lopsided penalty count that had his team down early against Manly.

What will happen

The Warriors will continue their solid start to the season with a narrow victory and you can bet it will be the ref’s fault.

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