Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

NRL: NZ Warriors v Wests Tigers

Kickoff 8pm, Friday, 27 March

Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ website

Analysis: For just the fourth time in their history, NZ Warriors sit atop the NRL table, with three big wins from their first three outings of the 2026 season.

They still have a long way to go before they match the 2002 side that won the regular-season minor premiership and reached their first grand final.

Significantly, they failed to reach the playoffs in 2009 and 2019, after leading the field early in their campaigns.

They are also still short of the club’s longest unbeaten start to a season – a five-game run that helped the 2018 team to the post-season.

A win this week against perennial cellardwellers Wests Tigers would put them within a victory of matching that feat.

Here’s what you need to know about that encounter:

History

The Warriors boast a 58.9 percent winning record against the Tigers, prevailing in 23 of their 29 previous meetings. They also have a combined 7-4 record against the two separate clubs that make up the joint venture – Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies.

The advantage is even more pronounced in recent times, when the Warriors have won the last nine fixtures, including home (34-14) and away (26-24) in 2025.

Last time they met, five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita scored a try double and Tanah Boyd kicked 5/6 off the tee in his club debut at Mt Smart.

Last March, the Warriors trailled late, but drew level with a try from Leka Halasima, converted by Luke Metcalf. Immediately from the kickoff, Tigers forward Alex Seyfarth was penalised for a dangerous tackle and Metcalf slotted a 40-metre penalty into the wind that proved the gamewinner.

The Tigers’ last success against the Warriors came in 2019, when they prevailed 34-6 at Campbelltown, with wing Corey Thompson grabbing a try double.

Wests have the five biggest wins of the rivalry, reaching 50 points three times over the years.

In 2004, they won 50-4, with second-rower Chris Heighington scoring a try double and fullback Brett Hodgson kicking seven goals. Prop Mark Tookey scored the Warriors only points with a try.

The Warriors’ biggest win was 42-18 in 2014, when wing Glen Fisiiahi scored four tries.

Form

After three rounds, the Warriors sit atop the NRL table with three wins, and a superior points differential to Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs.

Their 120 points leads the competition and is the most they’ve ever scored after three rounds. Their +84 points differential is more than they managed all of last season.

The home side also lead the competition in tries (20), goals (20), possession (56 percent), try assists (17) and total kicks (69).

The Tigers also have 56 percent possession.

They benefitted from a first-round bye, before hammering North Queensland 44-16 at Leichhardt Oval and then losing to South Sydney 20-16 in Gosford.

They finished bottom of the table three consecutive seasons (2022-24), but coach Benji Marshall has tried hard to rebuild the culture at the club and guided them to 13th last season, six points clear of the wooden spoon.

Teams

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

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Mitch Barnett, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Marata Niukore, 20. Chanel Harris-Tavita

Reserves: 21. Taine Tuaupiki, 22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Coach Andrew Webster has brought back star half Luke Metcalf from his long knee rehab, naming him at five-eighth outside in-form Tanah Boyd.

Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Chanel Harris-Tavita return from concussion protocols, with the latter relegated to the bench by Metcalf’s addition. Centre Adam Pompey is also back, after missing last week’s win against the Knights on daddy duty.

Co-captain Mitch Barnett, who also returned from a knee injury last week, stays on the interchange, with Dally M Medal leader Jackson Ford retaining his starting spot in the front row.

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula, 2. Jeral Skelton, 3. Sunia Turuva, 4. Heamasi Makasini, 5. Luke Lalilii, 6. Jock Madden, 7. Adam Doueihi, 8. Terrell May, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. Fonua Pole, 11. Samuela Fainu, 12. Kai Pearce-Paul, 13. Alex Twal

Interchange: 14. Tristan Hope, 15. Sione Fainu, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Alex Seyfarth, 18. Bunty Afoa, 19. Faaletino Tavana

Reserves: 20. Tony Sukkar, 21. Lau Fainu, 22. Patrick Herbert

Marshall loses the services of Origin and Samoan international half Jarome Luai to a knee injury, while Adam Doueihi has been named, despite tweaking a hamstring and leaving the field late last week against Souths.

Jock Madden replaces Luai, while Warriors centurion Bunty Afoa will return to his old stomping ground on the Tigers bench.

Player to watch

Teenager Heamasi Makasini arrives at Mt Smart with big wraps, after scoring a try on debut in the final round last season and adding to that reputation through the 2026 pre-season.

He has played centre in both games his season and scored a try against the Rabbitohs, so the Warriors will surely have to contain him.

Kiwi player to watch

Not so much a player, as coach Benji Marshall, who is simply a legend of NZ rugby league, delivering his club a championship as a player, and is now adding to that CV from the sidelines.

