Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dame Noeline Taurua’s second media appearance since being stood-down, then reinstated, as Silver Ferns coach was vastly different to her first.

It’s been nearly six months since Taurua’s media blitz in early November, a week after she was reinstated.

In September, one of the most tumultuous periods for the sport in New Zealand was set in motion when Taurua and her coaching team were suspended over concerns about the high-performance environment, sparked by player complaints.

Taurua was reinstated 51 days later but the saga played out in the public for weeks and eventually led to resignations at the top of the sport.

Jane Patterson was announced interim chief executive officer in mid-January, following the resignation of Jennie Wyllie in December after a disastrous year.

In February, multiple Netball NZ board members, including chairperson Matt Whineray, also stepped down.

It was clear when Taurua spoke to the press a week after she was restored as head coach that she and Netball NZ were not on the same page.

Netball NZ (NNZ) said the two parties had agreed to embed changes to the Silver Ferns’ programme and environment, while Taurua maintained she had not agreed to any.

It also seemed the two parties had different perceptions as to what led to the suspension.

But Friday was an opportunity for a show of unity, with the announcement of Australian coach Briony Akle as Taurua’s assistant coach for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July.

Taurua and Patterson stood side by side to confirm Akle’s appointment.

Patterson was speaking to the media for the first time since her appointment and spoke warmly of Taurua.

“She’s one of the great coaches in world netball, we know that and we’ve developed a really genuine connection over the last couple of months,” Patterson said.

Patterson said she phoned Taurua the first day she started.

“I wanted to walk the talk. Leadership is about people and communication and I wanted to put the past behind us; we had the opportunity to turn a new leaf.”

Taurua described her relationship with NNZ as “really good”.

“We learn, we move on my relationship has been really good and it’s been reinvigorated and we all want to do well,” Taurua said.

Patterson also acknowledged the reputational hit NNZ took after a bruising 2025.

“Netball New Zealand has been through a really difficult time and we’ve heard from our people, the netball community.

“We have to rebuild trust and confidence across all of those groups, at the very centre it has to be people and it has to be about communication. That is the commitment that the New Zealand netball leadership is making and it’s already underway.”

Patterson’s other priority has been working on the future of the ANZ Premiership from 2027.

She said the model had to be sustainable.

“It’s not just what netball’s facing, it’s what sport across a number of the codes are facing is how can the sport be sustainable but also be fit for purpose – right size, right fit for the sport in New Zealand.”

In mid-January, NNZ also announced Chelsea Lane’s appointment as head of performance Silver Ferns following Stephen Hotter’s resignation after three years as high performance lead.

Taurua said she had been working closely with Lane, whose background includes leadership roles in basketball’s NBA.

“Her knowledge base is massive; she’s been very open to hear what’s happening in the environment and areas that we can tweak and be better on. It’s been a joy to work with her and learn from her.”

Given that Taurua did not coach a single Test in 2025, the Silver Ferns’ build up to the Commonwealth Games will be challenging to say the least.

Yvette McCausland-Durie stepped in as interim coach for the series win against South Africa in September.

Despite Taurua’s reinstatement, McCausland-Durie stayed on for the series against Australia, and the Northern tour, which ended with a series win over England.

When the Silver Ferns finally get together in early July for a three-day camp, it will bizarrely mark the first time in 18 months Taurua gets to be face to face with her players.

There will be no time for trials, with Taurua and the national selectors picking players on their domestic league form.

Last month, Taurua caught up with the Silver Ferns currently playing in the Australian league at their respective Suncorp Super Netball franchises.

Last week she spent time in Invercargill at the Steel where she connected with national squad members and plans to get around the other franchises in the next two weeks.

Is she confident everyone in the room will be able to feel comfortable, given what went down in 2025?

“I’m confident but those are the things we’ve got to make sure we tick off as we go. Working with our psych, working with the New Zealand Players’ Association, working with individuals that we are currently doing at the moment, all with the intent that when we get together we’re ready to go.

“I would like to think that the planning and the work we are doing at the moment will set us up nicely for when we come together.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Taurua is feeling buoyant about their chances in Glasgow – “I’m really excited by what I saw last year.”

The Silver Ferns get together for a three-day camp on 5 July, before flying to the UK, where they will first base themselves in Manchester for a six day camp.

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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 been officially declared our national stadium. The home of countless historic New Zealand sporting moments.

From two Rugby World Cup wins, to New Zealand’s first ever cricket test victory, the home of the flour bomb test, to the Black Caps’ record low score of 26, and Hannah Wilkinson’s history creating goal.

