October 3, 2025 • 6 mins
Young Wellington NPC utility back Stanley Solomon recently signed his maiden Super Rugby contract and will join the Highlanders in 2026.
Ahead of Wellington's final match against Bay of Plenty, Solomon reflected on the NPC season and discussed his exciting move south.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The weekends. Finally here let's kick it off the All
Sport Breakfast with Rutherford and Bond Toyota and King Toyota
News talk zedby Third Thing to Night here on the
All Sport Breakfast with the Wellington Lions head into their
final round NPC match against They have plenty at Potty
Too today out of contention for the playoffs and what's
been their title defense? Of course, Wellington's sitting tenth on
(00:22):
the ladder and mathematically out of the quarter final race.
But young utility back Stanley Solomon's rugby elevation has continued
through the season and last month a massive career moment
for him earning a maiden Super Rugby contract with the Highlanders.
So look ahead to today's game at Potty to A Park.
Stanley Solomon is with us. Morning to you Stanley, and
(00:43):
firstly met with where things is sit on the table?
What is the vibe the focus among the team ahead
of this one today?
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Yeah, obviously hasn't been the greatest of season for the
Lions this year, but our focus this week is the
corect role what happens outside of this game, So we're
just gonna put our best foot forward. So I get
the five points in and hope for the best in
the other games. But a year, like I said purvious
this week, it's just been on us really driving what
(01:10):
we can do. So, yeah, you were.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Part of the winning team last year. I guess you
know when you when you look at both campaigns, can
you assider pinpoint what what's kind of played out differently?
That's the sleepy where you are heading into this final round.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Yeah, I mean we've had a few key players, you know,
moving in and out of those those positions. Good to
see creepies Riley Higgins, etc. But look, man, look it
just comes down to what we do day to day.
I wouldn't say there's too much of a difference this
year the last year. Yeah, I mean I can't really
(01:47):
put my finger on it.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
So no, all good, all good, And I mean it's
always something you know, you want to see Wellington players
right right to that next level, and certainly happened this year,
right was you know, the likes of Kyle Preston, Peter
Larkey in and out and things like that. Probably a
bit disruptive to the team through the year. But I
guess at the same time, amazing for those guys getting
those opportunities, is it how it kind of feels within
the team.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Yeah, I mean that's why we play rugby. To make
those that next level and to see our boys move
up is an awesome feeling, you know. I think it
provides a great opportunity for the next ones coming through too,
So yeah, we'd love to see our boys make the
next level. And yeah, the next boy's wise see the occasion.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Individually, what were your kind of goals heading into the NPC.
I know you got that great news early on ready
super rugby next year, but what did you sort of
want to get out of NPC yourself this year at
the start of the season.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
Yeah, well, my goal was sort of aligned with the
team's goal, which was to win the competition and it
still is that, but more individually, just sort of put
my best foot forward and and sort of contribute to
the team best I can. I think I've got a
bit more of a role in the team and a
bit more of a voice this year, so trying to
learn my leadership skills and try guide the boys in
(02:56):
a pivotal position.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Yeah, and I guess let us know where you kind
of feel like you've fitted into that backlove I've seen
you a couple of different positions. You've seen you make
it be an impact player, We've seen you be a starter.
What's your sort of ideal, preferred, sort of scenario within
the team.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Yeah, so at the moment, I'm really enjoyed playing fifteen
and when I grew up through high school and my
junior years, I played first five as well. So looking
out if I can get a shot at at ten
sometime in the future, i'd love that. But at the moment,
I'm just pretty happy to get on the field, even
if it is on the wing.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
And let's talk about Yeah, you're finishing up in Wellington
for the time being, heading down south to the Heartlands
for Super Rugby next year. I know a lot of
people around here in Wellington who would have been following
you and your rugby for her for a wee while,
and they'll be pretty stoked with that. How are your
excitement levels, wll that can't be far away now to
move down there.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Yeah, mate, just talks a nasty moment today we're sorting
out accommodation at the moment, but you're really really excited
to go down to Danita and then join the arsenal
down there. They've look like you've got a great crew
and a great coaching crew coming in as well. So yeah,
just real stoked to be hitting down to beer. Grateful
for the opportunity to the hand.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
Was it a tough call to ust to leave home,
leave friends and family here and make that trip down
on it?
Speaker 2 (04:09):
It was tough. I got given the Jamie Joseph two
week ultimatum, made my decision, but we fought a long
and hard and we thought it was the best decision
to had downe there and take up the opportunity.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Yeah, and Jamie Joseph, he's set a couple of promotions
recently too, with them the New Zealand Rugby saying tell
us what you're you're excited about stead of working with him?
