Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Two years have passed, but Tommy Te Puni finally has his name in the record books.

Last weekend, the Auckland speedster claimed the national 200 metres mark, when he tore around a bend – but not THE bend – at Christchurch’s Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub and crossed the finish line in 20.35s, slicing two-hundredths of a second off the previous standard.

“It means a lot,” he told RNZ. “Coming off a bit of bad luck and a lot of injuries, it’s pretty good to get one of those on the board.

“Being a New Zealand record, it’s special, not just for me, but for all the people who have supported me, like my family and especially my coach, who sets up all the programmes, and deals with the ups and downs just as much as me.

“I’m really happy, not just for myself, but for everyone else around me that have helped me along the way.”

In November 2023, Te Puni was the victim of a timing malfunction that some believe cost him the first sub-46-second 400m by a Kiwi male at a local club meet.

Since then, he has battled a variety of injuries that have stymied his hopes of ever reaching his potential – until now.

Ironically, one of those injuries seems to have played a part in his current run of form.

Te Puni, 23, broke his foot during a northern hemisphere campaign that included the World University Games in Germany, which delayed his return to the track until the new year.

Instead of running his best times before Christmas, then hitting a wall afterwards, he is only now reaching a peak at the business end of the season.

His performance at the International Track Meet came off the back of a series of quick times over the preceding month. A 10.36s 100m personal best at the Douglas International in Auckland was followed by a solid 10.40s/20.89s double into slight headwinds at Hamilton’s Porritt Classic.

“This was the first week I actually felt fresh,” he explained. “For me, it usually takes quite a few weeks to freshen up, so even leading into Porritt, I wasn’t really feeling that good.

“In New Zealand, it’s a big thing to run 20-point, but it didn’t feel that good. I was overstriding, and I didn’t feel that fresh, so we went back to the drawing board.”

Personal bests over 150m in training had him and coach Elena Brown believing something special was near.

“We were thinking high 20.4s was what I was showing, so 20.35 was a pleasant surprise.”

Te Puni tuned up for his record run with a wind-assisted 10.26s 100m, although wind readings only told half the story. While winner Tiaan Whelpton clocked 10.01s with a 4.9m/s tailwind, four minutes before, the women supposedly ran into a 3.4m/s headwind.

In reality, the wind was a swirling side, so meet organisers switched the 200m start to take advantage of conditions around the bend. Three years ago, they did the same for Rosie Elliott, when she clocked a 22.81s national women’s record.

The maximum allowable tailwind for record purposes is 2.0 m/s. Te Puni’s 200m wind was 1.2 m/s.

“It’s a northwesterly, a true tailwind around the bend, but not helping you too much down the straight,” he said. “You come off the curve, you slingshot and just hold that momentum through to the finish line.

“The wind is coming from a direction that it doesn’t fully hit the wind metre, which is really good.”

Te Puni’s achievement sets up the unique prospect of all three men’s sprint records falling in the same season.

Whelpton has now gone under the 100m standard twice with excessive winds, while clocking 10.10s – 0.02s outside the national mark – legally. He only needs the right wind to break the record and possibly crack 10 seconds.

Last season, Lex Revell-Lewis broke 46 seconds for the 400m (45.88s) and showed he was capable of faster still, when he clocked 10.36w/20.49s at Christchurch.

Six runners beat 10.50s over 100m at the ITM, albeit wind-assisted. In seventh, 14-year-old Vern Toaloamai-Holden recorded 10.67s.

Four runners beat 21.00 seconds over 200 metres, another slice of NZ sprinting history.

Why is NZ sprinting enjoying a resurgence?

“It’s a good question,” Te Puni mused. “I think it’s just a question of timing, when everyone’s around a similar point, but you also have trailblazers like Tiaan, trying to get that 9.99s.

“It’s inspiring for people, and you want to chase those top guys. When I ran the 200m, they’re all chasing me, but it’s not like there’s someone who’s clear and above everyone else that you lose motivation.

“There’s a bit of luck with the depth, and everyone wants to beat each other.”

For their part, meet organisers have done their best to provide optimal conditions for performances.

“I’m sure all athletes will agree with me, but when you turn up to a race and there’s no hope of them flipping the track, and you have to run into a three-metre headwind… that’s not much fun.

“If they flip the track and the wind’s blowing at three, but I might get lucky, and get a 1.5 and new PB (personal best). Psychologically, that just gets you more amped up to race.

“They did it at Cooks [Whanganui], they did it at Sir Graeme [Douglas International], they did it at Christchurch… I’m pretty sure they’ll do it for the 100s and hopefully 200s at nationals.”

A community initiative to promote national relay teams has also created a collective approach to what was previously an individual sport, while fostering competition within the squad.

Early attempts at a men’s 4x100m record have seen Te Puni miss out on the top foursome, but current form may force a selection rethink.

“It gives a lot of athletes more opportunity to potentially get onto that world stage, but it also ties into wanting to be in that team and getting that spot,” he said. “The relays elevate the competition, because you don’t want that guy or that girl to get your spot, so you want to perform the best you can.”

Te Puni hasn’t contested the 400m this summer, but wouldn’t rule out another shot at that record in the future.

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“We’re trying to work out where to get one in, but because I only really started running at the start of this month, there wasn’t really time to fit in a 400,” he said. “We were thinking about Sir Graeme Douglas, but stuck with the short sprints, because that was where my shape was at the moment.

“We’re keen to get one in March maybe. I’m not sure, but it would be nice to run another one, because my speed is at an all-time high at the moment and that typically bodes well for a quick 400.

“At the moment, it’s just 200, especially with nationals.”

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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 Hurricanes are looking to make it two from two against Pacific teams, as they head to Lautoka to play the Fijian Drua on Saturday afternoon.

Callum Harkin will start at first-five for the Wellington-based outfit, while the Drua are still chasing their first win of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Kickoff is at 4.35pm.