But could Eden Park be usurped as New Zealand’s National Stadium?

The title was formally bestowed on the Kingsland venue only earlier this month as part of the new Auckland City deal and will allow for Eden Park to host more events outside of the sporting arena.

During the announcement, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said the deal was to ensure Eden Park can grow into the national stadium “it can and should be”.

But is there already a challenger to the throne?

Though a ball has yet to be kicked in an official capacity, some are already calling Te Kaha in Christchurch, the country’s new spiritual sporting home.

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge has emphatically declared Te Kaha the new national stadium.

“I think we’ll claim it, won’t we? And I think it’s fair. Everybody who’s walked in here has said, ‘wow, this place, it’s so special.’ There’s something different about this to any other venue in the country. I just think there’s no better place in the country, so it’s got to be New Zealand’s National Stadium.”

Serious shots fired at Auckland.

Auckland’s premier venue has long been subject of debate, with several pitches for a new waterfront stadium never coming to fruition.

Recently, both Auckland Cricket and Rugby moved out of Eden Park, to put more emphasis on larger events.

Having grown up in the city, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told RNZ it was “tough” to say whether Te Kaha had overtaken Eden Park as the national stadium.

“I gotta say, it’s a world class stadium. It was a pleasure to open it three or four weeks ago. I’ll be there tonight,” he said.

One region which has often been touted as an ideal home for a national stadium is Wellington, with Te Kaha prompting a few Hurricanes to look in their own backyard.

Jordie Barrett said the people of of Christchurch deserved Te Kaha, and laughed off suggestions the Hurricanes needed a new home.

“I don’t want to go there, I’ll probably annoy a few people but we have been battling the elements for a while so might not have been a bad idea but these things cost a lot of money and take a lot of time so we are just grateful we have a couple to enjoy in New Zealand now.”

Crusaders skipper David Havili said Te Kaha was more than just a stadium.

“It’s huge, this team has always been for the people, it’s been a long time coming and this stadium is for the people of Christchurch.”

Mansbridge said the stadium will speak for itself.

“Let’s get Super Round in, 75,000 people through this weekend. Let’s then get a couple of All Blacks tests in here, and then let’s have a vote. I think it’ll win the vote, the popular vote.”

While far from the first to weigh in on the national stadium debate, Mansbridge and Christchurch may just have the best case to date.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

For most of the past three seasons, Adam Pompey has been an indispensable part of the NZ Warriors line-up.

Sport has a saying, the best ability is availability, and the 100-game veteran has been that for the Auckland NRL team, playing every minute of every game last year and falling short in 2023, only when he was sin-binned during their final playoff loss to Brisbane Broncos.

Two months into the 2026 season, he has already missed three games – one for the birth of his baby daughter and two under suspension for dangerous contact.

This week, he has been named only among the extended reserves to face the Dolphins in Wellington, potentially his fourth missed game, but his first through non-selection.

Welcome to coach Andrew Webster’s heartache.

While Pompey served his judicial punishment, Webster shifted veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back into the midfield and handed newcomer Alofiana Khan-Pereira his Warriors debut on the wing, moves that helped halt a two-game skid and break an 11-year hoodoo against Melbourne Storm.

“It was tough, because I think Adam’s been a real big part of this team since 2023,” Webster said.

“He’s been available for selection, barring suspension, virtually the whole time, so a really tough decision.

“Adam’s one of the best defensive centres in the game and he can create for people around him, so I know he’ll be working hard and it’ll be good competition, but Lofi gets the nod this week and he’s earned it.”

Khan-Pereira – the 2024 NRL tryscoring champion – showed his prowess last week, with a double against Gold Coast Titans, with Webster admitting his emergence smoothed the way for Tuivasa-Sheck to move infield.

“He’s got that touch of brilliance and that speed, and I was just happy to see that hard work pay off,” Webster said.

“We’ve got Adam Pompey back at the moment, so he has to make sure he keeps that spot. I know he will if he works hard and I know Adam’s not going to make it easy for him as well.

“Lots of good competition for the squad and I’m happy for Lofi.”

Of course, Webster has already had to search his conscience for that balance between loyalty and opportunity.

Two weeks ago, after two losses, he was accused of trying to fix something that wasn’t broken, when he dropped five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita to accommodate Luke Metcalf coming off a 10-month knee injury.

He also moved Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad into centre to make room for Taine Tuaupiki’s X-factor at fullback.