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Yeah, I heard. I've heard he's a heart man, but
a great coach too, So look looking forward to the
challenge and seeing what we can do down there.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Position was any idea about what they might be eyeing
up for you down there yet?
Speaker 2 (04:42):
I haven't heard too much at the moment, hopefully alluding
to what I said before about maybe fifteen or ten.
But yeah, just hopefully be able to be able to
get on the field next year and give a good crack.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
Yeah, and Dad, and I mean Dylan plead here, Who's
I'm into someone that you've known, I'm sure for a
very lo time and as a mate, and he's stood
out this year as well with the kind of rugby
him and a few of your other under twenties mates
have been playing this year down there. You must be
excited just to what could be possible at the Highlanders.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Yeah, y, Dylan's a great talent. Me and him go
back a few years now, playing New jellan secret stoo
see in twenty twenty two. But yeah, like you touched on,
there's a few great players down there too, see Josh
Tinglan's just got his NBC debut this weekend. So yeah,
we've got a few few great boys coming through. So
we're looking forward to seeing what we can do and
ripping up with them next year.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
And I bet you're already thinking about what it's going
to be like to urst the Hurricanes in a couple
of months.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
Yeah, Yeah, I've had a few scenarios in my head.
Bro obviously didn't make the team first, but I'm just
thinking about how cool it will be a run up
but run out on sky Stadium's the Hurricanes in my
home starting that'd be pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah, that'll be amazing, mat And just in terms of
NPC this weekend last set out at Pottidor for the team,
I guess you know it has been that challenging year.
But how excited is the whole team really to be
playing one last time in front of home ends for
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Yeah, well we just said we just want to start
captains running and Jackson guardenship. Betual you just touched on saying,
you know, remember remember why we played the game. We
play the game to have fun and we're out there
playing with our mates on a Saturday. So look, we
can't really ask for too much more. Hopefully that the
weather holds up, but yeah, just try to have fun,
play some good fuddy, play some nice, fast flowing rugby
and make our wanting to fans proud of us.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Yeah you get on your Stanley how well. Congrats on
the season for you mate, and your your big opportunity
that's got up through the year. Look forward to tracking
your progresses your head down south, mate, So thanks for
chatting and all the best as we can. Hey, thanks
that just for the chat for more from News Talk
S ed B, Listen live on air or online, and
keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcast on iHeartRadio
The weekends. Finally here let's kick it off the All
Sport Breakfast with Rutherford and Bond Toyota and King Toyota
News talk zedby Third Thing to Night here on the
All Sport Breakfast with the Wellington Lions head into their
final round NPC match against They have plenty at Potty
Too today out of contention for the playoffs and what's
been their title defense? Of course, Wellington's sitting tenth on
(00:22):
the ladder and mathematically out of the quarter final race.
But young utility back Stanley Solomon's rugby elevation has continued
through the season and last month a massive career moment
for him earning a maiden Super Rugby contract with the Highlanders.
So look ahead to today's game at Potty to A Park.
Stanley Solomon is with us. Morning to you Stanley, and
(00:43):
firstly met with where things is sit on the table?
What is the vibe the focus among the team ahead
of this one today?
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Yeah, obviously hasn't been the greatest of season for the
Lions this year, but our focus this week is the
corect role what happens outside of this game, So we're
just gonna put our best foot forward. So I get
the five points in and hope for the best in
the other games. But a year, like I said purvious
this week, it's just been on us really driving what
(01:10):
we can do. So, yeah, you were.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Part of the winning team last year. I guess you
know when you when you look at both campaigns, can
you assider pinpoint what what's kind of played out differently?
That's the sleepy where you are heading into this final round.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Yeah, I mean we've had a few key players, you know,
moving in and out of those those positions. Good to
see creepies Riley Higgins, etc. But look, man, look it
just comes down to what we do day to day.
I wouldn't say there's too much of a difference this
year the last year. Yeah, I mean I can't really
(01:47):
put my finger on it.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
So no, all good, all good, And I mean it's
always something you know, you want to see Wellington players
right right to that next level, and certainly happened this year,
right was you know, the likes of Kyle Preston, Peter
Larkey in and out and things like that. Probably a
bit disruptive to the team through the year. But I
guess at the same time, amazing for those guys getting
those opportunities, is it how it kind of feels within
the team.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Yeah, I mean that's why we play rugby. To make
those that next level and to see our boys move
up is an awesome feeling, you know. I think it
provides a great opportunity for the next ones coming through too,
So yeah, we'd love to see our boys make the
next level. And yeah, the next boy's wise see the occasion.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Individually, what were your kind of goals heading into the NPC.