He’s copped more than a fair share of grief from within his own club and the Sydney media, but hasn’t wasted any time laying down the law to his players this season, showing them the door, if they weren’t on board.

What they said

“Always good to see Bunts, stoked for that. He’s a Warrior for life, even though he’s playing for another club and he’ll be a doing a job for them. He’s always welcome at our place.”

Warriors coach Andrew Webster rolls out the welcome mat for Warriors centurion Bunty Afoa

“I would have preferred to win, but at the same time, we’re setting foundations for the way we want to play our foot and tonight, we played the way we want to play.”

Tigers coach Benji Marshall was happy with his team after their loss to Souths, just not the result

What will happen

Losing a world-class organiser like Luai will prove too much for the Tigers, but the Warriors can’t take them lightly, as they start to discover their mojo after years as competition easybeats.

Warriors by 20.

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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 All Whites want to leave a lasting impression in their final two games on home soil before the Football World Cup.

Fifa Series games against Finland on Friday and Chile on Monday at Eden Park will be the last chance for many New Zealand football fans to see the team live before the global tournament in June and the opportunity to showcase what the All Whites can do is not lost on the playing group.

“For a long time we didn’t think we were going to have another game before the World Cup,” midfielder turned left back Ben Old said.

“So it was a great surprise for me and a lot of these boys to be able to come back to New Zealand.

“Being the last tour before the World Cup, I think it’s a cool send-off to show our quality and where we are as a team and hopefully build a bit of excitement for the World Cup.”

Old and many of his teammates shared the view that the upcoming two games are about performance as well as results.

“At the World Cup it’s ultimately about winning games. You can perform as well as you want, but to push on and create history we’re going to have to win games.

“So I think these are some great opponents, but also a great opportunity for us to be able to perform and show that we can win games as well.

“On previous tours we often seem to have one quite good game and then we maybe drop in another.

“So we’ve been working on that a lot and I think for us to be able to show some consistency in two games is going to build us a lot of confidence for the World Cup.”

The All Whites have played eight games in the year since qualifying for the World Cup for one win, one draw and six losses.

All games have been against high-ranked opponents and world number 75 Finland and world number 55 Chile will provide two different playing styles for the world number 85 All Whites to test themselves against.

Several players in the Finland squad have never played so far from home.

“We have players that have been in the national team for many, many years and they have never played against opponents outside Europe, so of course it is a big experience for everybody, it seems that the players is coping really well with that part of travelling so far,” coach Jacob Friis said.

Nothing can replicate the pressure the All Whites will be under at the World Cup but experienced midfielder Joe Bell said the Fifa Series, against opposition who missed out on qualifying for the World Cup, was a good warm up.

“There’s not so much we can do as players in terms of deciding who we want to play against but we’ve always demanded to try play against the best opposition we can and I think we get that with Finland and Chile, I think that’s a huge huge benefit for us because I think it replicates the games we’re most likely going to experience at the World Cup.

“We need more than just one draw or one win at the World Cup we need to get back-to-back results and that’s something we’re working on [but for this series] obviously there’s the physical component to it as well, we play Friday, Monday so it’s going to be difficult to put out two teams that are the same.”

Midfielder Eli Just recognised winning in Auckland would be a boost for the team but the bigger picture was more important.

“If you win all your games leading up to the World Cup and lose at the World Cup it means nothing

“We’ve definitely been focusing as a group each game just learning, trying to work out where we can get better and how best to prepare for the World Cup.

“You can’t guarantee anything but I think the squad we’ve got is definitely in a really healthy position and we have expectations on ourselves that we want to go and achieve something at the World Cup.”

The All Whites are without six players due to injury for the Fifa Series but defender Finn Surman said there was still a level of familiarity amongst the players who were involved in this international window.

“We are all essentially on the same page about how we want to play as a team. We’ve been doing a lot of work over the last two, three years on that.

“So we all know what is expected of us when we come into camp.

“It’s just about fine-tuning those little details and things when it comes to different players playing together and all that sort of stuff.”

Coach Darren Bazeley has welcomed being at home for this international window.

“Any game in football, across club football or international football the home team has an advantage, the conditions, the crowd, and it’s been tough for us we travel a lot and play away games a lot and deal with crowds in opposition environments so we’ve got used to doing that but this is the first time really that we’ve been able to play competitive ranked teams here in New Zealand and I think the rankings of Finland and Chile they’re good competitive games that are going to be a challenge for us.”