Both Harris-Tavita and Nicoll-Klokstad had starred in the season-opening win over Sydney Roosters, but when the former was concussed early against Canberra Raiders and the latter shifted to the halves, the door opened for Metcalf and Tuaupiki.

“The last two weeks, we said, ‘Right, this is what we’re settling on, we’re going with it’, and we haven’t had the success we wanted,” Webster confessed at the time.

“We’ve had really good players come back into the team and disruptions with injuries, and it’s been hard to fit 17 players and we probably haven’t had that cohesion we normally have.

“It’s always one for the coach, when you pick teams. I still believe we’ve had 17 great players on the field the last two weeks that could have got us victory, if they played their best football – that’s how much faith we have in them.

“We could have gone in another direction and they would have done the job too. We didn’t go that way and now we have to find the 17 that fit the right holes.”

After consecutive victories, Webster is back at that crossroads, with Pompey the first collateral damage.

Webster has more difficult decisions looming next week, when Metcalf (hamstring), Nicoll-Klokstad (neck) and Te Maire Martin (broken leg) are projected to return from injury, with forward Tanner Stowers-Smith (hamstring) and centre Rocco Berry (shoulder) also due back next month.

His biggest dilemma will again be the contest between Harris-Tavita, Metcalf and in-form Tanah Boyd for the two half positions.

“Whenever I look two ahead for selection, it always ends up sorting itself out for whatever reason,” Webster said.

“I’ll worry about it next week and the boys this week don’t have to worry about it either, just be themselves and, when those players return, we’ll see how they go.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Fijian Drua has advertised the head coach position to be vacated by Glen Jackson at the end of the current Super Rugby Pacific season.

A statement from the club on Friday said Drua will undertake a thorough and structured global recruitment process to identify and appoint the best candidate for the position.

The change in tactics is evident with the recruitment of new chief executive, former Wallabies Jeff Miller, who is now at the helm of the Nadi-based franchise.

Drua’s previous CEO Mark Evans told RNZ Pacific in 2024, when then-head coach Mick Byrne left to lead the Flying Fijians, that Jackson was internally selected.

Jackson signed a three-year contract beginning from 2025 but two weeks ago he revealed he was not going to continue and will not serve the full term.

He has come under fire from the Fijian drua fans and supporters in the last two years over the team’s inconsistency in the competition, failing to make the finals play-off in 2025 – with slim hopes of doing that this year – after having made two quarterfinals in 2023 and 2024.

Evans said back then that advertising positions is not an efficient way to find coaches.

He said the franchise’s coaching role was decided internally and he did not believe in advertising the position, but rather inclined towards searching for capable people.

“The post was not advertised. This is my fifth head coach that I have appointed or helped appoint in various rugby organisations and I don’t think I have ever advertised,” Evans said in 2024.

“I don’t think advertising is particularly an efficient way of doing it. You tend to search, I suppose, is a better way to describe what we do.

“You look at what you are after, you make some phone calls, you ring a few people up, you do your due diligence, you create your shortlist and you move on from there.”

Evans has left the Drua since, with Miller taking over his role.

Friday’s announcement means that the position will be available to any interested coach who meets the requirement.

“The purpose of the Fijian Drua is simple – winning Super Rugby Pacific, inspiring a nation and changing lives for the better. It’s because the Drua is more than a rugby club – it is a symbol of national pride, identity, and excellence,” the club said.

“The Drua represents the very best of Fijian rugby talent in the world’s toughest professional rugby competitions … and carries the passion of a nation and the support of a global Fijian community,” it added.

“We are seeking an exceptional Men’s Head Coach to lead the team into its next era – driving performance, shaping identity, delivering success, and inspiring fans,” the club said.

“The Fijian Drua unites the nation like no other, making the Head Coach role one of the most unique and high-profile coaching roles in Southern Hemisphere rugby. It combines elite performance, national responsibility, and long-term legacy building.”

The position requirements include having proven experience as a Head Coach or senior assistant in Super Rugby, International Rugby or Top-tier professional competition or equivalent.

The applicant must have demonstrated success in elite, high-performance environments, strong track record in delivering results and developing players, have deep tactical and technical understanding of modern rugby and the ability to perform under pressure in a high expectation environment, amongst other things.

He or she must be an inspirational leader who identifies strongly with Fijian players and rugby in Fiji, must have alignment with Drua values and a player-first philosophy and committed to continuous learning and innovation.