Hurricanes: 1. Pouri Rakete-Stones 2. Asafo Aumua (vc) 3. Tevita Mafileo 4. Hugo Plummer 5. Warner Dearns 6. Devan Flanders 7. Peter Lakai 8. Brayden Iose 9. Cam Roigard 10. Callum Harkin 11. Fehi Fineanganofo 12. Jordie Barrett (c) 13. Billy Proctor 14. Bailyn Sullivan 15. Josh Moorby

Impact: 16. Jacob Devery 17. Xavier Numia 18. Siale Lauaki 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere 20. Brad Shields 21. Ereatara Enari 22. Lucas Cashmore (debut) 23. Ngane Punivai

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The White Ferns were much more ruthless with the ball as they bowled Zimbabwe out for just 86 to seal a 110-run win in the 2nd T20I in Hamilton.

Set 197 runs to win, the tourists were rocked early when Nyasha Gwanzura spooned one straight to short cover off Jess Kerr’s first over.

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano played a couple of nice shots before she was cleaned up by Bree Illing in the fourth.

A 21-run stand third-wicket stand between Kellie Ndhlovu and Beloved Biza provided some hope for Zimbabwe but once that was broken it all unraveled.

While Chiyedza Dhururu hit three boundaries in a flashy 20 off 13, she received very little support from the Zimbabwe lower order.

Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight both got through some valuable overs and the Northern Districts’ pair were rewarded for their efforts with two wickets apiece.

Patel’s 2/11 off four could have been even better if not for some ordinary fielding efforts.

The White Ferns will be looking to claim a clean sweep at the third T20 International on Sunday afternoon at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

See how every ball played out on our blog:

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Christchurch amateur golfer Yuki Miya has the lead at NZ Open going into day three at Millbrook Resort on Saturday.

The 20-year-old is 12-under-par after firing a second round of 4-under-par 67 to follow an opening 63 that he completed early on Friday.

Just one shot back is the highest-ranked player in the field, world No.100 Daniel Hillier.

Unhappy with his game, Hillier has still managed rounds of 63-68 in front of an expectant home crowd craving a first New Zealand victory in their national championship since 2017.

Newly married Hillier shares second with Australian duo Travis Smyth (63) and Wade Ormsby (65), while another New Zealand hope, Kerry Mountcastle, is just two shots adrift at 10-under-par following a 64 in the near-perfect scoring conditions.

Miya’s eye-catching performance was capped by a three-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole on the Remarkables course, moving him out of a tie at the top of the leaderboard.

The Golf NZ National Academy member may be still an amateur with no immediate plans to turn professional, but he’s had significant exposure to the pro game.

He showed great composure when he bounced back from a double-bogey five on the par-3 sixth with a run of three straight birdies that started two holes later.

“That double set me back a bit. I definitely had to regroup after that one, but I clawed my way back,” Miya said.

“Obviously there’s a long way to go, still 36 holes to play, but I’ll do my best, stick to my processes and see how it goes.”

Hillier’s only bogey in his second round came on his final hole, the water-ringed par-3 ninth hole on the Remarkables which will be the closing hole on the composite course over the weekend.

After struggling with his swing for most of the day, his tee shot found the hazard to the left of the green, but a four was rescued by a tidy chip and putt.

“Probably should have happened a lot earlier than it did,” he said of his last hole error.

“The swing wasn’t feeling that great. I stood up on the tee and tried to hold one up against the wind and just flipped it a bit and away she went. But a nice little up and down at least to limit the damage.”

Hillier’s day did have plenty of highlights, however, including an eagle on the par-5 14th to sit alongside four birdies.

“It’s been a long couple of days. Obviously a lot of golf crammed into a short period of time,” he said.

“A little bit tired at the moment, but nice to hang in there today. Hopefully get some good rest and come out firing tomorrow.”

A top-10 machine on the Asian Tour, Smyth does not expect to have too much crowd support on his side as he chases his second victory as a pro with three New Zealanders amongst his chief competition.

“It’s going to be fun,” he said after closing with four straight birdies.

“It’s not going to worry me at all. I’ve played in Korea towards the last groups and you get literally zero claps from the Koreans over there.

“I feel like the crowds this week, they’re pretty supportive of good golf and hopefully I can show them good golf.”

Ormsby finished his round after sunset, rolling in birdies on the 16th and 17th before missing from three metres on the last to tie Miya at the top.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Highlanders head across the Tasman to Brisbane after their heartbreaking Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Chiefs in Dunedin.

After an opening round bye, the Reds are coming off a heavy to loss to the NSW Waratahs.

Kickoff is at 9.35pm.

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot. 2. Jack Taylor. 3. Rohan Wingham. 4. Will Stodart. 5. Mitch Dunshea. 6. Te Kamaka Howden. 7. Sean Withy (cc) 8. Lucas Casey. 9. Adam Lennox. 10. Cameron Millar. 11. Jona Nareki. 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc) 13. Jonah Lowe. 14. Caleb Tangitau. 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Impact: 16. Soane Vikena. 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown. 18. Sosefo Kautai. 19. Oliver Haig. 20. Veveni Lasaqa. 21. Folau Fakatava. 22. Reesjan Pasitoa. 23. Tanielu Tele’a.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Western Force have finally got a win on the road in Super Rugby Pacific.

For only the second time in 26 matches on New Zealand soil the Force have recorded a victory, with a 35-19 over Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe on Friday night.

It was the Force’s first win of the season after two road losses in the first two rounds.

The visitors scored first after a period of pressure with Force debutant Darby Lancaster crossing for a try in the sixth minute when a toe-poke from the competition’s leading scorer, Ben Donaldson, sat up for winger.

Moana hooker Millennium Sanerivi levelled the scores after 20 minutes when he peeled off the maul and crashed through a few Force players to get across the try line.