All Whites squad for FIFA Series

Kosta Barbarouses (70 caps, 9 goals) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia

Lachlan Bayliss (debut) Newcastle Jets, Australia

Joe Bell (28/1) Viking FK, Norway

Tyler Bindon (20/3) Sheffield United, England (on loan from Nottingham Forest)

Max Crocombe (19/0) Millwall, England

Andre De Jong (11/2) Orlando Pirates, South Africa

Francis De Vries (15/1) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Callan Elliot (7/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Eli Just (38/8) Motherwell, Scotland

Callum McCowatt (28/4) Silkeborg IF, Denmark

James McGarry (3/0) Brisbane Roar, Australia

Ben Old (18/1) AS Saint-Étienne, France

Alex Paulsen (5/0) Lechia Gdańsk, Poland (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)

Tim Payne (48/3) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Jesse Randall (5/1) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Logan Rogerson (16/2) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Alex Rufer (22/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Marko Stamenic (33/3) Swansea City, Wales

Finn Surman (13/2) Portland Timbers, USA

Ryan Thomas (23/3) PEC Zwolle, Netherlands

Bill Tuiloma (45/4) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Ben Waine (26/8) Port Vale, England

Michael Woud (6/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Fixtures

• Friday, March 27, 7.15pm: v Finland; Eden Park, Auckland
• Monday, March 30, 7.15pm: v Chile; Eden Park

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kiwi light-heavyweight Navajo Stirling understands that in the fight game, knockouts create superstars.

Nothing quite hypes the fan base more than seeing a fighter get sparked in the octagon, and Stirling is coming to Seattle on Sunday to put his opponent to sleep.

“I’m the best prospect in the division,” the City Kick Boxing fighter declared.

“I don’t even look at what that guy’s got on. I’m going to to run through this guy.”

That guy is Bruno ‘The Brazillian Cowboy’ Lopes, a 14-2 light-heavyweight whom Stirling crossed paths with on Dana White’s Contender Series, though Stirling was not impressed with what he saw.

“He came in undefeated and he lost by a big knockout. He’s had a pretty slow start to the UFC as well. I just don’t think he’s as good as me, especially in the grappling area, which is where he sort of dominates. It showed me that I’m better than this guy. I’m looking to dominate and really cook him in every part of the fight.”

The pair will square off on the prelims of UFC Fight Night Adesanya vs Pyfer on Sunday morning (NZT).

Brimming with his usual confidence, Stirling said it will be an easy night at the office.

“Knockout, submission, wherever it goes. I feel strong and ready to go.”

Unbeaten in eight pro bouts, Stirling is riding a three fight winning streak in the UFC, all by unanimous decision.

However, the City Kick Boxing product does not want to leave this one to the judges.

“I’m looking to really show everyone the new and improved Navajo.”

Stirling admits he is already looking past Lopes, and eying up plenty of activity 2026.

“I’ll look to either be in the top 15 or fighting to be in it by the end of this year.”

As for who he wants to fight?

“Honestly, I just want to fight. I don’t give a s*** who it is. I’ll fight anyone. I don’t care. I’ll probably just call out someone. I’m looking to get back in there straight away. There’s quite a few guys in the top 15 that are interesting fights. I’m just looking to take the spotlight and show everyone why I’m the best prospect of the division.”

Primarily a striker, Stirling said he has put more emphasis on his ground game after earning his UFC contract in 2024.

As well as improving his grappling, Stirling said he has been sure to expel less energy in camp.

“I’ve always been a complete fighter. It’s more management around the way I’m feeling. I’ve come into some fights burnt out because I always give it my all, man. I was just being pushed out a little too much in some of my previous bouts. Coming into this fight week, I feel really refreshed and ready to go.”

Somewhat of an elephant in the CKB Gym, Stirling’s teammate Carlos Ulberg is set to fight for a world title next month in the same weight division.

Ulberg will meet Jiri Procházka at UFC 327 for the Light Heavyweight strap, begging the question, would Stirling ever fight Ulberg?

“We have a great relationship. I’m actually going to support him in his build-up for the fight. I’ve looked up to Carlos my whole life. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to fight him because I know how dangerous he is. In sparring he always gets the better of me.

“But if he’s still around when I get there, I can put feelings aside. It’s no biggie. The boys at CKB have come across each other in King of the Ring tournaments plenty of times. So it’s not like our boys have never fought each other. It’s all love at the end of the day. I’ve still got plenty of contenders to get through, but all I know is I’m going to be in this game for a long time.”

Another teammate with not so many years left in the cage is middleweight Israel Adesanya, who headlines the Seattle card against American Joe Pyfer.

Stirling said it’s a special moment to share the card with the UFC legend.

“I’ve looked up to him my whole career, it’s just a full circle moment. I’ve known him through the lens longer than he knew who I was. I’m just happy that he hasn’t retired yet and that he’s still around for me to tick that bucket list moment off.”

It’s been a tough time for ‘the Last Stylebender’ since losing his middleweight crown to Sean Strickland in Sydney in 2023.