The Drua franchise said “all applications will be treated with the strictest confidence”.

Applications close at the end of the day on 15 May 2026.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

After back-to-back wins to put their NRL championship bid back on track, NZ Warriors take their bandwagon on the road to Wellington for an Anzac Day encounter with the Dolphins.

This fixture is the first of two home games staged outside Auckland this season – they will face North Queensland Cowboys at the new One NZ Stadium in Christchurch in June.

“We always talk about one team, one country, not just Auckland,” coach Andrew Webster said. “We’re just excited for everyone to have a piece of the Warriors.”

Wellington hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground for the Auckland side. This will be their 12th visit to the capital this millennium for a record of four wins, six losses and a draw.

Some of those games have been opponents’ home games, brought across the Tasman in the hope of attracting bigger crowds.

“I’ve been there four times now – this will be the fourth – but not once sold out, so to have that many fans and give them the opportunity to take the game on the road is awesome,” Webster said.

Here’s what you need to know about this week’s game:

History

The Dolphins have only existed since 2023, but the Warriors helped give them a sneaky preview of NRL life, when they were based at their Redcliffe home during Covid.

The two sides have played six times since then, splitting the rivalry 3-3.

The Warriors won the inaugural meeting 30-8 in June 2023, with halfback Shaun Johnson and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak both scoring try doubles, and Johnson slotting 5/5 from the tee. That remains their biggest win against the Dolphins.

Three months later, the Dolphins turned the tables 34-10 at Suncorp Stadium, the widest margin between them.

Last time they met in the regular season last August, the visitors prevailed 20-18 at Go Media Stadium, despite another try double from Watene-Zelezniak. The Warriors led 18-16 late, but saw their hopes dashed, when Kiwis wing Jamayne Isaako scored a try in the 78th minute.

The Dolphins also emerged on top 38-34 of a pre-season match-up this year, but the Warriors led 34-20 with 10 minutes remaining, before letting in three converted tries to Tevita Naufahu, John Fineanganofo and Brian Pouniu, all Auckland-born teenagers.

Form

After a two-game skid, the Warriors have now achieved back-to-back wins against Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans to put their campaign back on track.

With five wins and two losses, they sit second on the competition table after seven rounds, two points behind Penrith Panthers, and ahead of Wests Tigers, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters on points differential.

They led the league in set completion (84 percent), try assists (33), kicks (151), kick metres (4645) and intercepts (5).

Dally M-leading front-rower Jackson Ford also topped post-contract metres (538), while halfback Tanah Boyd trailed only St George-Illawarra Dragons half Daniel Atkinson in kicks (119) and kicking metres (3855).

Hooker Wayde Egan was second in dummy-half runs (35), behind Melbourne’s Harry Grant (46).

The Dolphins are on a three-game losing slump that has them 12th on the table, with two wins and four losses. Over the past month, they have fallen to Brisbane Broncos, Manly Sea Eagles and Penrith, with only a bye round breaking up their horror run.

Last week, they were 18-0 down at halftime against the Panthers, but rallied to take a 22-18 lead midway through the second half, before Penrith forced Golden Point and then won with a Nathan Cleary field goal.

The Dolphins present a very similar style to Gold Coast, with gamebreakers across their backline.

They led the league in short dropouts (10), while centre Herbie Farnworth was ahead in offloads (25). Second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (along with Titans centre Phillip Sami) was Ford’s nearest rival in post-contact metres (485).

Anzac Round

You’d think an encounter between New Zealand and Australian teams would be an integral part of any Anzac Round – but you’d be wrong.

Bizarrely, the traditional Anzac Cup game is between the Roosters and Dragons, and began in 2002.

In fact, it took the NRL seven years to realise there was no ‘Anzac Day’ without NZ – they even gave the Warriors byes that week in 2004 and 2005.

Another six years later, they were finally allowed to host an Anzac Day game. From 2009-23, with that one exception, they were required to visit Melbourne Storm, where they won two and drew one from 13 games, including a record 70-10 hiding in 2022.

In 2025, they lost 27-24 to Gold Coast at Mt Smart, but last year, they accounted for Newcastle Knights 26-12 at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium.

Wellington’s Hnry Stadium is apparently sold out for the Dolphins fixture, with 34,500 expected to attend. That would make it the third-biggest crowd in club history, after three games staged at Auckland’s Eden Park.