A disallowed try for former All Black George Bridge just after the half hour mark temporarily prevented the Force taking a lead, until second rower Darcy Swain finally drove over from close to the line three minutes later for their second try.

Bridge did get his try just before the break when he dove under the defence to score and take a 21-7 lead at half-time.

Neither team could take hold of the game for most of the second half as both teams made several substitutions to try and get the advantage.

Force forward Carlo Tizzano, who lead the competition in try-scoring last season, found his way across the try line off the back of the maul for his third of this season in the 62nd minute.

The Force’s forwards also set up their fifth try of the night with replacement player Argentine Leonel Oviedo scoring his first Super Rugby try.

Mounting penalties and an inability finish off phases of play cost Moana who were playing in front of their home fans for the first time this season, albeit at their alternative home venue of Navigation Homes Stadium.

Melani Matavao did score a try for the home side with less than 10 minutes left in the game and Allan Craig was the last to score on full time showing what Moana could have done had they been playing at that level the whole game.

There were several Head Injury Assessments in the physical game, including three in the first half which included one for Donaldson who took a knock in the warm up.

Donaldson missed the first few minutes of the game but came on to make an impact and was perfect off the tee throughout the game.

Force have now won back to back games against Moana after prevailing by one point last season.

Follow how all the action unfolded below:

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Source: Radio New Zealand

No matter who you support, off-season player movements will have your head spinning, as the 2026 NRL season approaches.

Some crazy pre-season results will have some fans reaching for the panic button, but the real test will come 1 March, when the Aussie rugby league comp takes its three-ring circus to Vegas for the regular season launch.

If you’re still trying to figure out where your team stand, here’s a quick (4500 words, phew) guide to the comings and goings over the summer.

Brisbane Broncos

Defending champions

Coach: Michael Maguire (18-9)

Championships (7): 1992, 93, 97, 98, 2000, 06, 25

2025 season: 18-9 (fourth), beat Melbourne Storm 26-22 in grand final

Pre-season: Lost to Hull Kingston Rovers 30-24 in World Club Challenge

Gains: centre Grant Anderson (Melbourne Storm), halfback Tom Duffy (North Queensland Cowboys), centre Aublix Tawha (Dolphins)

Losses: wing Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins), lock Kobe Hetherington (Manly Sea Eagles), hooker Tyson Smoothy (Wakefield Trinity), second row Fletcher Baker (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Injuries: Second-row Brendan Piakura (knee, Round 3), prop Corey Jensen (concussion, tbc), hooker/half Billy Walters (knee, tbc), fullback Hayze Perham (knee, tbc)

Key Kiwi: Prop Xavier Willison took a big step up last year to carve a prominent role for himself in the Broncos rotation and earn an international call-up from the Kiwis.

With Payne Haas signalling his imminent departure from the club next year, Willison will need to continue his progression to help fill that void in the future.

Key Player: Fullback Reece Walsh is becoming the face of the NRL, with his outrageous exploits on the field, but must still tidy up his act away from the game.

The former Warriors has shown time and again his ability to turn a contest on its head, including last year’s grand final, and will again be on top of any rival team’s scouting report.

Opening game: Penrith Panthers at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, 6 March

Outlook: At 5-7 after Round 13, Brisbane were outside the playoff picture and the experiment of transplanting Maguire, who had guided NSW to Origin victory the previous year, into the heart of Queensland seemed to have failed.

Somehow, ‘Madge’ managed to turn the ship around, closing faster than anyone to claim the spoils. With Haas departing and veteran half Adam Reynolds retiring at the end of the season, the window is ajar for one more title run.

Prediction: Brisbane have the talent, but can they continue where they left off? Not quite.

TAB: $5 (favourites)

Canterbury Bulldogs

Coach: Cameron Ciraldo (37-37)

Championships (8): 1938, 42, 80, 84, 85, 88, 95, 2004

2025 season: 16-8 (third), lost to Penrith Panthers 46-26 in semifinals

Pre-season: Lost to North Queensland Cowboys 34-30, beat Newcastle Knights 28-0

Gains: Fullback Kade Dykes (Cronulla Sharks), lock Finau Latu (Wests Tigers), half Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), prop Leo Thompson (Newcastle Knights), hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Manly Sea Eagles), prop Fletcher Baker (Brisbane Broncos)

Losses: Hooker Reed Mahoney (North Queensland Cowboys), lock Kurtis Morrin (Gold Coast Titans), half Toby Sexton (Catalans), half/fullback Blake Taafe (Castleford Tigers), wing Blake Wilson (Manly Sea Eagles)

Injuries: Halfback Mitchell Woods (hamstring, Round 4), fullback Kade Dykes (knee, Round 7), prop Leo Thompson (calf, Round 10)

Key Kiwi: The Bulldogs career of Leo Thompson is off to a shaky start, with a calf injury sidelining him for 2-3 months.

He can be expected to beef up the Canterbury pack, as they try to find the missing piece that will put them into title contention.

Key player: The midseason arrival of teen five-eighth Lachlan Galvin was expected to lift the Bulldogs to the next level, but may just have eroded some the team’s culture.

Galvin has had an off-season to embed into the club and mend any burnt bridges among his teammates, so this will be the time we see if he is the answer everyone anticipated.

Opening game: St George Illawarra Dragons at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 1 March

Outlook: With supremo Phil ‘Gus’ Gould pulling strings in the background, you can believe the Bulldogs are doing everything possible – and maybe some things not totally above board – to capture the NRL crown.

They certainly have the performers in key positions and Ciraldo has had time to incorporate Galvin into his programme, after a controversial arrival last season. As always, the pressure will be on the Sydney teams.

Prediction: Playoffs, but will miss the final again.