Beaten in his last three walks to the octagon, Stirling is predicting an emphatic bounce back for the former champion.

“He’s [Pyfer] a good fighter, but he’s pretty stock standard. I’ve seen Israel break down that really orthodox style of striking many times. I have utmost confidence in him. Not only because of that, but because I really pushed him this camp. We were training right by each other the whole way through and I was up his arse. So I’m excited to see him put that on display.”

As for Stirling, he’s ready to make a statement of his own on Sunday.

“That’s going to show this fight. I’ve got great skills. The potential for me is through the roof. I almost feel like I have the responsibility to my nation to reach my fullest potential because everyone’s been behind me for such a long time. The real fans know where I’m going. I’m not going to shy away from big moments. I want to capture these moments and become a champion.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Experienced loose forward Brad Shields has extended his stay with the Hurricanes for another year.

The one-year contract extension means Shields will return to the Hurricanes for an 11th season in his second stint with the club, a decade-and-a-half after his debut in 2012.

The 34-year-old is the fourth-most capped Hurricanes player with 133 appearances.

“I love where the club is at, both on and off the field, with the players and management – we are building something very special,” Shields said in a statement.

“I’m also excited about what’s happening off the field and the alignment across the entire club, as well as the positive direction we’re heading in to grow our game within the community and be frontrunners in innovation within Super Rugby.”

A Super Rugby champion with the Hurricanes in 2016, Shields also featured in the club’s 2017 draw against the British & Irish Lions and became a Hurricanes centurion in 2018.

Shields headed to Europe in 2018 to play his club rugby and also represented England eight times.

He returned to New Zealand in 2023, rejoining Wellington in the NPC before beginning his second spell with the Hurricanes the following year.

“He’s club first, team second, individual third, and that really rubs off on everybody,” said coach Clark Laidlaw. “He helps the players and coaches have high standards, and he gives us great feedback through the weeks around how we’re going.”

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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 front man for a proposed new Twenty20 league has stepped down as chairperson of the Sport Integrity Commission, as questions emerge over his dual roles in New Zealand sport during a pivotal moment for cricket’s future.

Don Mackinnon, who is the chairperson of the steering committee for the NZ20 league, resigned from the commission on Monday – the same day NZ Cricket confirmed its board had voted in favour of pursuing a new private franchise competition.

His departure comes after concerns were raised by members of the cricket community about a potential conflict of interest.

Earlier this month, a letter was sent to several sports officials including Sport NZ chief executive Raelene Castle and the Minister for Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell, raising concerns about the chairperson of the commission.

The complaint, seen by RNZ, questioned whether the head of the commission should be “playing a role in influencing a national sport at a strategic level”. The complainant, a senior member of the cricket fraternity, asked not to be identified.

It comes against the backdrop of a divisive debate over the future of T20 cricket in New Zealand, with sources describing a campaign by some within the game to “demonise” the proposed NZ20 competition and its backers.

Mackinnon’s role as head of the NZ20 steering committee has placed him in the crosshairs of that dispute.

In a statement, Mackinnon said he was not aware of any complaints “during my tenure as chair of the Sport Integrity Commission, or since my resignation on Monday”.

The move to step down from the sports watchdog agency had long been signalled, he said.

The prominent sports lawyer said when he was first approached to lead the steering committee of NZ20, he declared that role to the commission board “so that any potential conflict of interest could be assessed openly and transparently”.

“It was the board’s view that while NZ20 remained a concept, there was no conflict,” Mackinnon said.

“At the same time, I signalled to the board that if NZ20 evolved from a concept to the preferred option for New Zealand Cricket, I wouldn’t continue to hold both roles.

“In line with this, I resigned as chair of the Sport Integrity Commission following NZC’s decision announced on Monday.”

Minister Mitchell said he had been assured appropriate steps were taken to manage any perceived conflict of interest that might have arisen while Mackinnon was chair of the commission.

“I had a discussion with Mr Mackinnon on the day that New Zealand Cricket announced its decision to pursue NZ20, and during that conversation we both agreed it was appropriate that he step down from the commission,” Mitchell said.

Guidance from the Office of the Auditor-General states that a conflict of interest is not inherently a problem, as it can arise naturally in professional life.

“It only becomes a significant problem when it is ignored, concealed, or mismanaged,” the organisation says.

Mackinnon, an experienced governance figure, is also chairperson of the Auckland Blues and has led a number of independent reviews into sporting environments and organisational culture.

He played a critical role in the establishment of the Sport Integrity Commission, chairing the Integrity Working Group that laid the groundwork for the agency.

“I’m incredibly proud to have helped establish the Sport Integrity Commission and believe it’s set up to truly make a difference in New Zealand sport,” he said.