Teams

Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 4. Ali Leiataua, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Mitchell Barnett, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Jacob Laban, 18. Marata Niukore, 20. Luke Hanson

Reserves: 21. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 22. Adam Pompey, 23. Makaia Tafua

Coach Andrew Webster has made one forced change to the team that overcame the Titans, with fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad aggravating a neck injury suffered three weeks ago, replaced by Taine Tuaupiki.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is retained in the midfield, with Alofiana Khan-Pereira on the wing, but incumbent centre Adam Pompey returns from suspension among the reserves and may yet work his way back into the gameday squad.

Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita will appear in his 100th game for the club, seven years after debuting against Gold Coast Titans.

Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Jake Averillo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Brad Schneider, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Tom Gilbert, 9. Max Plath, 10. Francis Molo, 11. Connelly Lemuelu, 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 13. Morgan Knowles

Interchange: 14. Ray Stone, 15. Thomas Flegler, 16. Felise Kaufusi, 17. Trai Fuller, 18. Lewis Symonds, 19. Tevita Naufahu

Reserves: 20. Brian Pouniu, 21. Oryn Keeley, 22. John Fineanganofo

Meanwhile, Dolphins coach Kirstian Woolf has promoted Brad Schneider into five-eighth, replacing former Warrior Kodi Nikorima, who was suspended two games for dangerous contract that left Penrith Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny with a broken leg.

Player to watch

Lower Hutt-born halfback Isaiya Katoa, 22, has been touted as one of the NRL’s up-and-coming stars and captains the Dolphins, playing every game of their 2025 campaign.

“Katoa is a classy halfback that controls things, so we’ve got to know where he is at all times,” Webster said.

Kiwi player to watch

Kiwis wing Jamayne Isaako is generally acknowledge as one of the best goalkickers in the competition and has led the NRL in scoring since the Dolphins debuted in 2023.

He scored the winning try against the Warriors at Mt Smart last season, so he’s threat from anywhere on the park.

They said it

“They’ve got the same type of threats. If there’s a loose ball on the ground and you don’t pick it up, they can go 100 metres.

“If you put a bad kick in, they can pick it up and go 100. There are so many things similar, but this forward pack, against Penrith last week, I thought they went after it.”

Warriors coach Andrew Webster compares the Dolphins with Gold Coast Titans

“It’s hard to take. I thought we did enough to win the game.

“We put ourselves in a great position, but it hurts when you walk away feeling like you didn’t get what you deserved.”

Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf reflects on an extra-time loss to Penrith

What will happen

Key to the result may be the Warriors’ ability to play defence all over the field. The Dolphins’ win at Mt Smart last year was founded on their long-range threat.

Warriors by five.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Australian Briony Akle has been brought back into the Silver Ferns set-up, less than a year after being stood down during last season’s coaching turmoil.

Akle, who previously worked as a specialist coach for Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua, has now been appointed her assistant coach just 13 weeks out from the Commonwealth Games.

In September, shockwaves were sent through the sport when Taurua was suspended, along with her assistant coach Deb Fuller and Akle, over concerns about the high performance environment, sparked by player complaints.

When Taurua was reinstated 51 days later, Netball NZ said the two parties had agreed to embed changes to the Silver Ferns’ programme and environment.

It wasn’t clear at that time what would happen to Taurua’s long-time assistant coach Fuller or Akle, who she enlisted in 2024.

Earlier this year, Fuller joined the Malawi Queens on a one-year contract as high performance consultant. Fuller told RNZ that her contract with Netball NZ ended in December and the organisation had supported her taking up the opportunity with Malawi Netball.

Akle is head coach of the NSW Swifts, leading the club to two Suncorp Super Netball titles. She was also assistant coach for Tonga at the 2023 World Cup.

“It is always a huge honour to be involved with iconic sporting teams, and the Silver Ferns are one of those,” Akle said.

“I love working with Noeline, who is a world-class coach with one of the greatest track records in the game, as well as the fantastic athletes she has assembled.

“Getting to be part of a team that’s contesting the Commonwealth Games, one of our sport’s flagship events, is a new challenge for me and I am excited about what that brings. As a coach I always want to take myself out of my comfort zone because that is how you grow and become better at what you do.”

Taurua said Akle was a master coach.

“She has come through the pathway, from academy level through to the international stage, and has invested years into mastering her craft. Along that journey, she has experienced both the highs and the challenges that shape coaches and build resilience.

“With limited time leading into the Commonwealth Games, it’s invaluable to have Briony who is clear in her coaching style and approach. She brings clarity, composure and proven performance at the highest level.”

