Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

The A-League has been hit by a spot fixing scandal. Three current players from Macarthur FC are involved, including the current All White Clayton Lewis. Elliott Smith caught up with former All White David Chote to discuss the news and what it means for football in Australia and New Zealand. Chote told him that the scandal is really challenging for a football fan to digest. “And particularly if you’re passionate about the game and you’re passionate about New Zealand football, the involvement of Clayton Lewis is sort of a double blow.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the biggest day in Wellington Phoenix history as they prepare for the second leg of their A-League semifinals. The Nix are facing the Melbourne Victory tonight at Wellington’s Cake Tin, the stadium set to be packed. Striker Kosta Barbarouses joined Elliott Smith to discuss how the team has been preparing for the upcoming match, and whether they can take the championship title. He told him that football is a game of fine margins, and they’ve got every chance to win. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Sloane, an All Blacks hooker, says he once bawled out his Hikurangi club flanker for allowing Sid Going, Mid-Northern’s halfback, to bump him off in the tackle in a game at Whangārei. Later in the match Sloane faced Going running round the front of a lineout. “When I was sitting on my butt on the deck,” says Sloane, “I realised why the loosies found it so hard to tackle him.” Sidney Milton Going, Super Sid to headline writers and Milt to his family, who died on Friday aged 80, was an All Blacks great, and one of the most exciting footballers to ever play the game. As Sloane, and international players Going faced in 29 tests from 1967 to 1977 found, Going was startlingly powerful. His strength came naturally to him. He never darkened the doorway of a gym. But I once interviewed him in a changing shed in Whangārei, and got a good idea of why he could shrug off tackles from men who towered over him. He was only wearing a pair of shorts, and his upper body would have been envied by Arnold Schwarznegger. Going was so old-school he wasn’t big on pre-season road running either. Just after he’d retired he said he hated road work so much he sought out every pre-season charity game he could find, and got fit by playing. Sid Going appears for the All Blacks against the Springboks in 1976. Photo / Photosport As a child growing up with four brothers in the Maromaku Valley, north of Whangārei, he learned early how to deal with rugby’s physicality. He’d say, on the family lawn “there were no beg pardons. We’d hit each other really hard”. As well as rugby and family, the other great love of his life was the Mormon church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at the end of Marlow Rd in Maromaku was central to him. He spent two years in Canada in the early 1960s as a Mormon missionary, switching to basketball. But on his return rugby quickly called again. He was soon a fixture in the Northland side, and by 1966 was challenging for an All Black position. But he faced huge competition from Chris Laidlaw, a more traditional halfback with an impeccable pass. When he was finally given the chance, Going could produce extraordinary moments at the highest level. In 1968 he scored two solo tries in the first 30 minutes of a test against France at Eden Park. Many of us lucky enough to see Sid and his brothers, Ken and Brian, play together for Northland and the New Zealand Māori side will always believe a game-changing chance was missed by the All Black selectors of the early 1970s. The Goings’ Northland coach, Ted Griffin, swore that together behind an All Black pack they would have torn the world’s best teams apart. Halfback Sid Going hoofs the ball during the New Zealand vs Southern Universities match during the All Blacks tour of South Africa in 1970. Photo / NZ Herald Archive There’s never been a magic act quite like the one the trio used to put on, with just a footy ball for a prop. “Going, Going, Going, Gone” was the headline after one dazzling triple-scissors try for Northland. They all had speed, skills and strength. But together they had something even more potent, a list of 30 or more carefully planned, well rehearsed moves, with every single one named. The best, they called “The Special”. This is an outline of how it worked. Sid passes wide to Brian. Ken works a scissors pass with Brian. Meanwhile Sid is tracking Ken, who would work another scissors with him. Now Sid has the ball from the final scissors pass, and scores the try. Occasionally one last defender, by luck or good management, was still in the way, so one more pass, or a step, was needed. “The Special” almost made Northland the only provincial team to beat the 1971 Lions. But Sid thought Brian was likely to be caught and didn’t pass, and for once he struck a fullback in JPR Williams who was able to haul him down. The Lions sneaked in 11-5. One of the many likeable aspects of Sid the rugby player was that, with his devout religious beliefs, he never swore, on or off the field. Talk with him when he was passionate and adjectives like “blinking” or “flipping” might appear, but never anything more vulgar. Sid’s startling range of skills was probably best displayed in 1972 at Eden Park for Northland, when a penalty to win the Ranfurly Shield from Auckland was awarded. Earlier in the game Sid had botched a tap kick and Auckland scored a try, so brother Ken, the usual kicker, was still angry. “You take the kick,” he snapped at Sid. “Okay, I blinking well will,” said Sid. From 45 metres out he kicked the winning penalty. Super Sid was a nickname that fairly defined the man. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix fans are coming together to support the team ahead of their anticipated clash against the Victory in Melbourne. One supporter, Christian, joined Piney ahead of the big event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Harlem Globetrotters are expected to tour New Zealand this July, stopping in Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth, Christchurch and Hamilton. Globetrotter Wham Middleton joined Piney to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild recaps the Blues v Hurricanes match, talks the Crusaders v Blues - and discusses the Wellington Phoenix and Richie Mo'unga's possible return to New Zealand shores. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expect the Tactix to talk up a storm on court against the also-unbeaten Central Pulse in the ANZ Premiership this afternoon at Palmerston North. Tactix defender Paris Lokotui joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Round 5 of netball's ANZ Premiership is expected to begin this evening. Accomplished defender Kelly Jackson joined Piney ahead of the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix are gearing up for the first leg of their A-League semi-final against the Melbourne Victory. In their three meetings this season, the Phoenix have drawn with Melbourne twice and beaten them once, 1-nil. Former A-League footballer Daniel McBreen joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are determined to out-muscle a physical Roosters pack through the middle in this afternoon's NRL encounter in Sydney. The Mt Smart club go in off the back of a winless month, while the hosts are riding high after thrashing the Broncos. Australian sports journalist Phil Rothfield joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the 2024 Paris Games, one of New Zealand's most accomplished Olympians is looking back at his athletic career. Ian Ferguson won three gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and another gold in Korea four years later - one of the highest medal counts in the nation's history. He joined Piney to reminisce on his athletic legacy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders are now in 'must win' territory as they head down to Dunedin to face the Highlanders. Piney caught up with Highlander's assistant Dave Dillon to dig into how they’re preparing for a wounded Crusaders outfit. Dillon told him that although they’re coming off the back of two good wins, it’s going up another level tonight. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig Bellamy has extended his contract with Melbourne Storm. Piney was joined by our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock to discuss how important that signing is for the four-time champions. He told him that Bellamy’s got a reputation up there with Wayne Bennett, if not exceeding him, for the consistency of the Melbourne Storm. They don't have bad years, Peacock said. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are angling for the top spot. They’re preparing to face the Hurricanes in tonight’s match, missing their star midfielder Reiko Ioane who's sitting out with concussion protocols. Fellow back Mark Tele’a joined Piney to discuss the clash and dig into what Reiko’s absence means for the team. He told him that they’ll miss him out on the field and will try and cinch the win for him as it’s the best way they can show love in that position. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes are facing the Blues in a top of the table clash. Making their way to Auckland, the match is kicking off this afternoon at Eden Park. Piney caught up with Hurricanes utility back Josh Moorby ahead of kickoff to preview the match. He told Piney that it’s been a long, long few weeks since they last met the Blues, and both teams have grown stronger and stronger, so it’ll be an awesome clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damian McKenzie and Stephen Perofeta would be in their rights to feel aggrieved at New Zealand Rugby’s attempts to bring Richie Mo’unga back from Japan, former Crusaders and Fiji utility Nemani Nadolo believes. Mo’unga, 29, is currently enjoying his first of three years in Japan, after signing a contract to join League One side Toshiba Brave Lupus following the 2023 World Cup in France. But, as Scott Robertson prepares to take the reins of the All Blacks later this year, New Zealand Rugby’s head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum revealed to the Rugby Direct Podcast the attempt to bring Mo’unga back early. Robertson and Mo’unga share a strong working relationship after their time with the Crusaders, notably winning seven Super Rugby titles in as many years together. Under current selection rules, Mo’unga would not be eligible to play for the All Blacks and reunite with Robertson, unless he returns to New Zealand. However, with Mo’unga’s move to Japan known from mid-2023, this season of Super Rugby Pacific has presented a chance for Kiwi-based first-fives to stake their claim. Based on current form, McKenzie of the Chiefs and Perofeta of the Blues stand out as the two front-runners, while Brett Cameron of the Hurricanes could also be considered a contender – if picking solely within Aotearoa. But with the news of the attempts to bring Mo’unga home, Nadolo, who has experienced Super Rugby and Japan’s League One, told Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine that Kiwi-based prospects would be right to be upset by the reports. “Competition is good competition,” he said. “From a player’s point of view, you’re gutted that it happens. “But in saying that, it’s good competition for the All Blacks. It’s just going to give more headaches for Razor to pick his five-eighth. “Perofeta and McKenzie have been playing really well this year. For me, as a player, I’d probably be annoyed, but it is great competition. “New Zealand have always had that problem, over the years. They’ve always had some of the