Traci Houpapa MNZM, who has served on the commission’s board since its establishment, has been appointed interim chair while the process of appointing a permanent replacement takes place.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The front man for a proposed new Twenty20 league has stepped down as chairperson of the Sport Integrity Commission, as questions emerge over his dual roles in New Zealand sport during a pivotal moment for cricket’s future.

Don Mackinnon, who is the chairperson of the steering committee for the NZ20 league, resigned from the commission on Monday – the same day NZ Cricket confirmed its board had voted in favour of pursuing a new private franchise competition.

His departure comes after concerns were raised by members of the cricket community about a potential conflict of interest.

Earlier this month, a letter was sent to several sports officials including Sport NZ chief executive Raelene Castle and the Minister for Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell, raising concerns about the chairperson of the commission.

The complaint, seen by RNZ, questioned whether the head of the commission should be “playing a role in influencing a national sport at a strategic level”. The complainant, a senior member of the cricket fraternity, asked not to be identified.

It comes against the backdrop of a divisive debate over the future of T20 cricket in New Zealand, with sources describing a campaign by some within the game to “demonise” the proposed NZ20 competition and its backers.

Mackinnon’s role as head of the NZ20 steering committee has placed him in the crosshairs of that dispute.

In a statement, Mackinnon said he was not aware of any complaints “during my tenure as chair of the Sport Integrity Commission, or since my resignation on Monday”.

The move to step down from the sports watchdog agency had long been signalled, he said.

The prominent sports lawyer said when he was first approached to lead the steering committee of NZ20, he declared that role to the commission board “so that any potential conflict of interest could be assessed openly and transparently”.

“It was the board’s view that while NZ20 remained a concept, there was no conflict,” Mackinnon said.

“At the same time, I signalled to the board that if NZ20 evolved from a concept to the preferred option for New Zealand Cricket, I wouldn’t continue to hold both roles.

“In line with this, I resigned as chair of the Sport Integrity Commission following NZC’s decision announced on Monday.”

Minister Mitchell said he had been assured appropriate steps were taken to manage any perceived conflict of interest that might have arisen while Mackinnon was chair of the commission.

“I had a discussion with Mr Mackinnon on the day that New Zealand Cricket announced its decision to pursue NZ20, and during that conversation we both agreed it was appropriate that he step down from the commission,” Mitchell said.

Guidance from the Office of the Auditor-General states that a conflict of interest is not inherently a problem, as it can arise naturally in professional life.

“It only becomes a significant problem when it is ignored, concealed, or mismanaged,” the organisation says.

Mackinnon, an experienced governance figure, is also chairperson of the Auckland Blues and has led a number of independent reviews into sporting environments and organisational culture.

He played a critical role in the establishment of the Sport Integrity Commission, chairing the Integrity Working Group that laid the groundwork for the agency.

“I’m incredibly proud to have helped establish the Sport Integrity Commission and believe it’s set up to truly make a difference in New Zealand sport,” he said.

Traci Houpapa MNZM, who has served on the commission’s board since its establishment, has been appointed interim chair while the process of appointing a permanent replacement takes place.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Wellington Phoenix women have suffered a blow in their A-League Premiership hopes.

The Phoenix have been beaten 2-1 by the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.

The reigning champion Mariners scored both of their goals before Phoenix midfielder Macey Fraser scored a spectacular free kick in second-half stoppage time.

The result leaves Wellington six points behind leaders Melbourne City with just two rounds remaining.

Bev Priestman made one change to the XI which started Friday’s 3-1 win over Sydney FC with Mackenzie Anthony replacing fellow American forward Makala Woods, who was named amongst the substitutes alongside a returning Fraser.

Eliza Familton scored after 58 minutes and Izzy Gomez added the second for the home side in the 83rd minute.

It was the Mariners sixth win over the Phoenix from six games.

Phoenix keeper Victoria Esson admits it was a tough night.

“They (Central Coast) moved the ball around tonight they made our lives difficult and they scored two great goals,” Esson said after the game.

Esson admits their main focus is the play-offs.

“We’ve just got to take it week by week, in this league anything can happen our hopes and dreams are still alive to move forward and finish top six.”

The Phoenix play Western Sydney Wanderers at home on Sunday, then Adelaide United away in their last two games.

Melbourne City have 37 points, the Phoenix 31, Canberra and Adelaide 30, Central Coast 26 and Melbourne Victory 25.

The top six clubs qualify for the play-offs.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

A growing divide is emerging in junior sport.

As some clubs experiment with ways to reduce barriers for young players, others say rising costs are forcing difficult decisions about fees just to keep the lights on.

RNZ last week reported a Nelson rugby club has waived junior fees for 2026 in a bid to ease financial pressure on families and revive grassroots participation.

