On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for 08 July 2026, New Zealand Rugby have continued to bolster their stocks in the High Performance space. Former All Blacks centre Conrad Smith is the latest to sign with NZR as the new Head of Men's High Performance.
Conrad joined D'Arcy to discuss.
D'Arcy shares his thoughts on Novak Djokovic as he chases a 25th Grand Slam title.
And D'Arcy and Newstalk ZB sports journalist Coby Moratti discuss State of Origin game three and the day's action at the Football World Cup.
Get 'Sports Fix' every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcast now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome on to the Sports Fits podcast for today, It's Wednesday.
It's the eighth of July twenty twenty six. My name
is Darcy Water Durbin. Coming up on today's edition, we're
going to chat with one of the great All Black midfielders.
Won the World Cup in twenty eleven and twenty fifteen.
He's no longer playing, but he's back now with the
All Blacks. He is the men's high performance manager for
(00:42):
m z R. Conrad Smith joins us next. I've got
some thoughts on Novak Djokovic. I'm begin to think he's
living rent free. In my head, I couldn't stand the guy.
But as he gets closer and closer to twenty five
and it looks unlikely, you kind of feel his pain.
How long do you hang around for? I'll tell you what.
Last night he an't around for far too long, but
(01:05):
he got the win and now he's up against Yannick
Center in the semi finals and will be joined in
the chamber by the young man Kobe Murti, who's one
of sports news journalists from News Talk ZB that's our
master plans. So like all good master plans, like the
whip and step back, my friend. In other news and
(01:27):
in sport today, New Zealand Cricket quite fancy having some
of their casually contracted black Cat Tea twenty assassins involved
in it next year's One Day's National World Cup select
that Gavin Larsen has been mulling over the possibility and
where they would sit.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
In the order fin the exceptionally challenger. You know, he
is one of the best ball strikers in the world.
One of the questions will be role definition. Is it
at the top of the order? What did he better
suited than a finishing role of the same for we
said for term Cipher exactly the same sort of question.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Novak Djokovic is not done yet. He's been touching greatness
for a couple of years now, looking to become the
only player to secure twenty five Grand Slam crowns. He
got dragged through the ring of today. He did manage
to win in Wimbledon's longest ever quarter final exchange by
(02:20):
beating Felix Oja a Lassine. He cleansed himself a semi
final against Jarnick Sinner. Ah ah dear another great historic
run for me at the Grand Slam, so that this
is what counts the most, honestly.
Speaker 4 (02:33):
I mean hopefully, you know I can do it. A
few more matches here in London.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
And then there were eight. The final games of the
Round of sixteen were completed today in FIFA's World Cup,
with Argentina coming from behind to beat Egypt three two
before the Swiss claimed the last quarter final spot when
they beat Columbia on penalties for three.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Silent o gold to the quarter final World Cup.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
And they've kind of dates with Lil Messu at Archie
Tina and that's sport today.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
It's Sports Fix with Darcy.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
That's a big hello now to Conrad Smith, former All
Black midfielder who is now the high performance manager for
men for in ZENA.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
Gooday, Conrad, goody, Darcy, good to be speaking with you.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
It's great to have you back on here again. It's
been a while, but I think you're going to be
front and center for a bit now. You do know
what you've taken on as the head of high performance
for the men you're going to be right in the
eye of the hurricane.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
Yeah. Look, I I'm pretty excited about it. It's it's
a challenge, no doubt, receive it. The works we've done,
I think in the space, but I'm not going alone.
And a big part of the reason I even applied
was was someone like Don Trucker, who's he's in charge
and he'll be helping me a lot in the team
(04:04):
around us as I think building well. So there's some challenges,
but that's what excites. Yes, I was the same as
a player, and I'm the same now that those things
keep me out of bed and I'm just humped to
be back at the general rugby and trying to make
us the best in the world.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
They didn't shoulder tap you, or did you shoulder tap them?
He did the process the unfold.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
Not. I mean there was a little bit of both.
It was I was made aware of the role, but
then went through a pretty rigorous process, really a couple
of interviews. I applied and then shortlisted for an interview
and then there was another interview. So it was really
a good process. So I really enjoyed it because it
sort of sharpened my thinking around this whole space and
(04:53):
forced me to get a little bit uncomfortable and pitch
my thoughts and views and vision around it. And thankfully
it was pretty aligned with it with Don's and that
they saw something that I could offer. And you know,
here we are and like I say, a massive challenging here.