I know you got that great news early on ready
super rugby next year, but what did you sort of
want to get out of NPC yourself this year at
the start of the season.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
Yeah, well, my goal was sort of aligned with the
team's goal, which was to win the competition and it
still is that, but more individually, just sort of put
my best foot forward and and sort of contribute to
the team best I can. I think I've got a
bit more of a role in the team and a
bit more of a voice this year, so trying to
learn my leadership skills and try guide the boys in
(02:56):
a pivotal position.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Yeah, and I guess let us know where you kind
of feel like you've fitted into that backlove I've seen
you a couple of different positions. You've seen you make
it be an impact player, We've seen you be a starter.
What's your sort of ideal, preferred, sort of scenario within
the team.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Yeah, so at the moment, I'm really enjoyed playing fifteen
and when I grew up through high school and my
junior years, I played first five as well. So looking
out if I can get a shot at at ten
sometime in the future, i'd love that. But at the moment,
I'm just pretty happy to get on the field, even
if it is on the wing.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
And let's talk about Yeah, you're finishing up in Wellington
for the time being, heading down south to the Heartlands
for Super Rugby next year. I know a lot of
people around here in Wellington who would have been following
you and your rugby for her for a wee while,
and they'll be pretty stoked with that. How are your
excitement levels, wll that can't be far away now to
move down there.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Yeah, mate, just talks a nasty moment today we're sorting
out accommodation at the moment, but you're really really excited
to go down to Danita and then join the arsenal
down there. They've look like you've got a great crew
and a great coaching crew coming in as well. So yeah,
just real stoked to be hitting down to beer. Grateful
for the opportunity to the hand.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
Was it a tough call to ust to leave home,
leave friends and family here and make that trip down
on it?
Speaker 2 (04:09):
It was tough. I got given the Jamie Joseph two
week ultimatum, made my decision, but we fought a long
and hard and we thought it was the best decision
to had downe there and take up the opportunity.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Yeah, and Jamie Joseph, he's set a couple of promotions
recently too, with them the New Zealand Rugby saying tell
us what you're you're excited about stead of working with him?
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Yeah, I heard. I've heard he's a heart man, but
a great coach too, So look looking forward to the
challenge and seeing what we can do down there.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Position was any idea about what they might be eyeing
up for you down there yet?
Speaker 2 (04:42):
I haven't heard too much at the moment, hopefully alluding
to what I said before about maybe fifteen or ten.
But yeah, just hopefully be able to be able to
get on the field next year and give a good crack.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
Yeah, and Dad, and I mean Dylan plead here, Who's
I'm into someone that you've known, I'm sure for a
very lo time and as a mate, and he's stood
out this year as well with the kind of rugby
him and a few of your other under twenties mates
have been playing this year down there. You must be
excited just to what could be possible at the Highlanders.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Yeah, y, Dylan's a great talent. Me and him go
back a few years now, playing New jellan secret stoo
see in twenty twenty two. But yeah, like you touched on,
there's a few great players down there too, see Josh
Tinglan's just got his NBC debut this weekend. So yeah,
we've got a few few great boys coming through. So
we're looking forward to seeing what we can do and
ripping up with them next year.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
And I bet you're already thinking about what it's going
to be like to urst the Hurricanes in a couple
of months.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
Yeah, Yeah, I've had a few scenarios in my head.
Bro obviously didn't make the team first, but I'm just
thinking about how cool it will be a run up
but run out on sky Stadium's the Hurricanes in my
home starting that'd be pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah, that'll be amazing, mat And just in terms of
NPC this weekend last set out at Pottidor for the team,
I guess you know it has been that challenging year.
But how excited is the whole team really to be
playing one last time in front of home ends for
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Yeah, well we just said we just want to start
captains running and Jackson guardenship. Betual you just touched on saying,
you know, remember remember why we played the game. We
play the game to have fun and we're out there
playing with our mates on a Saturday. So look, we
can't really ask for too much more. Hopefully that the
weather holds up, but yeah, just try to have fun,
play some good fuddy, play some nice, fast flowing rugby
and make our wanting to fans proud of us.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Yeah you get on your Stanley how well. Congrats on
the season for you mate, and your your big opportunity
that's got up through the year. Look forward to tracking
your progresses your head down south, mate, So thanks for
chatting and all the best as we can. Hey, thanks
that just for the chat for more from News Talk
S ed B, Listen live on air or online, and
keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcast on iHeartRadio
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