TAB: $13

North Queensland Cowboys

Coach: Todd Payten (62-1-62)

Championships (1): 2015

2025 season: 9-1-14 (12th)

Pre-season: Beat Canterbury Bulldogs 34-30, beat Penrith Panthers 66-24

Gains: Prop Matt Lodge (Manly Sea Eagles), hooker Reed Mahoney (Canterbury Bulldogs), hooker Soni Luke (Penrith Panthers)

Losses: halfback Thomas Duffy (Brisbane Broncos), second-row Emarly Bitungane (London Broncos), hooker Karl Lawton (Hull Kingston Rovers), hooker Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters), Wing Semi Valemei (Castleford)

Injuries: Prop Griffin Neame (shoulder, Round 2), centre Zac Laybutt (suspension, Round 3), second-row Jeremia Nanai (shoulder, Round 6), second-row John Bateman (shoulder, tbc), fullback Tom Chester (knee, tbc)

Key Kiwi: Prop Griffin Neame has re-signed with the Cowboys through the 2029 season, which is a fair indication of how highly they regard him.

He has played 20 or more games in three of the last four seasons and will likely bring up his 100th appearance for the club this season.

Key player: Tongan second-rower Jason Taumalolo is nearing the end of a 10-year contract that seemed a good idea at the time, but he has probably struggled to fulfil that commitment in recent times.

Taumalolo was limited to just 10 games through injury last season and was a shadow of his former self. If he can play anywhere near his ability, the Cowboys are a very different proposition.

Opening game: Newcastle Knights at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 1 March

Outlook: If they can stay healthy, they are a scary proposition, but injuries have plagued the Cowboys.

They have the ability to make a playoff run and four of their first five games to start the season are against teams that finished below them last year – Newcastle, Wests, Gold Coast and St George Illawarra.

Prediction: Just miss the playoffs.

TAB: $34

Dolphins

Coach: Kristian Woolf (13-11)

Championships: None

2025 season: 12-12 (ninth)

Pre-season: Lost to Gold Coast Titans 24-12, beat NZ Warriors 38-34

Gains: Wing Selwyn Cobbo (Brisbane Broncos), second-row Morgan Knowles (Widnes), prop Francis Molo, hooker Brad Schneider (Penrith Panthers)

Losses: Centre Max Feagai (Gold Coast Titans), prop Peter Hola (Newcastle Knights), prop Josh Kerr (St George Illawarra Dragons), half Sean O’Sullivan (Canterbury Bulldogs), Aublix Tawha (Brisbane Broncos)

Injuries: Centre LJ Nonu (knee, Round 4), hooker/second row Max Plath (knee, Round 4), hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (knee, Round 7), centre Jack Bostock (knee, Round 10)

Key Kiwi: Wing Jamayne Isaako finished 50 points clear of the next highest pointscorer in the competition last season and has scored more points than anyone else over the last three years.

There are plenty of tries in this squad, so he will have an excellent chance to retain his scoring crown in 2026.

Key player: At 22, Wellington-born half and captain Isaiya Katoa is being heralded as the next great playmaker in the game, displaying maturity beyond his years.

He will have plenty of weapons around him and his ability to light the fuse will be key to the Dolphins’ playoff chances.

Opening game: South Sydney Rabbitohs at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, 8 March

Outlook: At full strength, the Dolphins backline is stacked, but how far the go will probably be determined by the ability of their forwards to win the wrestle.

In broken play, they will be absolutely electric and no team can feel safe against them.

Prediction: They will again be there or thereabouts in the playoff hunt, but are probably one or two big forward signings away from contending.

TAB: $21

St George Illawarra Dragons

Coach: Shane Flanagan (19-29)

Championships (1): 2010

2025 season: 8-16 (15th)

Pre-season: Beat Newcastle Knights 28-18, lost to South Sydney Rabbitohs 28-24

Gains: Halfback Daniel Atkinson (Cronulla Sharks), wing/centre David Fale (Penrith Panthers), prop Josh Kerr (Dolphins),

Losses: Lock Jack de Belin (Parramatta Eels), wing Sione Finau (Canberra Raiders), halfback Lachlan Ilias (Gold Coast Titans), prop David Klemmer (St Helens), prop Francis Molo (Dolphins)

Injuries: Hooker Jacob Liddle (hamstring, Round 2), wing Nathan Lawson (foot, Round 4), second-row Dylan Egan (knee, Round 8), lock Hame Sele (concussion, tbc)

Key Kiwi: Auckland-born wing Christian Tuipulotu has scored 16 tries in 21 appearances for the Dragons, but had a hard time staying on the field last season, when he scored eight in nine games.

In basketball terms, he’s a walking bucket, but needs to string some games together to maximise his impact.

Key player: All fingers pointed at the coach’s son – half Kyle Flanagan – last season as a cause of the Dragons’ struggles, but dad hasn’t really found a replacement for him in the meantime.

All eyes will be back on him again and, if the team begins to flounder, you can bet the Flanagans will feel the heat.

Opening game: Canterbury Bulldogs at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 1 March

Outlook: Have lost two of their best forwards in de Belin and Klemmer, and that won’t help them escape the dungeon.

Prediction: Will battle for the wooden spoon.

TAB: $51

Parramatta Eels

Coach: Jason Ryles (10-14)

Championships (4): 1981, 82, 83, 86

2025 season: 10-14 (11th)

Pre-season: Beat Cronulla Sharks 40-6, beat Sydney Roosters 28-22

Gains: Lock Jack de Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons), half Jonah Pezet (Melbourne Storm), centre Brian Kelly (Gold Coast Titans)

Losses: Half Dylan Brown (Newcastle Knights), hooker Brendan Hands (Toulouse), half Dean Hawkins (London Broncos)

Key player: Parramatta seem to go as far as half Mitch Moses can take them, but over the past two years, he’s played less than half their games.

Last season, the Eels went 1-5 to open their account, with Moses sidelined by a foot injury. He later missed more time with a foot injury.

Moses kicked a gamewinning field goal against North Queensland in Round 23 and a hattrick of tries against Newcastle Knights in Round 27. Parramatta went 7-6 with him in the line-up and 3-8 without him.