But what I'm excited about?
Speaker 2 (05:13):
So what do you bring to the role. Then you've
obviously gone through this with the people who appointed you,
but you talk about yourself going hey, well this is
what Snakey's going to do. What do you bring? What's
your effectiveness do you think.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
I'd like to think of. I might be young in
some respects, but a lot of experience around by performance.
Obviously what I played through an experience with something pretty special,
but even since then, I think my own experience taking
me to France and seeing something in the high performance
(05:46):
space quite different, you know, and French rugby. I think
that'd even admit the rich and resources and players, but
probably don't focus as much or as much as New
Zealand does or has to do around the support you
provide to those players and even the coaches, the support staff,
(06:07):
Like in Zealand when we're at is in environs we
create and I feel like I've benefited from this a
world class you know, we are the best in the
world doing that when we get it right, and I've
seen the when it's done well and equally it's some
experiences in France and then even as a member of
the Player Association in national rugby players, I've seen high
(06:30):
perform it to all around the world over the last
few years, ones that work, ones that don't, and I
think that's enrichly with a really good view of how
we can do it and what what the competitive advantage
of the generalby is and what what how we have
to lean into that dispose and keep the most out
of that. So that's as I say, it's not it's
(06:52):
not easier. That's all talk at the moment, and I
just want to make a difference there and work with
a great team at these general ruby to see us
being the best in the world in terms of the
way we were support and help our players and catches.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
How do you know you've been successful? Do you look
at why are those indicators that say you know what,
you're all right at this role? What do you look to?
Speaker 4 (07:14):
Good course, I think, like I said at the start,
I want to see players love in their footy. I
want to see a country that's patched and that loves rugby,
not just the teams in black like that. It's a
big part. We want to see are all blacks and
black firms and John sevens and our under twenties winning
the tournaments that they go and compete in, but also
(07:35):
the kids and on the Saturday mornings, you know, loving
it and being inspired by what they see. So there
is a whole lot in that. Like there's the community side,
but I'm a big believer that that's not mutually exclusive.
We need the community firmly attached and that part of
our hole performance plan so that that's what would be
success for me. You know that we're seeing at the
(07:57):
top end it's it's working and we're winning. But that
and then it flows down and this is a real
good feeling around the rugby we play and the values
and that that it features people because I want to
breathe it for a long time and I still love
the game. So I want to see that, you know,
spread far and wide, and I know good people we
(08:18):
can make that happen.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Ducie Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
I can't quite put my finger on it, but I've
never liked Novak Djokovic, not not that he cares. He
wouldn't care less what some broadcaster down the ars end
of the world thinks about what he does. What he
cares about his titles, and he's won plenty of them.
But as he's aged, as he gets closer and closer
to this holy grail, this twenty fifth Grand Slam crown,
(08:49):
I'm becoming more and more intrigued by himself, the way
he holds himself, his attitude toward the game. He's an
old man, is a lion in winter, but he does
not want to be snowed, and he wants to walk
away as arguably the goat. And you can almost say,
right here, right now, with what he's done so far,
is the greatest of all time. He'll probably never be
(09:12):
as lovely as a Roger Feder or as explosive as
a rap Nadal, But when it comes to titles, he
is one Grand Slam title away from becoming the only
player to ever hit the quarter century of Grand Slam titles.
What I'm fascinated by is when will he realize that
he can't do it. Enough's enough. I'm going to retire
(09:34):
with dignity. I'm a great player. I've done almost everything
there is that can be done. I should be satisfied
with that. But he's got this itch that he just
can't scratch, and watching him desperately trying to get the
fingernails on that itch has been box office quite frank.
I've really enjoyed watching Novak staggering back and forth trying
(09:56):
to get to that mountaintop, trying to get that holy grail.