Akle will continue coaching the Swifts and will join the Silver Ferns environment in person prior to the Commonwealth Games.

Their opening match is against hosts Scotland on 25 July.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Warriors’ NRLW squad has been further strengthened with the signing of Jasmin Huriwai, a six-time rugby international for Australia.

The New Zealand-born Huriwai, a halfback who debuted for the Wallaroos in 2023 and has been with the Brumbies’ Super Rugby side for the past three seasons, has signed for the Warriors for the upcoming season, which starts in July.

Huriwai said she was overwhelmed when she learned she had a deal, after upping sticks from Australia off her own back, at the suggestion of her manager, former Warrior Tyran Smith.

“He sent my details to Ron (Griffiths, NRLW head coach) and then Ron gave me a call, we spoke briefly but he pretty much said he liked my style of footy and then asked if I wanted to come to New Zealand and play in the Kath Wharton tournament (held earlier this year in Auckland),” Huriwai said.

“He didn’t make it easy for me, Ron, but he did say that he wanted to see what and who I am about. I appreciate him for that, though. It made me even hungrier to want to make it.”

And that hunger and commitment paid off, with Griffiths initially giving Huriwai no guarantees.

“Jay made a significant personal sacrifice by moving herself from Australia of her own volition,” he said.

“Jay’s resolve to succeed has paid her back. We are elated she has earned her opportunity, and the sacrifice she has made speaks volumes for her character.”

Huriwai said she got very emotional when offered a contract.

” I just started bawling my eyes out, and, yeah, pretty much cried that whole day. I’ve lived in Australia for a long time and, at first, I was nervous and scared because I’ve never been in New Zealand for longer than two weeks since moving to Australia.

“But now, since being here, I’ve loved every single moment. I can’t wait to play, I’m so keen!”

The Warriors start preseason training next month before kicking off their season against the Bulldogs in Hamilton on 5 July.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Australian rugby international Jasmin Huriwai will switch codes to take up an NRLW contract with NZ Warriors for 2026.

Auckland-born Huriwai, 32, has played six tests at halfback for the Wallaroos since her 2023 debut, representing ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby.

She was recruited by Warriors women’s coach Ron Griffiths, after showing her ability in the new Kath Wharton Cup pathway competition earlier this year,

“Jay made a significant personal sacrifice by moving herself from Australia of her own volition,” Griffiths said. “In our initial discussion, there were no guarantees that she would secure an NRLW contract, only an opportunity to play in the Kath Wharton and possibly secure a contract.”

“Jay’s resolve to succeed has paid her back. We are elated she has earned her opportunity and the sacrifice she has made speaks volumes for her character.”

Huriwai’s manager is former Warriors and Kiwis star Tyran Smith steered her towards his old club.

“He sent my details to Ron and then Ron gave me a call, we spoke briefly but he pretty much said he liked my style of footy and then asked if I wanted to come to New Zealand and play in the Kath Wharton tournament,” said Huriwai.

“He didn’t make it easy for me, Ron, but he did say that he wanted to see what and who I am about. I appreciate him for that, though.

“It made me even hungrier to want to make it.”

Returning to the Aussie women’s competition last season, the Warriors wāhine roster included only a handful of players with NRLW experience, but introduced several rookies and rugby converts to the pro level, finishing with a 4-7 record.

In 2026, Griffiths – a double championship winner with Newcastle Knights – has signed three players from last year’s champion Brisbane Broncos – Annetta Nu’uausala, Gayle Broughton and Mele Hufanga – as well as Black Ferns Sevens star Stacey Waaka.

Training start next month, with the Warriors’ season-opener against Canterbury Bulldogs scheduled for Hamilton on July 5.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

After back-to-back wins to put their NRL championship bid back on track, NZ Warriors take their bandwagon on the road to Wellington for an Anzac Day encounter with the Dolphins.

This fixture is the first of two home games staged outside Auckland this season – they will face North Queensland Cowboys at the new One NZ Stadium in Christchurch in June.

“We always talk about one team, one country, not just Auckland,” coach Andrew Webster said. “We’re just excited for everyone to have a piece of the Warriors.”

Wellington hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground for the Auckland side. This will be their 12th visit to the capital this millennium for a record of four wins, six losses and a draw.

Some of those games have been opponents’ home games, brought across the Tasman in the hope of attracting bigger crowds.

“I’ve been there four times now – this will be the fourth – but not once sold out, so to have that many fans and give them the opportunity to take the game on the road is awesome,” Webster said.