Opening game: Melbourne Storm at Melbourne’s AAMI Park, 5 March

Outlook: Losing Kiwi half Dylan Brown is a major blow, but Jonah Pezet has good pedigree through the Melbourne Storm system.

They have a torrid draw to star their campaign – both last year’s finalists, Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos, on the road.

Prediction: As long as Moses stays healthy, they will push for a playoff spot, but the moment he goes down…

TAB: $21

Newcastle Knights

Coach: Justin Holbrook

Championships (2): 1997, 2001

2025 season: 6-18 (17th/last)

Pre-season: Lost to St George Illawarra Dragons 28-18, lost to Canterbury Bulldogs 28-0

Gains: Half Dylan Brown (Parramatta Eels), prop Peter Hola (Dolphins), wing Asu Kepaoa (Penrith Panthers), lock Trey Mooney (Canberra Raiders), prop Pasami Saulo (Canberra Raiders), half Sandon Smith (Sydney Roosters)

Losses: Half Jake Arthur (Hull), hooker Jayden Brailey (Canberra Raiders), half Jack Cogger (Penrith Panthers), second-row Adam Elliott (South Sydney Rabbitohs), prop Brock Greacen (Castleford), half Jackson Hastings (St Helens), second-row Jack Hetherington (Melbourne Storm), second-row Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), prop Leo Thompson (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Key Kiwi: Five-eighth Dylan Brown spent last season in the Eels doghouse, after announcing his imminent departure for Newcastle.

He showed his worth with his Golden Boot-worthy Kiwis campaign and the Knights will hope he can bring that form, as they try to escape the bottom of the table.

Key player: Fullback Kalyn Ponga pipped Shaun Johnson for Dally M honours in 2023, but has been plagued by injuries since and has a history of concussions.

Not long ago, he was regarded as the NRL’s next big star, but his team need him to stay healthy.

Opening game: North Queensland Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

Outlook: There’s only one way for the Knights and that’s up.

The addition of Brown and Sandon Smith may give them some much-needed stability in the halves.

Prediction: They won’t finish last again.

TAB: $51

Penrith Panthers

Coach: Ivan Cleary (131-2-46)

Championships (6): 1991, 2003, 21, 22, 23, 24

2025 season: 13-1-10 (seventh), lost 16-14 to Brisbane Broncos in preliminary finals

Pre-season: Lost to North Queensland Cowboys 66-24, lost to Wests Tigers 26-12

Gains: Second-row Tom Ale (NZ Warriors), half Jack Cogger (Newcastle Knights), lock Kalani Going (NZ Warriors), hooker Freddy Lussick (NZ Warriors)

Losses: Centre/wing David Fale (St George Illawarra Dragons), second-row Mavrik Geyer (Wests Tigers), fullback Daine Laurie (Canberra Raiders), second-row Zac Lipowicz (Catalans), hooker Brad Schneider (Dolphins), hooker Luke Sommerton (Gold Coast Titans), half Trent Toelau (Melbourne Storm), hooker Soni Luke (North Queensland Cowboys)

Key Kiwi: Prop Moses Leota played all but one game last season and took over the mantle of senior front-rower with the departure of fellow Kiwi James Fisher-Harris for the Warriors.

He’s a player that may benefit from the tweaked rules that allow Kiwis to play State of Origin without losing their international eligibility.

Key player: Half Nathan Cleary is simply the best player in the NRL, when he’s on the field.

He became Penrith’s all-time leading scorer last season, but took some heat from his inability to guide New South Wales to Origin glory for the third time – he was missing from the Blues’ 2024 success.

Cleary has nothing to prove at this stage of his career, but his team’s chance of returning to the grand final rest heavily on him.

Opening game: Brisbane Broncos at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, 6 March

Outlook: The Panthers failed in their quest for a fivepeat last season, stumbling out to a 2-6 start and sitting last on the table after eight rounds, before rallying late to reach the playoffs.

That run probably took the sting out of them, but they have lost none of their core players this year.

Prediction: They will rekindle their dynasty with another visit to the final.

TAB: $6

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Coach: Wayne Bennett (62-39)

Championships (21): 1908, 09, 14, 18, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 67, 68, 70, 71, 2014

2025 season: 9-15 (13th)

Pre-season: Beat St George Illawarra 28-24, beat Manly Sea Eagles 30-6

Gains: Second-row Adam Elliott (Newcastle Knights), prop David Fifita (Gold Coast Titans), hooker Bronson Garlick (Melbourne Storm), half Jonah Glover (St George Illawarra Dragons), centre Moala Graham-Taufa (NZ Warriors), wing Ed Kosi (NZ Warriors)

Losses: Half Lewis Dodd (Catalans), hooker Siliva Havili (London Broncos), prop Davvy Moale (Melbourne Storm), wing Mikaele Ravalawa (Castleford)

Injuries: Halfback Jonah Glover (jaw, Round 7), centre Isaiah Tass (knee, tbc)

Key Kiwi: You have to think this may be the last chance for hooker Brandon Smith to resurrect a career that has gone off the rails in recent seasons.

Injuries and off-field shenanigans have seen ‘Cheese’ exit Melbourne and Sydney Roosters in disgrace, and his tenure at Souths has not begun well, as he faces drug and gambling charges in Queensland.

Key player: Prop David Fifita is another star that shone brightly, but has faded in recent seasons.

Two years ago, he announced he was leaving Gold Coast for Sydney Roosters, then backflipped a week later, but fell out with coach Des Hasler last year and eventually signed with Souths.

Wayne Bennett has a history of calming troubled souls, and he will be tested to the limit by Smith and Fifita.

Opening game: Dolphins at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, 8 March

Outlook: Bennett has won more than any other coach in NRL history, but he already has his hands full guiding the enigmatic Lattrell Mitchell and had to manage that without the services of captain Campbell Murray, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in pre-season last year and never returned.