And even though I never particularly like the guy, I'm
becoming a fan and I'd really like to see him
actually get this twenty fifth title. I think it's unlikely
that he will, but after what he did this morning,
when he finally managed to get through a five hour
(10:17):
quarter final to book a place in the Semis with you,
Nick Center. But you know what, there's a wee bit
of fighting this old dog yet, and I'm pretty keen
to popcorn my way through it. Get on up, Joker,
Get on up.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
The Chamber is now in session on Sports Fix.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
And it's a warm welcome now and to the Chamber
to some of the new generation, the new school. He's
called Kobe. His name is Kobe Moretti and he joins us. Now, Kobe,
I believe you've actually been in the chamber a couple
of times since I was away, So you've cut your
teeth so you're a full more profession.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
I've been grafting while you've been away, mate.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Yep, that's good to hear it. That's good. Great to
have you in here. Always plenty of sport to talk about,
which is why we're in jobs right. Yeah, it's good
work and the big one tonight. Well you're a league fan,
aren't you.
Speaker 5 (11:04):
I've got my Queensland jersey on right now.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
I've been dealing with New South Wales fans all afternoon.
I'm so glad that someone else is coming on the marone.
Here's the color. Looks good as well. Odd old series
so far, isn't it When you look at the way,
it's kind of the swings and roundabouts. Do you have
firm favoritism outside of your desire for what's going to
happen tonight? Does anyone sit in that spite or not?
Speaker 5 (11:29):
I've heard a lot of pundit tree that I agree
with that it's Queensland's to lose, But I think the
game is in the balance of how the benches are used.
I think Laurie Daily hasn't used a bench right in
the first all second game. Although they did win that opener,
it was effectively because they were handed the game when
Queensland were reduced to twelve men. But yeah, I just
(11:52):
think if Lori Daty can sort out how he rotates
his bench who he brings on, they have much more
of a chance. If he doesn't. Maron's by thirty.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Yeah, and the most effective players on that bench for
New South Wales, when there's a couple of lobbies candidates,
aren't they to go out there and you'd look at
that Blake underutilized and he'll be absolutely steaming through a
very poor and his body to get out there actually
do something here.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
He is one guy.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
I'm not sure for me, I think the big three
that they have to utilize probably Mole Oliquatu, the Seagulls
second rower, Cam Murray can play Lock, it plays really well.
At Lock hasn't really gotten the minutes he deserves in
the Blues Jersey. And then Blake Brailey, last year's Delhiam
Hooker of the Year, probably the best hooker in the
(12:38):
comp broke his arm before that first game, I believe,
and then has come back into the side now. But
Reese Robson, who starts for New South Wales and that
nine Jersey, played all eighty minutes in that second game
and they looked bad. He looked tired. He's not really
a ball runner, didn't really create much. I think they
need to get on Blake Brayley off the bench for
Reese Robson at some point. Rob's is not a bad player,
(13:00):
but he's he's a def's a defensive minded hooker and
sometimes when you need to.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
Give one, get out there and take the game too
that guy, especially when you're playing sun Corp, you're playing
up there. Now there's a question around. I know that
the crowd are an extra man and they give I
don't know what actually client's going to get up to
who ed and you knows. I'll give them all sorts
of grief. But conversely, if New South Wales can extinguish
(13:26):
the crowd by scoring early and putting their I suppose
their thumb down on them, that could have worked the
other way because a quiet Queensland crowd, I'm not quite
sure how well the Maroons react to that.
Speaker 5 (13:39):
I think I almost think the crowd doesn't even really
matter for Queensland. I think they know how they play.
Billy Sladder's a fantastic coach. They all trust their roles,
whether they're starting, whether they come off the bench. And
maybe there's a bit of bias coming through my voice
here right now. I genuinely think the game is how
(13:59):
New South Wales show up and how they use their bench.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
It was in New South Wales nad it wouldn't they though, right,
there's not a place they've not one before, and it's
historically it's been re too.
Speaker 5 (14:08):
They have actually, weirdly they've brought into their center's New
South Wales have Stephen Crichton and Bradnan and Bess. That
was the center Peering that won that twenty twenty four
decided at Suncourt. So maybe Laurie Daly's sort of leaning on,
hang on, this is the setup we had before, remember
what we did again?
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Maybe maybe that's his thought. Powerhouse players you have involved
in that, and they spoke man for man. You look
right across both of those teams and the quality NRL.
It's kind of hard to go either way. If you
were a guy who didn't care who won, just based
on the manpower and the coaching staff. Hard to lean
one way or the other.