best five-eighths. “It’s good competition, but you’d probably be a bit deflated knowing they’re trying to get Richie back.” However, there are no guarantees Mo’unga will return to New Zealand, despite the national body’s attempts. The Herald understands his Japanese contract is worth around $2.2 million per season. That kind of money would not be available from New Zealand Rugby alone, barring outside investment. Instead, the main proposition would appear to be reuniting with Robertson, in the hope of repeating their Super Rugby success at the highest level. Having shared a changing room with Mo’unga at the Crusaders, news of his return being sought isn’t a surprise for Nadolo. “Richie’s been doing really well over in Japan, playing for Toshiba,” he said. “He’s a world-class five-eighth, you don’t lose that overnight. “With what he’s done in the game, particularly in New Zealand rugby, it’s no surprise to see that New Zealand Rugby want to try to bring him back. “The question is does Richie really want to come? He’s done everything in the game, particularly Super Rugby and the All Blacks. “Maybe another World Cup might entice him to come back. But in saying that, from what I’ve heard and what I’ve seen, he’s really enjoying his time in Japan.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ex-Black Caps batter Colin Munro believes he was “blacklisted” by New Zealand Cricket for opting to ply his trade as a Twenty20 freelancer. Munro, 37, has not played for the Black Caps at any level since 2020, but on Friday officially confirmed his time as an international is done. While he hasn’t appeared for New Zealand in more than four years, Munro has been a fixture in overseas Twenty20 leagues as one of the most prominent faces in the franchise game. But speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine, Munro questioned the approach of New Zealand Cricket, and former chief executive David White, for overlooking players seeking to make the most of professional opportunities. “I’ve always been available,” he said. “Under David White, if you were playing franchise cricket and weren’t playing domestic cricket in New Zealand, you were sort of blacklisted, I think. “It was never told [like] that to me, but I think it was. There were the likes of Anton Devcich, myself, Mitchell McClenaghan, those players who all chose franchise cricket. “As soon as you weren’t playing in New Zealand, there was a black mark next to your name. You weren’t going to play.” Munro isn’t alone in that regard either. As one of New Zealand’s white ball greats, Martin Guptill hasn’t worn the silver fern at any level since he opted out of his central contract in late 2022. However, under new chief executive Scott Weenink, New Zealand Cricket appears to have relaxed its selection criteria. The pair of Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham, both without central contracts to pursue franchise opportunities, were selected for last year’s 50-over World Cup in India, and the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and US. As the Black Caps picked a heavily depleted squad to tour Pakistan earlier this year, Munro turned down an approach to return to the fold to spend time with his family after finishing his commitments with Islamabad United. And having made the initial approach to see him return, Munro also questioned why New Zealand Cricket would sound him out, only to overlook him altogether. Colin Munro (left) and Martin Guptill have both been consistently overlooked by New Zealand Cricket after opting to pursue franchise cricket. Photo / Photosport “It was my dream, I thought it was gone,” he said. “Then you get a phone call out of the blue [to ask] are you available for a World Cup? “You get up and about, start thinking and dreaming like a young kid. You haven’t played for four years, so you think you could probably get up to have one last hurrah in the black jersey, in conditions that I’m really familiar with in Trinidad. “Then the World Cup squad was announced. I’m not going to lie, I was a little bit gutted I wasn’t in there, just because I was in talks and in the frame. “But I can fully understand why. Those boys fully deserve it, I’ll be behind them every step of the way. “I just don’t know why that was put in front of me. It would have been nice to know, did I have to go on the Pakistan tour? They said I didn’t have to, that’s why I ended up choosing not to. “If I had gone over there and done well, I still might not have gone to the World Cup.” If Munro had been selected for the World Cup, the Black Caps would have gained a valuable asset. In the history of T20 cricket, only 11 players have appeared in more matches for the Black Caps. All up, Munro has 428 appearances in the shortest format, with 79 of them coming for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. Trinbago’s home ground of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy is where the Black Caps will play three matches at this year’s World Cup, against hosts West Indies, Uganda and Papua New Guinea. At international level, Munro played 65 T20 Internationals, and was the first man to score three centuries for his country in the shortest format. That number could have been higher, were it not for spending the past four years on the sidelines. In 2020, Munro lost his New Zealand Cricket central contract, and opted to dedicate his career to the shortest format as a T20 gun for hire. Since then, he’s accrued experience playing everywhere from Australia’s Big Bash League to Canada’s Global T20. Alex Powell is an Online Sports Editor for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both Newshub and 1News. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the weekend's Super Rugby results, the NBA playoffs, the Wellington Phoenix, the EPL's two-horse race and Qatar's 'sports-washing'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to coaching, there's debate over whether former elite players make for better coaches. Coaching guru Wayne Goldsmith offers his answer to these questions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sports expert from Amnesty International has expressed surprise over Qatar's interest in hosting a Nations Championship event. Reports have surfaced about the finals of the new competition being hosted in the Arab country, which has been accused of human rights violations and was heavily criticised when hosting the 2022 Football World Cup. Amnesty International Felix Jakens joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are striving for a defensive effort that reaps more control as they look to break out of a slump in league's NRL. This afternoon's game against the Knights in Newcastle comes after a stretch of three winless weekends for the Auckland-based club. Assistant coach Stacey Jones says a common theme of their struggles has been a lack of dominance in the ruck. Kick-off is at 4pm. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NZ Rugby chairman Brent Impey believes a Nations Championship hosted in Qatar is a smart move. Now chair of the Fijian Drua Super Rugby side, Impey says Fiji would seize the chance to participate in a tournament held in the middle-eastern nation. While acknowledging potential moral dilemmas Impey told Jason Pine that the undeniable financial appeal would be difficult to pass up. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kirk Penney is reflecting on his career following the Hall of Fame announcement. The Kiwi basketball legend is being inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. He joined Piney to reflect on his career and what this honour means to him. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Heine won the first ever Rotorua marathon. He was hoping to compete in the 10km run at this year's event, the 60th anniversary, but illness has had him withdraw. Instead, he found time for a chat with Piney, reflecting on his achievement. He told him that he didn’t expect to win the race, as it was just meant to be a training run. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders are looking to get back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they play the Reds. Piney caught up with captain Scott Barrett ahead of the match, and to get some insight on the team's struggles this season. “Hopefully we’ve turned our season around and string some wins together late in this competition.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phillip Wilson has jumped ship from singles to pairs. The rower took the gold in the Men’s 8s at the Tokyo Olympics, but has made the decision to compete in the pairs at Paris this year. He chatted with Piney about his previous success and whether he feels the pressure of Hamish Bond and Eric Murray, who were undefeated in that boat. “You kind of have to not compare yourself to them, but you do have it in the back of your mind.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has named their T20 World Cup squad, and there’s one notable omission. Adam Peacock, our Australian Correspondent, joined Piney to discuss the reaction to Steve Smith’s absence and whether Wayne Bennett would be able to fix the Rabbitohs. He told him that his absence was no big surprise, as there’s far more explosive players available. “That’s probably the end of him T20 wise, but certainly he’s got a bit more to give test wise.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix are finals-bound. They’re awaiting the confirmation of their semifinal opponents, finishing the regular season in second place on the ladder. Captain Alex Rufer joined Piney live in studio to look back on the season, answering the question of whether he thinks they can go all the way. “I don’t see why not,” he told Piney. “We’re a confident team, we’re positive. You know, these are the games you live for.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you beat Dan Carter? The All Blacks legend has teamed up with UNICEF, setting a challenge for rugby enthusiasts with the aim to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for children in the Pacific. In one hour Carter kicked 273 goals using one ball and one tee, and he’s challenging others to beat his score. He joined Piney to discuss the challenge, and give his thoughts on who could be a good option to play #10 for the upcoming All Blacks season. He told him that he’s pretty relaxed about the rules of the competition, instead he’s more focused on making sure people get outside, have some fun, and fundraise for a really good cause. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Piney and Bonnie review the last game of Wellington Phoenix's regular season and look ahead to finals football. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the Warriors' struggles, the Super Rugby ANZAC Round, the Phoenix's chances of winning the A-League, NRL scouts at first XV rugby games, and the NFL draft. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Barmy Army's Chris Millard joined Piney to discuss the recently announced three-test English cricket tour taking place in New Zealand later this year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ZB sports commentator Elliott Smith joined Piney to recap all the Super Rugby highs and lows from this ANZAC Day weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweden made headlines after it refused to use Video Assistant Referees following a fan revolt against its introduction. BBC Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck joined Piney to discuss the future of this technology. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being raised as the World Anti-Doping Agency launches a review into a doping scandal at the Tokyo Olympics. WADA has come under fire for its handling over allowing Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned heart medication to compete. German investigative journalist Hajo Seppelt joined Piney to discuss the case. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps squad for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA this June will be named tomorrow. Cricket commentator and analyst Craig Cumming joined Piney to speculate ahead of the big reveal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One former Phoenix player is cautiously optimistic about the team's odds of winning the Premier's Plate. The Phoenix need the Central Coast Mariners to lose their rescheduled game against Adelaide United on Wednesday. Former goal-keeper Jacob Spoonley joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LIV Golf is back in Adelaide for another year. The Country's Jamie Mackay headed along to see what it's all about, calling in to give Piney the rundown. He told him that yesterday they were based at the ‘party hole’, otherwise known as the watering hole. “It was great seeing those golfers come through there. And once you got sick of that and sick of the booze and the noise, you could go and walk the course.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Germany to NZ, Anton Segner has become one of the best players on these shores. He’s starting on the blind-side for the Blues tonight, as the Reds host them at Suncorp Australia. Piney caught up with him to discuss his journey to New Zealand and how his game has improved since arriving. He told him that it’s been really cool to be around the team and be able to get feedback from them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight will see the Hurricanes clash against a wounded Brumbies side. The team has won their first eight matches, favoured to win in tonight’s game. Piney caught up with first five Brett Cameron to preview the match and dig into the Hurricanes form. He told him that they had a good feeling from the start. “We worked real hard throughout preseason and just sort of, yeah, changed the way we looked at preparing and challenging ourselves a bit more. Problem solving. So it’s really pleasing that yeah, that’s paying off.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a humbling loss at the hands of the Blues, the Brumbies are hosting the Hurricanes in tonight’s Super Rugby match. Our backup Australian Correspondent Brett McKay joined Piney to discuss the importance of this match for the ACT team and dive into the popularity of LIV Golf in Adelaide. He said that while he wouldn’t call tonight’s match a ‘must-win’ since there’s still plenty of time, they will need this win if they want to be deemed a serious contender for the top two slots. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby has a new CEO. Jack Mesley is currently the CCO of A-Leagues will begin his new role when the current A-League season comes to an end. Chair of Super Rugby Pacific Kevin Malloy joined Piney to dive into the changes they hope will come from the appointment. He said that it’s quite a relief to finally get the new CEO in place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Phoenix star Macey Fraser is off to the United States after Utah Royals paid the Phoenix a record transfer fee to secure her services. Piney catches up with her to discuss that news, and her football journey to date. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marathon runner Cameron Avery is gearing up to try and qualify for the Olympic marathon, in just his second ever full marathon when he runs the Vienna Marathon. Piney catches up with him to talk about his journey and if he thinks it's a realistic goal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi Andre Heimgartner became the first person to win a Supercars race at Taupo. Piney caught up with Supercars legend Greg Murphy to get the wash up from day 1 in Taupo. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders slumped to another defeat, this time at the hands of the Western Force in a battle for the Wooden Spoon. Piney discusses this with James McOnie, along with all the other big sport headlines from this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Olympics now less than 100 days away, Piney caught up with the Team NZ's Chef de Mission Nigel Avery to discuss how the preparations are going for the Olympic team, medal targets, and logistics around security. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Warriors are flying high in the NRL – coming within one game of the Grand Final in 2023. They’ve continued their form this season sitting firmly in the top eight – and getting plaudits on both sides of the Tasman. So, what’s behind their recent success? How far can this club go? Will this be the Warriors' golden era? The club’s CEO Cameron George joined Weekend Sport’s Jason Pine in studio on Sunday to answer all these questions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have been one of the biggest stories across the ditch with their coup. Their signing of James Fisher-Harris was a well-kept secret, a thing that’s hard to pull off in Rugby League according to Adam Peacock. The Australian Correspondent joined Piney to dive into how it all went down. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues and Brumbies are standing on equal ground leading into tonight’s clash. Each team has only lost one match, the Blues standing above the Brumbies on the board due to a points differential. They’re clashing at Eden Park, kicking off at 7:05pm. Blues coach Vern Cotter joined Piney to discuss how preparations have gone and what they expect to come from tonight. Cotter told him that the Brumbies will be a challenge, the team well-rounded, well-balanced, strong upfront and hard to break down if there’s no easy access points. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.