Prediction: Bennett, 76, is the master for a reason, but this will test him beyond his limits. Souths fall short of playoffs.

TAB: $21

Canberra Raiders

Coach: Ricky Stuart (157-1-137)

Championships (3): 1989, 90, 94

2025 season: 19-5 (first), lost to Cronulla Sharks 32-12 in semifinals

Pre-season: Beat Melbourne Storm 32-6, lost to Cronulla Sharks 48-6

Gains: Hooker Jayden Brailey (Newcastle Knights), wing Sione Finau (St George Illawarra Dragons), fullback Laurie Daine (Penrith Panthers)

Losses: Fullback Adam Cook (Leigh), half Jamal Fogarty (Manly Sea Eagles), wing/centre Albert Hopoate (Warrington), hooker Danny Levi (Leeds), prop Trey Mooney (Newcastle Knights), centre Manaia Waitere (Melbourne Storm)

Key Kiwi: Prop Joseph Tapine has established himself as one of the best front-rowers in the game and has averaged 24 games a season for the past four years.

Last year, he brought up 200 games for the Raiders and has become Stuart’s righthand man out on the field.

Key player: Half Ethan Strange will take the keys to the ‘Green Machine’ from Jamal Fogarty, after earning best five-eighth at the Dally M Awards last year.

Despite his outstanding season, he was missing through illness, when Canberra bowed out of the playoffs to Cronulla.

Opening game: Manly Sea Eagles at Sydney’s 4 Pines Park, 7 March

Outlook: Ricky Stuart will be absolutely seething at finishing top of the competition table and then missing out on the grand final – that will have eaten him alive all off-season.

They will miss Fogarty, who was the real architect of their success, and it may take some time to find a successor.

Prediction: Playoffs yes, grand final no. They missed a chance last season.

TAB: $15

Sydney Roosters

Coach: Trent Robinson (210-126)

Championships (15): 1911, 12, 13, 213, 35, 36, 37, 40, 45, 74, 75, 2002, 13, 18, 19

2025 season: 13-11 (eighth), lost to Cronulla Sharks 20-10 in elimination finals

Pre-season: Lost to Wests Tigers 42-26, lost to Parramatta Eels 28-22

Gains: Half Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles), fullback Cody Ramsey (St George Illawarra Dragons), hooker Reece Robson (North Queensland Cowboys), centre/wing Tommy Talau (Manly Sea Eagles)

Losses: Hooker Zach Dockar-Clay (Manly Sea Eagles), half Sandon Smith (Newcastle Knights), prop Xavier Va’a (York), half Chad Townsend (retired)

Injuries: Second-row Victor Radley (suspension, Round 7), hooker Reece Robson (thumb, Round 7)

Key Kiwi: Prop Naufahu Whyte has become a mainstay of the Roosters front row, logging 23 games in both the past two seasons, while also establishing himself in the Kiwis squad.

At 23, his best years are still ahead of him and he has re-signed with Sydney for another three years.

Key player: The Roosters have struggled in the halves recently, but recruiting the NRL’s oldest player – Daly Cherry-Evans – may not be the answer.

He was dropped from the Queensland Origin team last year and seemed to be going through the motions, but sparked up towards the end of his time with Manly, kicking a winning field goal against the Warriors in his 352nd and final appearance for the club.

How much more magic is left?

Opening game: NZ Warriors at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium, 6 March

Outlook: The Roosters will always be contenders, because they have deep pockets, but they are often sabotaged by injury and indiscipline.

Prediction: If Cherry-Evans and captain James Tedesco, 33, have anything left, they reach the second week of playoffs.

TAB: $7

Manly Sea Eagles

Coach: Anthony Seibold (37-2-35)

Championships (8): 1972, 73, 76, 78, 87, 96, 2008, 11

2025 season: 12-12 (10th)

Pre-season: Beat NZ Warriors 33-18, lost to South Sydney Rabbitohs 30-6

Gains: Hooker Zach Dockar-Clay (Sydney Roosters), half Jamal Fogarty (Canberra Raiders), lock Kobe Hetherington (Brisbane Broncos), wing Blake Wilson (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Losses: Half Jake Arthur (Hull), half Daly Cherry-Evans (Sydney Roosters), prop Matt Lodge (North Queensland Cowboys), prop Tof Sipley (Warrington), win/centre Tommy Talau (Sydney Roosters), utility Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield Trinity), prop Josh Aloiai (retired), hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Canterbury Bulldogs), hooker Lachlan Croker (retired), second-row/centre Michael Chee-Kam (retired)

Injuries: Lock Caleb Navale (knee, tbc)

Key Kiwi: New Plymouth-born hooker Zach Dockar-Clay has been brought in to replace Lachlan Croker in the dummy half rotation, after the veteran declared for medical retirement.

He has logged 36 games for Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters, with two appearances for the Māori All Stars.

Key player: Fullback Tom Trbojevic takes over the Manly captaincy, but has a poor injury record.

Staying healthy will be his biggest challenge, but if he does, ‘Tommy Turbo’ can carry the Sea Eagles deep.

Opening game: Canberra Raiders at Sydney’s 4 Pines Park, 7 March

Outlook: Time to move on from the Daly Cherry-Evans era and Jamal Fogarty will prove an able replacement…

Prediction: But they’ll fall short of post-season again.

TAB: $34

Cronulla Sharks

Coach: Craig Fitzgibbon (66-39)

Championships (1): 2016

2025 season: 15-9 (fifth), lost to Melbourne Storm 22-14 in preliminary finals

Pre-season: Lost to Parramatta Eels 40-6, beat Canberra Raiders 48-6

Losses: Half Daniel Atkinson (St George Illlawarra)

Injuries: Second-row Cam McInnes (knee, Round 10), centre Mawene Hiroti (knee, tbc), fullback Liam Ison (knee, tbc), wing Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee, tbc)

Key Kiwi: Winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has consistently been among the NRL’s top tryscorers over the past four seasons, touching down 73 times during that span.