Speaker 5 (14:51):
I think the half backs is important too. I think
Nathan Cleary probably outplayed Sam Walker in that first match,
only again a lot to do with the losing, with
Queensland losing a man in the second game, Sam Walker
kicked him out of the park. I think that's another
one of those deciding factors. Who plays better out of
(15:11):
Sam Walker for Queensland or Nathan Cleary the Great Nathan
Cleary for New South Wales.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
You can only call them the great once they've retired.
You know that, don't you, Koby? You don't not far off.
It's like nighteen players when they're still playing. Actually hold on, No,
that does happen, doesn't Ittack? And maybe not? Yeah, a
good player. See Reese Walsh off the bench as well.
He could be instrumental if he turns it on, or
he could be chaotic and he doesn't.
Speaker 5 (15:36):
It's just another one of those ones. How do you
utilize them? They brought duringmah Nani back in. He's been
injured for the Cowboys a lot this season, so he's
onto the bench coming back.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Didn't he for the Cowboys.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Yeahes, you're right, but it's just I don't know if
Ries Walsh can take one of those four substitutions you know,
talk about the six man bench. Does he get that
fourth slot there's going to be likely Max Plath and
then two forwards coming on. Does he get that fourth spot?
Speaker 2 (16:03):
And we're going to find out tonight gets underway just
after ten o'clock up till midnight. I'm far too trying
to repair my knee and elderly to get that far.
But I said that last time, and I was awake
right to the final whistle. Can't help myself. I just
quick word on a fee Foot World Cup and then
there were eight. We got the eight best football teams,
I'd say on the planet. But really at the World Cup,
(16:24):
you can say on the planet?
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Is that fair?
Speaker 5 (16:26):
That decides it? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (16:28):
So the Itellians are going if we were there, if
we were there, Well, so you've seen it. Now, what
do you like out of any of these teams? Does
any of them stand up and go, yeah, we're the
man of the hour because I lock what happened this
morning and what Argentina they were down and out, they
were just have the bullet put in the back of
their head and staying to the glue factory, and then
da you like.
Speaker 5 (16:48):
Them as defending champions still, even though you know they
considered too to Egypt, who people might not have thought
could could do it in the knockout stages.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
I will say I'm.
Speaker 5 (16:57):
Not convinced by Switzerland. They've only beaten Bosnia and Hitzegovina,
Canada and Algeria, and in regular time obviously they got
Columbia on penalties today to advance and now facea I'm
not convinced to them. I think they'll get swept in
that quarterfinal Bargentina. But Spain also, I like to.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
Go back to the final last time, does it well?
Speaker 5 (17:17):
Yeah, I think the way that it's going to work
out is that Spain will verse either France or Morocco
who win this next game in the semi finals. I
think that's how it's going to come down to. And
I like Spain over front.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
It could happen, we don't know, but we're now at
the point at edge. And this is when I'm not
a massive football fan, but when it is of this
import and this much stress around it, that's when you
get really good sport. Because I love watching people play,
and juriesis like who can stand up and own this?
And I suppose you look at Messi and go, well,
he's been doing it for generations.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
The old pressure makes diamonds, but missus a diamond and more.
He's multiple diamonds, isn't he.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
He's the bottom of the beers. He really is. Hey,
Kabin Moriti, thanks very much. But did I say that right? Maritti?
Morazity Marati. I mean they just tell me off because
people say my name wrong and I say wolder Grave.
It's like that's a wall, like the thing you bash
your head on when you're listening to me.
Speaker 5 (18:09):
You give them a couple of strikes and then the
thirteen on you.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
Coby, thanks for joining us in the chain. Mate, you
look after yourself. Jeez, leading a X.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix powered by
News Talks.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
IVY and that's zeb for the Sports Fix podcast. Thanks
very much for listening. Thanks for subscribing. If you haven't,
you probably should. That way, this will end up in
your inbox automatic week daily basis. Indeed, encourage your friends
and encourage your family. I'll talk to myself till the
sun goes down, but it's nice to know there are
other people engaged, so spread that word. This has been
(18:40):
a Wednesday, it's been the eighth of July twenty twenty six.
I've loved bringing you this. Also love my day job.