Just a few kilometres away a different code tells the opposite story, reflecting a wider challenge in grassroots sport – balancing affordability for families with the rising cost of running community clubs.

Nelson parent Cherie Liddell was shocked to see a $170 fee for her son to register for junior football.

Liddell did not want to single out the club, as she said the problem was across the board. Local clubs Nelson Suburbs are charging $120 for players aged four to seven, and $195 for players aged 14-16, while FC Nelson will cost $100 for ‘first kicks’ (five to six-year-olds) and $185 for youth grades.

“It annoys me because it is a massive barrier to playing sport for a lot of families. Every child deserve to be able to participate in sport,” said Liddell.

“I simply want sport to be accessible and inclusive for all children including those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those with physical and mental disabilities. We do pretty well I think on the whole in New Zealand but it can always be better.”

After questioning the costs with her club, Liddell said she was told the fees cover levies for NZ Football and Mainland Football, as well as ground fees and equipment, leaving little left over.

Liddell said she hoped the growing popularity of football in New Zealand could help boost revenue and drive costs down at grassroots level.

“With football numbers increasing year on year, the increased awareness and interest in football through Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix for example, perhaps the tide is turning for football and fees could reflect this a little more,” Lidell said.

It’s a similar story in Hawke’s Bay, where mother of two Katrina James has seen fees rise sharply over four years at the Havelock North Wanderers.

James said in 2025 fees rose from $80 to $125. This year, parents have been asked to fork out $200 plus an additional $15 for a team photo. The fees do not include the purchase of a uniform and kit.

“Basically they said the board made the decision, to cover the costs of additional programmes such as holiday programmes and academies. I disagree with the fact that a seven-year-old should be charged $215 to play any junior level sport.”

With fees less than half in neighbouring Hastings, James believes the club is taking advantage of the higher socio-economic position of Havelock North.

“It’s not for the fact that our family can’t afford to pay the fee, but I don’t believe it should be the case for the youth in New Zealand to have to be charged that much to participate at youth level. It’s such a deterrent and it’s such an obstacle for so many families. And their argument was around we’re in a high decile area.”

Due to the increase at the club, James has opted to play elsewhere.

“We’re moving our son, but lots of people don’t want to make the fuss, but when you’ve got families that might have three children, that’s $600 from the get go, not to mention boots, travel away for games, all of those kinds of costs, it’s not appropriate. It shouldn’t be inhibiting to families.”

However, grassroots clubs say it’s not about extorting parents, but simply survival.

Administrator for Mid Canterbury Football junior league Aimee Layton said without charging fees to members, the club could not operate.

“We wouldn’t have uniform available for kids. We wouldn’t have any gear. We wouldn’t be able to replace goals or nets or anything like that.”

The club, which is the only one in the region is home to 550 members, and run by a committee of just five volunteers.

Layton said they are often overlooked when it comes to national funding.

“I apply for every grant available and am lucky to get enough to cover the cost of balls. There’s only a certain pot of money in grants. we apply for the grants that we can. Fingers crossed, you get something, but most of the time you don’t get anything.”

Fees at the club begin at $50 for first kicks, and up to $130 for travelling youth teams.

“We’re trying to keep ours as low as we can, but it’s still a struggle.”

For Layton, it’s hard to hear about sports such as rugby offering fee free seasons.

“We have to charge parents fees in order to provide all the training equipment. If a team wants a set of balls, we get a set of balls. We supply the uniform for free. So, it’s necessary and it is frustrating when you hear other clubs fees free or whatever. We’re just not in that position to do so, especially when a proportion of the fees we charge then goes to your various affiliated bodies above you.”

Layton said differences in funding models between sports play a role, with some codes benefiting from major commercial backing.

Grassroots rugby was fortunate to benefit from the trickle down effects of NZ Rugby’s $262 million deal with private equity group Silver Lake, of which millions was distributed to provincial unions and clubs. Football had no such mega influx to rely on, Layton said.

“We thought after the [2023 Fifa Women’s] World Cup was here, we might have seen some money trickle down to grassroots clubs, but we did not.”

According to NZ Football’s 2024 annual report, the organisation invested $8.4 million in women’s football development through a legacy fund from hosting the World Cup.

It’s not just money the club is struggling to find, but also volunteers.

Layton and the other four members of the committee don’t have any children playing at the club, all having moved on to play in the next tier up.

“But it’s a bit of like if we don’t, who will? I understand everybody’s time poor, but if people don’t step up to help, it’s going to get to the stage where there’s no one to run it on a weekend.”

Supporting the club was not a simple case of fund-raising in the community.

“You don’t want to burden parents into having to fork out all the time. This year I thought I’d try something online where they don’t have to do anything, just have to buy some hot cross buns. Well, we made $180 out of 550 sets of kids.”