He will start the campaign under an injury cloud, after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, while on duty with the Kiwis last year.

Key player: Since winning the 2022 Dally M and Provan-Summons medals, half Nicho Hynes has fallen from Origin grace, where selectors never quite figured out how to use him.

He played every game for the Sharks last season, as they went within a game of the grand final.

Opening game: Gold Coast Titans at Sydney’s Ocean Project Stadium, 7 March

Outlook: The Sharks have kept a pretty stable squad, so a repeat of last year’s performance is not beyond belief.

Prediction: Grand final contenders.

TAB: $19

Melbourne Storm

Coach: Craig Bellamy (413-2-178)

Championships (4): 1999, 2012, 17, 20

2025 season: 17-7 (second), lost to Brisbane Broncos 26-22 in grand final

Pre-season: Lost to Canberra Raiders 32-6, lost to Gold Coast Titans 42-12

Gains: Second-row Jack Hetherington (Newcastle Knights), prop Davvy Moala (South Sydney Rabbitohs), prop Josaiah Pahulu (Gold Coast Titans), half Trent Toelau (Penrith Panthers), centre Manaia Waitere (Canberra Raiders)

Losses: Centre Grant Anderson (Brisbane Broncos), hooker Bronson Garlick (South Sydney Rabbitohs), half Jonah Pezet (Parramatta Eels), prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona (retired), fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (retired)

Injuries: Wing Xavier Coates (Achilles tendon, Round 10), second-row Eliesa Katoa (concussion, indefinite)

Key Kiwi: After winning the Dally M Medal in 2024, Jahrome Hughes had to battle a dislocated shoulder and broken arm on his way back to the grand final, but could not quite steer the Storm home over the Broncos.

Little wonder the Aussies are trying to sneak him into an Origin team. Hopefully, he will save some of his geniues for the Kiwis’ World Cup campaign.

Key player: With the Storm leaking talent left, right and centre, the halves partnership between Hughes and Cameron Munster must maximise their time together on the field.

After a history of off-field indiscretions, Munster seems to have turned his fortunes around, succeeding Daly Cherry-Evans as Queensland Origin captain.

Opening game: Parramatta Eels at Melbourne’s AAMI Park, 5 March

Outlook: Even through Penrith’s four-year run atop the NRL, Melbourne have somehow maintained their own legacy, despite losing key players every year. This season, they are without key forwards Asofa-Solomona and Katoa, and brilliant fullback Papyenhuyzen.

Prediction: Can’t wait to see how Bellamy gets this lot back to the grand final.

TAB: $7

Gold Coast Titans

Coach: Josh Hannay

Championships: None

2025 season: 6-18 (16th)

Pre-season: Beat Dolphins 24-12, beat Melbourne Storm 42-12

Gains: Centre Max Feagai (St George Illawarra Dragons), half Lachlan Ilias (St George Illawarra Dragons), lock Kurtis Morrin (Canterbury Bulldogs), hooker Luke Sommerton (Penrith Panthers)

Losses: Second-row Jacob Alick (Leigh), prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard (London Broncos), second-row Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Catalans), prop David Fifita (South Sydney Rabbitohs), centre Brian Kelly (Parramatta Eels), wing Alofiana Khan-Pereira (NZ Warriors), prop Josiah Pahulu (Melbourne Storm), half Tom Weaver (Castleford)

Injuries: Prop Jaimin Jolliffe (knee, 2027), second-row Brock Gray (knee, tbc)

Key Kiwi: After a breakout 2024 season that saw him called into the Kiwis, pints-sized fullback Keano Kini sat out most of last year with a neck injury that threatened to paralyse him.

He turned out for New Zealand in the Pacific Championship, but his future health will be watched closely. Just where he fits into the Titans line-up alongside AJ Brimson remains to be seen.

Key player: While fellow powerhouse David Fifita finally cut ties with the Titans, captain Timo Fa’asuamaleaui has confirmed his future with the club, re-signing through the 2030 season.

He has proved an inspirational leader for the struggling Titans and his relationship with new coach Josh Hannay will be crucial to turning his club’s fortunes around.

Opening game: Cronulla Sharks at Sydney’s Ocean Protect Stadium, 7 March

Outlook: Fifteen years since their last winning season and five years since their last post-season appearance, two seasons under Des Hasler yielded just 15 wins, so there’s only one way to go.

Prediction: It may take a couple of seasons to turn this mess around.

TAB: $51

NZ Warriors

Coach: Andew Webster (38-1-33)

Championships: none

2025 season: 14-10 (sixth), lost to Penrith Panthers 24-8 in elimination final

Pre-season: Lost to Manly Sea Eagles 33-18, lost to Dolphins 38-34

Gains: Second-row/lock Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), wing Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs), wing Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Gold Coast Titans), half Jye Linnane (Newcastle Knights)

Losses: Prop Bunty Afoa (Wests Tigers), hooker Freddy Lussick (Penrith Panthers), second-row Tom Ale (Penrith Panthers), wing Ed Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), centre Moala Graham-Taufa (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Kalani Going (Penrith Panthers)

Injuries: Prop Mitch Barnett (knee, Round 2), halfback Luke Metcalf (knee, Round 7), utility Te Maire Martin (broken leg, Round 10), centre Rocco Berry (shoulder, tbc)

Key Kiwi: Some are calling for understudy Taine Tuaupiki to take over the fullback position, so Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is already under pressure for his spot.

That doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t make the starting line-up somewhere else, if the midfield or halves turn to quicksand again. His courage under fire is indispensable.

Key player: Luke Metcalf was leading Dally M standings, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in Round 17 last year, and he will miss the opening two months this season.

How well the Warriors cover his absence, whether it’s Tanah Boyd or someone else, may determine the course of their 2026 campaign. How quickly he can return to full fitness may well be the spark they need down the regular season stretch.