That is on News Talk ZB on Sports Talk between
seven and eight pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Friday. Jason Pine's
got the Monday shift of the same show and then
Piney's got the whole Shaban coming up. Over the weekends
(19:00):
twelve midday through to three o'clock Saturday Sunday, that is
weekend Sport. We'd love for you to join us both
as we can carry on our merry old way talking
sport because well we love it.
Speaker 1 (19:14):
For more from News Talk st B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcast now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome on to the Sports Fits podcast for today, It's Wednesday.
It's the eighth of July twenty twenty six. My name
is Darcy Water Durbin. Coming up on today's edition, we're
going to chat with one of the great All Black midfielders.
Won the World Cup in twenty eleven and twenty fifteen.
He's no longer playing, but he's back now with the
All Blacks. He is the men's high performance manager for
(00:42):
m z R. Conrad Smith joins us next. I've got
some thoughts on Novak Djokovic. I'm begin to think he's
living rent free. In my head, I couldn't stand the guy.
But as he gets closer and closer to twenty five
and it looks unlikely, you kind of feel his pain.
How long do you hang around for? I'll tell you what.
Last night he an't around for far too long, but
(01:05):
he got the win and now he's up against Yannick
Center in the semi finals and will be joined in
the chamber by the young man Kobe Murti, who's one
of sports news journalists from News Talk ZB that's our
master plans. So like all good master plans, like the
whip and step back, my friend. In other news and
(01:27):
in sport today, New Zealand Cricket quite fancy having some
of their casually contracted black Cat Tea twenty assassins involved
in it next year's One Day's National World Cup select
that Gavin Larsen has been mulling over the possibility and
where they would sit.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
In the order fin the exceptionally challenger. You know, he
is one of the best ball strikers in the world.
One of the questions will be role definition. Is it
at the top of the order? What did he better
suited than a finishing role of the same for we
said for term Cipher exactly the same sort of question.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Novak Djokovic is not done yet. He's been touching greatness
for a couple of years now, looking to become the
only player to secure twenty five Grand Slam crowns. He
got dragged through the ring of today. He did manage
to win in Wimbledon's longest ever quarter final exchange by
(02:20):
beating Felix Oja a Lassine. He cleansed himself a semi
final against Jarnick Sinner. Ah ah dear another great historic
run for me at the Grand Slam, so that this
is what counts the most, honestly.
Speaker 4 (02:33):
I mean hopefully, you know I can do it. A
few more matches here in London.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
And then there were eight. The final games of the
Round of sixteen were completed today in FIFA's World Cup,
with Argentina coming from behind to beat Egypt three two
before the Swiss claimed the last quarter final spot when
they beat Columbia on penalties for three.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Silent o gold to the quarter final World Cup.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
And they've kind of dates with Lil Messu at Archie
Tina and that's sport today.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
It's Sports Fix with Darcy.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
That's a big hello now to Conrad Smith, former All
Black midfielder who is now the high performance manager for
men for in ZENA.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
Gooday, Conrad, goody, Darcy, good to be speaking with you.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
It's great to have you back on here again. It's
been a while, but I think you're going to be
front and center for a bit now. You do know
what you've taken on as the head of high performance
for the men you're going to be right in the
eye of the hurricane.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
Yeah. Look, I I'm pretty excited about it. It's it's
a challenge, no doubt, receive it. The works we've done,
I think in the space, but I'm not going alone.
And a big part of the reason I even applied
was was someone like Don Trucker, who's he's in charge
and he'll be helping me a lot in the team
(04:04):
around us as I think building well. So there's some challenges,
but that's what excites. Yes, I was the same as
a player, and I'm the same now that those things
keep me out of bed and I'm just humped to
be back at the general rugby and trying to make
us the best in the world.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
They didn't shoulder tap you, or did you shoulder tap them?
He did the process the unfold.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
Not. I mean there was a little bit of both.
It was I was made aware of the role, but
then went through a pretty rigorous process, really a couple
of interviews. I applied and then shortlisted for an interview
and then there was another interview. So it was really
a good process. So I really enjoyed it because it
sort of sharpened my thinking around this whole space and
(04:53):
forced me to get a little bit uncomfortable and pitch
my thoughts and views and vision around it. And thankfully
it was pretty aligned with it with Don's and that
they saw something that I could offer. And you know,
here we are and like I say, a massive challenging here.
But what I'm excited about?