In a statement, NZ Football said it has several low-cost initiatives at a grassroots level such as MILO Fantails, Kōtuitui and the Kickin It programme.

It said that membership fees for young people were reduced by 14-38 per cent in 2021 (now $5 for First Kicks, $10 for Mini Football and $15 for youth).

“Football clubs across New Zealand have a wide range of fees depending on their context and face rising costs due to inflation and in some areas Council ground charges. We are always monitoring ways to encourage more Kiwis to play football and low barriers to participation and are in regular discussions on how to do this with our federations and football system,” the statement said.

The national body said that as part of its 10-year strategy, it has set out to double revenue and downstream investment into federations.

“Low-cost initiatives to play will help ensure football continues to grow at the rate it has over the past 10 years, as New Zealand’s largest and fastest growing participation sport.”

Layton does not worry about the popularity of the game in the region, but she does fear for the future of funding it.

“It’s a massive amount of kids that play on a weekend. I worry about having to year after year increase fees and where the parents draw the line and just go, ‘actually, we can’t do that. We’ll go play rugby because the first three years are free.’ It will get to a stage where you’re basically pricing people out.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

NRL: NZ Warriors v Wests Tigers

Kickoff 8pm, Friday, 27 March

Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ website

As his squad returns to full fitness, NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has taken a pragmatic approach to his weekly selections.

Last week, co-captain Mitch Barnett took the field for the first time since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee last June and this week, half Luke Metcalf will make his long-awaited comeback from the same injury.

In both cases, their jerseys have been filled more than adequately by Jackson Ford and Tanah Boyd, so Webster has simply given the incumbents different jerseys – for now.

Ford has made the starting front-row position his own, logging huge minutes, leading the team in both run metres and tackles, leading the competition in post-contact metres and sitting atop the Dally M Medal standings after three rounds.

Boyd is the NRL’s leading scorer, including a try in each of the Warriors’ three wins, and also paces the competition in try assists. He sits fourth in Dally M standings and would be higher, if Ford wasn’t hogging all the points.

If it isn’t broken, why fix it?

Against Wests Tigers on Friday, Webster has named Metcalf at five-eighth outside Boyd, a position he has played extensively before.

When he first arrived at Mt Smart, Metcalf played that spot outside Shaun Johnson, but slid across to replace the club legend after he retired.

“The first time Luke ever played No.7 was last year, when we turned him into a halfback,” Webster confirmed. “Most of his career, he’s played fullback or No.6.

“I wouldn’t say it’s more natural, because he was leading the Dally Ms at No.7 last year, but it’s more the fact that he’s very good at both.”

Metcalf, 27, is back on the field more than a month earlier than originally expected. His round 8-10 timeline was moved up a couple of weeks this month, but Metcalf has been training the house down and Webster was unable to hold him back any longer.

“He’s been training with the team – or against the team – for quite a long time,” Webster said. “It’s certainly helped our defence, because he’s been throwing opposition shapes at us and you get really good practice there.

“We thought we’d play it by ear and thought it would be a couple of weeks later. Two weeks ago, we thought it would be closer, because of the reps and how he was feeling, so it’s come a little bit early.

“I just thought he was ready to go. We had to rip the band-aid off at some point.”

With Boyd stamping his authority, Metcalf supplants Chanel Harris-Tavita, who scored a try double in the season-opener against Sydney Roosters, but missed time through concussion, and Luke Hanson, who scored a popular try on debut against Newcastle Knights last weekend.

“We don’t need a complete disruption of the way we play this week,” Webster said. “We need to drop someone in that knows their role and can have a high impact.

“Luke can do that, with the guidance of Tanah.

“Tanah can keep doing what he’s doing and he can put Luke in great situations, and when the time comes, Luke Metcalf can be a great traditional halfback as well.”

Playing alongside his in-form partner allows Metcalf to ease back into action, without the pressure of calling the shots immediately.

He’s riding shotgun, with Boyd behind the wheel.

“There’s got to come a time when you just say, ‘What’s our best 17 this week?’ and just put the pieces where we need them,” Webster said. “They’re good players, so they need to work it out.”

Meanwhile, Webster has adopted a similar mindset to Barnett’s return, which came off the bench against the Knights and will remain there against Wests.

When he does take the field, he will more likely replace veteran prop James Fisher-Harris or lock Erin Clark, not necessarily Ford.

“Jackson’s strength is playing big minutes and we’d be stupid not to draw on that,” Webster confirmed.

“It’s always a nicer feeling if you can make two [substitutions] at halftime, three you’re on the edge a bit and four you don’t want to.

“On the weekend, Morgan Gannon goes down early, then we need to replace our other two [middles], so that’s three subs before halftime. If you made a fourth and Jackson has to come off, you start to struggle at the back end of the game.