Here’s what you need to know about this week’s game:

History

The Dolphins have only existed since 2023, but the Warriors helped give them a sneaky preview of NRL life, when they were based at their Redcliffe home during Covid.

The two sides have played six times since then, splitting the rivalry 3-3.

The Warriors won the inaugural meeting 30-8 in June 2023, with halfback Shaun Johnson and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak both scoring try doubles, and Johnson slotting 5/5 from the tee. That remains their biggest win against the Dolphins.

Three months later, the Dolphins turned the tables 34-10 at Suncorp Stadium, the widest margin between them.

Last time they met in the regular season last August, the visitors prevailed 20-18 at Go Media Stadium, despite another try double from Watene-Zelezniak. The Warriors led 18-16 late, but saw their hopes dashed, when Kiwis wing Jamayne Isaako scored a try in the 78th minute.

The Dolphins also emerged on top 38-34 of a pre-season match-up this year, but the Warriors led 34-20 with 10 minutes remaining, before letting in three converted tries to Tevita Naufahu, John Fineanganofo and Brian Pouniu, all Auckland-born teenagers.

Form

After a two-game skid, the Warriors have now achieved back-to-back wins against Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans to put their campaign back on track.

With five wins and two losses, they sit second on the competition table after seven rounds, two points behind Penrith Panthers, and ahead of Wests Tigers, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters on points differential.

They led the league in set completion (84 percent), try assists (33), kicks (151), kick metres (4645) and intercepts (5).

Dally M-leading front-rower Jackson Ford also topped post-contract metres (538), while halfback Tanah Boyd trailed only St George-Illawarra Dragons half Daniel Atkinson in kicks (119) and kicking metres (3855).

Hooker Wayde Egan was second in dummy-half runs (35), behind Melbourne’s Harry Grant (46).

The Dolphins are on a three-game losing slump that has them 12th on the table, with two wins and four losses. Over the past month, they have fallen to Brisbane Broncos, Manly Sea Eagles and Penrith, with only a bye round breaking up their horror run.

Last week, they were 18-0 down at halftime against the Panthers, but rallied to take a 22-18 lead midway through the second half, before Penrith forced Golden Point and then won with a Nathan Cleary field goal.

The Dolphins present a very similar style to Gold Coast, with gamebreakers across their backline.

They led the league in short dropouts (10), while centre Herbie Farnworth was ahead in offloads (25). Second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (along with Titans centre Phillip Sami) was Ford’s nearest rival in post-contact metres (485).

Anzac Round

You’d think an encounter between New Zealand and Australian teams would be an integral part of any Anzac Round – but you’d be wrong.

Bizarrely, the traditional Anzac Cup game is between the Roosters and Dragons, and began in 2002.

In fact, it took the NRL seven years to realise there was no ‘Anzac Day’ without NZ – they even gave the Warriors byes that week in 2004 and 2005.

Another six years later, they were finally allowed to host an Anzac Day game. From 2009-23, with that one exception, they were required to visit Melbourne Storm, where they won two and drew one from 13 games, including a record 70-10 hiding in 2022.

In 2025, they lost 27-24 to Gold Coast at Mt Smart, but last year, they accounted for Newcastle Knights 26-12 at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium.

Wellington’s Hnry Stadium is apparently sold out for the Dolphins fixture, with 34,500 expected to attend. That would make it the third-biggest crowd in club history, after three games staged at Auckland’s Eden Park.

Teams

Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 4. Ali Leiataua, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Mitchell Barnett, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Jacob Laban, 18. Marata Niukore, 20. Luke Hanson

Reserves: 21. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 22. Adam Pompey, 23. Makaia Tafua

Coach Andrew Webster has made one forced change to the team that overcame the Titans, with fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad aggravating a neck injury suffered three weeks ago, replaced by Taine Tuaupiki.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is retained in the midfield, with Alofiana Khan-Pereira on the wing, but incumbent centre Adam Pompey returns from suspension among the reserves and may yet work his way back into the gameday squad.

Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita will appear in his 100th game for the club, seven years after debuting against Gold Coast Titans.

Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Jake Averillo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Brad Schneider, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Tom Gilbert, 9. Max Plath, 10. Francis Molo, 11. Connelly Lemuelu, 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 13. Morgan Knowles

Interchange: 14. Ray Stone, 15. Thomas Flegler, 16. Felise Kaufusi, 17. Trai Fuller, 18. Lewis Symonds, 19. Tevita Naufahu

Reserves: 20. Brian Pouniu, 21. Oryn Keeley, 22. John Fineanganofo

Meanwhile, Dolphins coach Kirstian Woolf has promoted Brad Schneider into five-eighth, replacing former Warrior Kodi Nikorima, who was suspended two games for dangerous contract that left Penrith Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny with a broken leg.