Speaker 2 (05:13):
So what do you bring to the role. Then you've
obviously gone through this with the people who appointed you,
but you talk about yourself going hey, well this is
what Snakey's going to do. What do you bring? What's
your effectiveness do you think.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
I'd like to think of. I might be young in
some respects, but a lot of experience around by performance.
Obviously what I played through an experience with something pretty special,
but even since then, I think my own experience taking
me to France and seeing something in the high performance
(05:46):
space quite different, you know, and French rugby. I think
that'd even admit the rich and resources and players, but
probably don't focus as much or as much as New
Zealand does or has to do around the support you
provide to those players and even the coaches, the support staff,
(06:07):
Like in Zealand when we're at is in environs we
create and I feel like I've benefited from this a
world class you know, we are the best in the
world doing that when we get it right, and I've
seen the when it's done well and equally it's some
experiences in France and then even as a member of
the Player Association in national rugby players, I've seen high
(06:30):
perform it to all around the world over the last
few years, ones that work, ones that don't, and I
think that's enrichly with a really good view of how
we can do it and what what the competitive advantage
of the generalby is and what what how we have
to lean into that dispose and keep the most out
of that. So that's as I say, it's not it's
(06:52):
not easier. That's all talk at the moment, and I
just want to make a difference there and work with
a great team at these general ruby to see us
being the best in the world in terms of the
way we were support and help our players and catches.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
How do you know you've been successful? Do you look
at why are those indicators that say you know what,
you're all right at this role? What do you look to?
Speaker 4 (07:14):
Good course, I think, like I said at the start,
I want to see players love in their footy. I
want to see a country that's patched and that loves rugby,
not just the teams in black like that. It's a
big part. We want to see are all blacks and
black firms and John sevens and our under twenties winning
the tournaments that they go and compete in, but also
(07:35):
the kids and on the Saturday mornings, you know, loving
it and being inspired by what they see. So there
is a whole lot in that. Like there's the community side,
but I'm a big believer that that's not mutually exclusive.
We need the community firmly attached and that part of
our hole performance plan so that that's what would be
success for me. You know that we're seeing at the
(07:57):
top end it's it's working and we're winning. But that
and then it flows down and this is a real
good feeling around the rugby we play and the values
and that that it features people because I want to
breathe it for a long time and I still love
the game. So I want to see that, you know,
spread far and wide, and I know good people we
(08:18):
can make that happen.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Ducie Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
I can't quite put my finger on it, but I've
never liked Novak Djokovic, not not that he cares. He
wouldn't care less what some broadcaster down the ars end
of the world thinks about what he does. What he
cares about his titles, and he's won plenty of them.
But as he's aged, as he gets closer and closer
to this holy grail, this twenty fifth Grand Slam crown,
(08:49):
I'm becoming more and more intrigued by himself, the way
he holds himself, his attitude toward the game. He's an
old man, is a lion in winter, but he does
not want to be snowed, and he wants to walk
away as arguably the goat. And you can almost say,
right here, right now, with what he's done so far,
is the greatest of all time. He'll probably never be
(09:12):
as lovely as a Roger Feder or as explosive as
a rap Nadal, But when it comes to titles, he
is one Grand Slam title away from becoming the only
player to ever hit the quarter century of Grand Slam titles.
What I'm fascinated by is when will he realize that
he can't do it. Enough's enough. I'm going to retire
(09:34):
with dignity. I'm a great player. I've done almost everything
there is that can be done. I should be satisfied
with that. But he's got this itch that he just
can't scratch, and watching him desperately trying to get the
fingernails on that itch has been box office quite frank.
I've really enjoyed watching Novak staggering back and forth trying
(09:56):
to get to that mountaintop, trying to get that holy grail.
And even though I never particularly like the guy, I'm
becoming a fan and I'd really like to see him
actually get this twenty fifth title. I think it's unlikely
that he will, but after what he did this morning,
when he finally managed to get through a five hour
(10:17):
quarter final to book a place in the Semis with you,
Nick Center. But you know what, there's a wee bit
of fighting this old dog yet, and I'm pretty keen
to popcorn my way through it. Get on up, Joker,
Get on up.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
The Chamber is now in session on Sports Fix.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
And it's a warm welcome now and to the Chamber
to some of the new generation, the new school. He's
called Kobe. His name is Kobe Moretti and he joins us. Now, Kobe,
I believe you've actually been in the chamber a couple
of times since I was away, So you've cut your
teeth so you're a full more profession.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
I've been grafting while you've been away, mate.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Yep, that's good to hear it. That's good. Great to
have you in here. Always plenty of sport to talk about,
which is why we're in jobs right. Yeah, it's good
work and the big one tonight. Well you're a league fan,
aren't you.