“His strength is endurance, so let’s stay with it.”

Barnett, 31, logged 35 minutes at Newcastle, running 121 metres and making 13 tackles, while assisting on Ford’s first-half try.

“I could have put Mitch back on late in the game, but thought he could stamp that as a good return, move on and ice up, and get ready,” Webster said. “He’s trained well again today.

“Slowly, but surely, he’ll get more minutes under his belt and eventually – it could be next week or the week after – he’ll be ready to start.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

With the opening of One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch just weeks away, the Crusaders are facing a significant shift – leaving behind a proven home fortress and adapting to life under a roof.

While always intended as a temporary base, Apollo Projects Stadium has been a very happy hunting ground for them – they are four from four in finals at the venue, and have an impressive regular season record.

While the move to a new, modern venue marks an exciting step forward for the franchise, the shift indoors also brings uncertainty, with the Crusaders set to lose the cold and unpredictable conditions that have often worked in their favour at home.

Former All Blacks and Highlanders first-five Lima Sopoaga is well placed to assess the impact of a move to a roofed stadium.

Sopoaga played in the Highlanders’ final season at Carisbrook in 2011, and their first at Forsyth Barr in 2012, later helping the side to their 2015 title.

He said the move changed how visiting teams approached games in the south.

“Usually when you come down south, it’s cold and it’s grim and you’re like, ‘oh, rugby’s going to be hard today’, but no matter how cold or grim it is outside, you know you’re going to have near perfect conditions on the inside.”

But Sopoaga said the roof also worked in the Highlanders favour in another way.

“We were able to build a really cool fan base from it.

“I really found it helped us because more people came to the games and then in essence you got more energy out of the games and the crowd was a factor. When you’re playing tight matches they’d really get in behind you. I really enjoyed it.

“We actually got bands and students coming to the game because it wasn’t so cold.”

As a goalkicker, Sopoaga said he loved the conditions at Forsyth Barr, but expectations went up when the team moved.

“It can work against you because then you’re expected to not miss.

“You can’t say, ‘oh, there was a wind or the ball was wet’, so you’ve got to be deadly accurate.”

Sopoaga believed the Crusaders may face a similar shift, with visiting teams likely to embrace the conditions.

“They’ll still get to work and do what the Crusaders do, because they’re such a fantastic franchise.

“But now teams can go down there in the middle of winter and be like, ‘oh, let’s have it, let’s throw the ball around'”.

Sopoaga said this change will suit attacking teams like the Chiefs and the Blues (who only won once at Apollo Projects stadium in 16 matches).

Crusaders embracing new era

Crusaders assistant coach James Marshall said the squad is eager for the move.

“Obviously we’ve got a good record in Apollo Projects, but I think everyone’s pretty happy to get to the new stadium.”

Marshall also suggested the move will benefit the fans, and said there was a feeling of excitement across the city with the new stadium set to open.

“It’s going to be an absolute game changer for not only us, but for Christchurch and the fans not having to sit in the cold, wet nights.”

But Marshall said it’s not just the fans who are happy about the move.

“I’ve spoken to coaches from other teams, players from other teams, they have all mentioned that same thing, glad they’re not having to come down in the winter months and play at Apollo Projects.”

The challenge now is how the Crusaders establish the same home dominance under a roof.

Marshall believes the team needs to find something else for opposition teams to fear, and with dry conditions all season long, Marshall is excited at the prospect of the team’s attacking play reaching a new level.

“We’re coming in with no record at the moment, but I back our team’s skill set under the roof to be as good as anyone.

“We can go in with a lot more of an attacking mindset into those big games and really back the boys’ skill set and hopefully fitness that will make other teams fear that side of us.”

Roofed stadiums in other sports

Overseas, roofed stadiums offer mixed evidence on home advantage.

A study from 2014 found that NFL teams who play in domed stadiums (stadiums with a roof), had a similar home winning record to outdoor teams, but won significantly fewer games away from home.

Of the 52 teams who have made the Super Bowl since 1999, only nine are from domed home venues, and only three have won the Super Bowl (1999 St Louis Rams, 2007 Indianapolis Colts, and the 2010 New Orleans Saints).

Closer to home, a number of teams in the AFL share the retractable roofed Docklands Stadium as their home ground.

While the roof is ‘retractable’, the majority of games at the stadium are now played with the roof shut.

Carlton, Essendon, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne share the stadium, and only Essendon in 2000 and the Western Bulldogs in 2016 have won the Grand Final (which is always played outdoors at the MCG).

The trend suggests that while roofed venues offer certainty, they do not guarantee dominance – leaving the Crusaders to forge their own advantage in Christchurch’s new era.

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