Player to watch

Lower Hutt-born halfback Isaiya Katoa, 22, has been touted as one of the NRL’s up-and-coming stars and captains the Dolphins, playing every game of their 2025 campaign.

“Katoa is a classy halfback that controls things, so we’ve got to know where he is at all times,” Webster said.

Kiwi player to watch

Kiwis wing Jamayne Isaako is generally acknowledge as one of the best goalkickers in the competition and has led the NRL in scoring since the Dolphins debuted in 2023.

He scored the winning try against the Warriors at Mt Smart last season, so he’s threat from anywhere on the park.

They said it

“They’ve got the same type of threats. If there’s a loose ball on the ground and you don’t pick it up, they can go 100 metres.

“If you put a bad kick in, they can pick it up and go 100. There are so many things similar, but this forward pack, against Penrith last week, I thought they went after it.”

Warriors coach Andrew Webster compares the Dolphins with Gold Coast Titans

“It’s hard to take. I thought we did enough to win the game.

“We put ourselves in a great position, but it hurts when you walk away feeling like you didn’t get what you deserved.”

Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf reflects on an extra-time loss to Penrith

What will happen

Key to the result may be the Warriors’ ability to play defence all over the field. The Dolphins’ win at Mt Smart last year was founded on their long-range threat.

Warriors by five.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

One of New Zealand’s most celebrated cricketers has announced her retirement from the international game, but not before one last crack at a another world title.

Suzie Bates has announced that after a 20-year career, the T20 World Cup in England in June/July will be the final time she plays for the White Ferns.

The 38-year-old’s been a fixture in the New Zealand team ever since debuting against India in 2006, rewriting several records along the way, while at the same time, witnessing and experiencing the transition of the women’s game from amateur to professional.

“When I look back on the past twenty-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone,” Bates said.

“I’m immensely proud to have worn the fern so many times, and I’ve been filled with enormous purpose and joy in striving each day to be a better person, teammate, cricketer, and athlete for this team.

“Words can’t truly express my gratitude to all my teammates and coaches along the way,” she said.

Bates, from Dunedin, was destined for international glory, after making her domestic debut for Otago as a 15-year-old in 2003.

A talented sportswoman, Bates also represented New Zealand on the global stage in basketball, appearing for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

But she would give up the sport to focus on cricket shortly after, going on to become the all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals (4717*) and fourth in Women’s ODIs (5964*),

Bates is also the first female cricketer to appear in 350 international matches and score 25,000 career runs (international and domestic).

She also captained New Zealand on 151 occasions between 2011-2018, guiding the side in several ICC tournament finals.

Current captain Melie Kerr said Bates is one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

“Growing up Suzie was my role model, and I was fortunate enough to make the team when she was captain,” Kerr said.

“Her record speaks for itself, she’s paved the way for a long time in women’s cricket, and what she’s done for cricket, the women’s game, and sport in New Zealand, she should be very proud of.

“She’ll be hugely missed, but I know she’s still got a bit more left in the tank,” she said.

And that last bit of energy will be channelled in England later this year, when the White Ferns attempt to defend their T20 World Cup title, with New Zealand Cricket confirming Bates will be named as part of the squad at an announcement at her former school, Otago Girls’ High School next Wednesday.

“I have one final mission: to head to the UK – a place that holds so many special memories for me – and win another World Cup,” Bates said.

“I’m going to give every ounce of my energy to this final quest, dedicating every minute to helping this team play the kind of cricket we, and our country, can be proud of.”

Bates Statistics:

• Captained the White Ferns in 151 matches (79 ODIs, 72 T20Is)
• First woman to play 350 international matches
• First woman to score 25,000 career runs (international and domestic)
• The all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is (4717*)
• White Ferns all-time leading run scorer in ODIs and fourth in women’s One Day International cricket (5964*)
• 145 international wickets (83 ODI, 62 T20I)
• The most catches in women’s ODIs (93) and T20Is (96)
• Player of the Tournament at the 2013 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
• The first cricketer to win the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year Awards in the same year (2016)
• Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist (2022)
• ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winner (2024)
• Attended 14 ICC World Cups (9 T20I, 5 ODI)

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