Speaker 5 (11:04):
I've got my Queensland jersey on right now.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
I've been dealing with New South Wales fans all afternoon.
I'm so glad that someone else is coming on the marone.
Here's the color. Looks good as well. Odd old series
so far, isn't it When you look at the way,
it's kind of the swings and roundabouts. Do you have
firm favoritism outside of your desire for what's going to
happen tonight? Does anyone sit in that spite or not?
Speaker 5 (11:29):
I've heard a lot of pundit tree that I agree
with that it's Queensland's to lose, But I think the
game is in the balance of how the benches are used.
I think Laurie Daily hasn't used a bench right in
the first all second game. Although they did win that opener,
it was effectively because they were handed the game when
Queensland were reduced to twelve men. But yeah, I just
(11:52):
think if Lori Daty can sort out how he rotates
his bench who he brings on, they have much more
of a chance. If he doesn't. Maron's by thirty.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Yeah, and the most effective players on that bench for
New South Wales, when there's a couple of lobbies candidates,
aren't they to go out there and you'd look at
that Blake underutilized and he'll be absolutely steaming through a
very poor and his body to get out there actually
do something here.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
He is one guy.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
I'm not sure for me, I think the big three
that they have to utilize probably Mole Oliquatu, the Seagulls
second rower, Cam Murray can play Lock, it plays really well.
At Lock hasn't really gotten the minutes he deserves in
the Blues Jersey. And then Blake Brailey, last year's Delhiam
Hooker of the Year, probably the best hooker in the
(12:38):
comp broke his arm before that first game, I believe,
and then has come back into the side now. But
Reese Robson, who starts for New South Wales and that
nine Jersey, played all eighty minutes in that second game
and they looked bad. He looked tired. He's not really
a ball runner, didn't really create much. I think they
need to get on Blake Brayley off the bench for
Reese Robson at some point. Rob's is not a bad player,
(13:00):
but he's he's a def's a defensive minded hooker and
sometimes when you need to.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
Give one, get out there and take the game too
that guy, especially when you're playing sun Corp, you're playing
up there. Now there's a question around. I know that
the crowd are an extra man and they give I
don't know what actually client's going to get up to
who ed and you knows. I'll give them all sorts
of grief. But conversely, if New South Wales can extinguish
(13:26):
the crowd by scoring early and putting their I suppose
their thumb down on them, that could have worked the
other way because a quiet Queensland crowd, I'm not quite
sure how well the Maroons react to that.
Speaker 5 (13:39):
I think I almost think the crowd doesn't even really
matter for Queensland. I think they know how they play.
Billy Sladder's a fantastic coach. They all trust their roles,
whether they're starting, whether they come off the bench. And
maybe there's a bit of bias coming through my voice
here right now. I genuinely think the game is how
(13:59):
New South Wales show up and how they use their bench.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
It was in New South Wales nad it wouldn't they though, right,
there's not a place they've not one before, and it's
historically it's been re too.
Speaker 5 (14:08):
They have actually, weirdly they've brought into their center's New
South Wales have Stephen Crichton and Bradnan and Bess. That
was the center Peering that won that twenty twenty four
decided at Suncourt. So maybe Laurie Daly's sort of leaning on,
hang on, this is the setup we had before, remember
what we did again?
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Maybe maybe that's his thought. Powerhouse players you have involved
in that, and they spoke man for man. You look
right across both of those teams and the quality NRL.
It's kind of hard to go either way. If you
were a guy who didn't care who won, just based
on the manpower and the coaching staff. Hard to lean
one way or the other.
Speaker 5 (14:51):
I think the half backs is important too. I think
Nathan Cleary probably outplayed Sam Walker in that first match,
only again a lot to do with the losing, with
Queensland losing a man in the second game, Sam Walker
kicked him out of the park. I think that's another
one of those deciding factors. Who plays better out of
(15:11):
Sam Walker for Queensland or Nathan Cleary the Great Nathan
Cleary for New South Wales.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
You can only call them the great once they've retired.