Opening game: Sydney Roosters at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium, 6 March

Outlook: The Warriors got off to a club record 8-2 start last season, sitting second on the table after 11 rounds, but fell away badly, after losing co-captain Barnett and Metcalf to knee injuries.

As it is with any team, health will be crucial, if they are do venture deeper into the playoffs. Not only do they need luck in avoiding further calamity, but Webster must give some thought to preserving those veterans who are prone to wear and tear, like Fisher-Harris, hooker Wayde Egan and second-rower Kurt Capewell.

While Barnett’s impending exit will be a blow for the Warriors next season, hopefully it won’t become a distraction like others have been in recent times.

Predictions: This is their year – of course!

TAB: $23 (outside playoffs)

Wests Tigers

Coach: Benji Marshall (15-33)

Championships (1): 2005

2025 season: 9-15 (13th)

Pre-season: Beat Sydney Roosters 42-26, beat Penrith Panthers 26-12

Gains: Second-row Mavrik Geyer (Penrith Panthers), halfback Jock Madden (Brisbane Broncos), second-row Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights)

Losses: Wing/centre Sol Faataape (Catalans), wing/fullback Josh Staines (Catalans)

Injuries: Lock Kit Laulilii (concussion, Round 2), second-row Kai Pearce-Paul (calf, Round 2). Five-eighth Latu Fainu (shoulder, tbc)

Key Kiwi: Coach Benji Marshall has been under pressure ever since he took over the reins of the Tigers from Tim Sheens, who was also under pressure.

The joint-venture club doesn’t seem like a very supportive environment, but somehow Marshall has survived and slowly turned the ship around. Wests should be every Kiwi’s second-favourite club (after the Warriors).

Key player: Half Jarome Luai was named co-captain (alongside Apisai Koroisau) for his Tigers debut and relished the opportunity to break out of the shadow of Nathan Cleary at Penrith.

Unfortunately, his arrival heralded the departure of teen prospect Lachlan Galvin, so this season will show whether the swap was worthwhile.

Opening game: North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney’s Leichhart Oval, 14 March (Round 2)

Outlook: Pre-season means little in the grander scheme of things, but wins over Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers suggest Wests may have turned a corner.

They have a gentle introduction to the new season with a bye, then non-playoff teams North Queensland Cowboys and South Sydney Rabbitohs, before visiting the Warriors, then two more non-playoff teams, Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights.

Prediction: Well clear of the wooden spoon, but not quite playoffs yet.

TAB: $41

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Moana Pasifika will play their first home game of the Super Rugby Pacific season as they host the Western Force at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Friday.

After being on the wrong end of a thumping by the Hurricanes in the capital last week, Moana are looking to get their campaign back on track against the winless Force.

Kickoff is at 7.05pm.

Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu. 2. Millennium Sanerivi. 3. Chris Apoua. 4. Tom Savage. 5. Allan Craig. 6. Miracle Faiilagi captain. 7. Semisi Paea. 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa. 9. Jonathan Taumateine. 10. Patrick Pellegrini. 11. Solomon Alaimalo. 12. Ngani Laumape. 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo. 14. Tevita Ofa. 15. Glen Vaihu.

Impact: 16. Samiuela Moli. 17. Abraham Pole 50th Super Rugby cap. 18. Lolani Faleiva. 19. Ola Tauelangi. 20. Tupou Afungia (debut.) 21. Melani Matavao. 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop. 23. Tevita Latu (debut).

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the women’s T20 International cricket action as the White Ferns take on Zimbabwe at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

First ball is at 7.15pm.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A first half hat-trick for Kelli Brown set the Football Ferns on the way to a 8-0 victory in their opening World Cup qualifier against Samoa.

Brown scored 30 seconds into the game in Honiara, she doubled her tally 13 minutes later and added her third in the 37th minute.

The Newcastle Jets player had not scored for New Zealand prior to the game on Friday afternoon.

After taking 12 attempts on goal in the first half the Football Ferns continued the dominance in the second half despite Samoa making several defensive substitutions early in the half.

New Zealand found the back of the net via captain Katie Kitching for a fourth goal in the 65th minute after several other New Zealand attempts were shutdown by the Samoa goalkeeper and some did not have the right finishing touch.

Just after scoring the goal Kitching was substituted for teenager Pia Vlok to make her Football Ferns debut.

Brown was also replaced with just under 20 minutes to play as coach Michael Mayne opted to make mass changes to bring in fresh legs in the Honiara heat.

The game was played in the early afternoon local time and was stopped for regular drinks and cooling breaks as temperatures in the high 30 degrees on the pitch.

Charlotte Lancaster put a good ball across the front of goal before it came off a Samoa player for an own goal and New Zealand’s fifth.

Manaia Elliott scored New Zealand’s sixth, and her first for the national team, a minute later.

She doubled her personal tally with New Zealand’s seventh goal just before the 90 minute mark with a long range strike that the Samoan defence failed to deal with.

Deven Jackson was eventually rewarded with her own goal after setting up her teammates when she scored the final goal of the game in added time.

New Zealand’s other Group A opponents in the Oceania Qualifiers for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil are the Solomon Islands and America Samoa, with the top two teams from the pool advancing to the semi-finals and final, hosted by New Zealand in April.

The Football Ferns play the Solomon Islands on Monday night.

Ahead of the tournament Mayne said the standard is improving within Oceania.

“We know what’s at the end of this series. I think it’s good that we still feel pressure coming into these games. That’s the way it should be,” Mayne said.

“I know these other three teams are going to be all chasing the same dream. I think in terms of the women’s game in the Pacific… I’ve been around the age group. I’ve been to a number of these tournaments. I can see the gap closing.

“I know every single one of these teams that we play over the next 10 days will be well set up, well organised. That’s exciting for us, and we’re used to tough challenges.

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