You know that, don't you, Koby? You don't not far off.
It's like nighteen players when they're still playing. Actually hold on, No,
that does happen, doesn't Ittack? And maybe not? Yeah, a
good player. See Reese Walsh off the bench as well.
He could be instrumental if he turns it on, or
he could be chaotic and he doesn't.
Speaker 5 (15:36):
It's just another one of those ones. How do you
utilize them? They brought duringmah Nani back in. He's been
injured for the Cowboys a lot this season, so he's
onto the bench coming back.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Didn't he for the Cowboys.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Yeahes, you're right, but it's just I don't know if
Ries Walsh can take one of those four substitutions you know,
talk about the six man bench. Does he get that
fourth slot there's going to be likely Max Plath and
then two forwards coming on. Does he get that fourth spot?
Speaker 2 (16:03):
And we're going to find out tonight gets underway just
after ten o'clock up till midnight. I'm far too trying
to repair my knee and elderly to get that far.
But I said that last time, and I was awake
right to the final whistle. Can't help myself. I just
quick word on a fee Foot World Cup and then
there were eight. We got the eight best football teams,
I'd say on the planet. But really at the World Cup,
(16:24):
you can say on the planet?
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Is that fair?
Speaker 5 (16:26):
That decides it? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (16:28):
So the Itellians are going if we were there, if
we were there, Well, so you've seen it. Now, what
do you like out of any of these teams? Does
any of them stand up and go, yeah, we're the
man of the hour because I lock what happened this
morning and what Argentina they were down and out, they
were just have the bullet put in the back of
their head and staying to the glue factory, and then
da you like.
Speaker 5 (16:48):
Them as defending champions still, even though you know they
considered too to Egypt, who people might not have thought
could could do it in the knockout stages.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
I will say I'm.
Speaker 5 (16:57):
Not convinced by Switzerland. They've only beaten Bosnia and Hitzegovina,
Canada and Algeria, and in regular time obviously they got
Columbia on penalties today to advance and now facea I'm
not convinced to them. I think they'll get swept in
that quarterfinal Bargentina. But Spain also, I like to.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
Go back to the final last time, does it well?
Speaker 5 (17:17):
Yeah, I think the way that it's going to work
out is that Spain will verse either France or Morocco
who win this next game in the semi finals. I
think that's how it's going to come down to. And
I like Spain over front.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
It could happen, we don't know, but we're now at
the point at edge. And this is when I'm not
a massive football fan, but when it is of this
import and this much stress around it, that's when you
get really good sport. Because I love watching people play,
and juriesis like who can stand up and own this?
And I suppose you look at Messi and go, well,
he's been doing it for generations.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
The old pressure makes diamonds, but missus a diamond and more.
He's multiple diamonds, isn't he.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
He's the bottom of the beers. He really is. Hey,
Kabin Moriti, thanks very much. But did I say that right? Maritti?
Morazity Marati. I mean they just tell me off because
people say my name wrong and I say wolder Grave.
It's like that's a wall, like the thing you bash
your head on when you're listening to me.
Speaker 5 (18:09):
You give them a couple of strikes and then the
thirteen on you.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
Coby, thanks for joining us in the chain. Mate, you
look after yourself. Jeez, leading a X.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix powered by
News Talks.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
IVY and that's zeb for the Sports Fix podcast. Thanks
very much for listening. Thanks for subscribing. If you haven't,
you probably should. That way, this will end up in
your inbox automatic week daily basis. Indeed, encourage your friends
and encourage your family. I'll talk to myself till the
sun goes down, but it's nice to know there are
other people engaged, so spread that word. This has been
(18:40):
a Wednesday, it's been the eighth of July twenty twenty six.
I've loved bringing you this. Also love my day job.
That is on News Talk ZB on Sports Talk between
seven and eight pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Friday. Jason Pine's
got the Monday shift of the same show and then
Piney's got the whole Shaban coming up. Over the weekends
(19:00):
twelve midday through to three o'clock Saturday Sunday, that is
weekend Sport. We'd love for you to join us both
as we can carry on our merry old way talking
sport because well we love it.
Speaker 1 (19:14):
For more from News Talk st B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
Betrayal Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com