August 11, 2025 • 20 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine for 11 August 2025, Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joins the podcast to share his excitement in announcing the competition's Super Round which will take place at Christchurch's new Te Kaha stadium on ANZAC weekend 2026.
Newstalk ZB sport journalist Elijah Fa'afiu joins to discuss the Warriors third straight loss which sees the team lose their top four spot on the NRL table. Plus, Hayden Wilde's incredible return to racing from being hit by a truck, to winning his comeback event, the T100 in London.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talk SEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Hello there and welcome into a fresh week and a
fresh episode of the Sports Fixed podcast, brought to an
association with GJ Guard the Homes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder.
It's Monday, August eleven. I'm Jason Pine. Exciting news this
morning with the confirmation of Super Round returning to Super
Rugby in twenty twenty six and it'll be staged at
(00:43):
the brand new christ Church Stadium, tech Kaha Across and
Zac Weekend. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley is on
the podcast today to tell us more. We'll kick it
around in the chamber two when elijahho joins us and
among the other topics I want to discuss with Elijah
the Warriors. Are they now just a top eight proposition
(01:04):
rather than a top four proposition after a third straight
defeat over the weekend. The latest and sports news as well,
so let's get into it. In other news, let's get
underway with some of the big sports stories around today.
Shane Van Gisbergen has continued his NASCAR circuit supremacy, picking
(01:24):
up his fourth win of the season in a non
oval race. Marcus Ambrose encouraged Shane ben Gezbergen to do
what he's doing now as Fiji does it again, but
a year on he gets redemption at Whence at Watkins Glad.
Here the gis was beaten at the Watkins Glen event
on the final lap last year. Corbyn Strong has won
(01:46):
cycling's Arctic Race of Norway, crossing the line eleven seconds
ahead of double Olympic mountain bike champion Tom Pitcock. Boom
you get here that anchoring around the fiors Here the
Karens go off, Corvid Sorong's crowder Weather and the Phoenix
Men have suffered a scare, eventually beating fourth tier side
(02:07):
None of Wadding City one nil with an injury time
goal to progress to the quarterfinals of football's Australia Cup.
Japanese importer Deki Ashiga headed home the winner in the
fourth minute of stoppage time. Coach Jian Calotaliano happier with
his side's second half performance. Show a lot more discipline
and intend to go forward.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
I thought the first half was.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Very disappointing in terms of executing our game plan.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
The Christian Health.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
Use Candabinion It's Sports Fix with Jason Lyne.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Great to see today that common sense has prevailed and
Grace Wiki will wear the black dress of the Silver
Ferns this year, next year, and basically for as many
more years as she decides to. This, of course, is
due to the eligibility criteria for the Silver Ferns being
changed by the Board of Netball New Zealand. Players being
able to apply for an exemption if they're not playing
(03:03):
an our domestic competition and being looked at on a
case by case BA. First of all, I would imagine
the case of Grace Wiki would have been one of
the quickest open and shutcases of all time. As soon
as her application for exemption arrived at Netball New Zealand headquarters,
there should have been a race to sign it off.
(03:28):
They should have moved with great rapidity, which by the
sounds of it, they did to make sure that Grace Wiki,
this generational netballer, was able to play for the Silver
Ferns and International Netball. I guess it does open up
the question about whether we will ever see Grace Wiki
back in our domestic competition. Along with the news today
(03:48):
that she's in the Silver Ferns again came the news
that she has re signed with the New South Wales
Swifts for twenty twenty six. And why wouldn't they want her?
As I say, generational netballer, extremely powerful and potent shooter,
and the Swifts themselves fell just short of the Grand
Final this year, have unfinished business and see Grace Wiki
(04:11):
as a big part of completing that business. Having been
granted the exemption, we now wait and see which other
players go to apply their trade off shore and then
apply for exemptions of their own. There will be others
who are open and shutcases, players who are such good
assets to the Silver Ferns that straight away they will
(04:32):
be given that exemption. Others, though, may have a few
nervous moments as they apply for that exemption having plied
their trade off shore and are told, you know what,
We're not going to grant it to you for a
variety of reasons. Finally, NEP on New Zealand's board, you
have to congratulate them on finally getting to the position
(04:53):
where a they change the eligibility criteria and be applied
it effectively around the Grace Wiki situation. But I still
wonder why on earth it took them so long. It
was a long and drawn out process before they they
even looked at those eligibility criteria and they were only
forced to do so. Let's be honest by Grace Wiki
(05:15):
making the decision without any certainty that she'd be able
to play for New Zealand, to go and play in
Australia to improve herself as a netballer. As I say, thankfully,
sanity has prevailed and this rule will now forever be
known as the Grace Weiki rule.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sports Vex with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
You're listening to the Sports Fix podcast. Christ Church's new
te Kaha Stadium will host Super Rugby's Super Round across
Anzac weekend next year, the first sporting event at the
new venue. The Crusaders will open proceedings against an as
yet unconfirmed opponent on the Friday night, then the Hurricanes,
Brumbies and Blues Reds on the Saturday, and another double
(05:59):
headed to follow on the Sunday. Super Rugby Pacific CEO
Jack Mesley was in christ Church for the announcement and
joined us on Sports X Jack. How keen were you
to get super Round back on to the Super Rugby
Calendaroda Parney?
Speaker 3 (06:14):
Yeah? Really, King. You know, I think rugby, as you knows,
as a touring is part of part of rugby, and
we know fans across the Pacific love to love to
tour and go and watch rugby games, so it makes
sense for us. It also just gives us a really
(06:34):
big round that we can really focus on drive visibility
and interest in Super Rugby Pacific and just a great
opportunity to bring everyone together.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
How long have the discussions been going on with the
relevant parties in christ Church to get us to the
announcement today?
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Yeah, I mean some months. You know, I've been enrolled
just over twelve months now, and you know, getting super
Round back on the agenda was one thing that we
identified early. We had conversations with a number of different territories,
you know, another number of different cities across Australia, in
(07:14):
New Zealand and also into the Pacific, and you know,
christ Church right from the outset have just been really
engaged in those discussions and we worked really closely together
to get us to the point now that we can
we can announce it. And you know, I think just
the kind of beauty of it being the new stadium
(07:35):
A and that long weekend, you know, it all kind
of fell together just to make a lot of sense.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
We think you were there this morning at the new Venu.
Still construction going on obviously, so hi version hard hats,
no doubt. But how's it looking.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Well, it's looking a lot better than I do in
high vision, hard hat. Let's put it out like, yeah
it is. It's going to be unbelievable, bunny. I mean,
we were up a few levels where we did the
precedent this morning and you are on the sideline, so
there is not a bad seat in the house. To
(08:11):
be undercover is just going to make such a difference
for all of those Cantabrians that have been braving the
cold out of Apollo, and you know, just a short
stroll from the city. I mean, you know, wonderful bars
and restaurants just down the road. So yeah, all of
those things combined, and you know, I mean Crusaders being
(08:33):
our champions and the most successful Super rugby team. You know,
they're a world class franchise and they're going to have
a world class day here and that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Initially this is just a one year deal. Are you
keen for it to be a longer term proposition?
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Yeah? We want this as a as a marquee event
in our in our fixture, in our draw every year.
So you know, we'll continue to work hard to try
to make that a reality. You know, as I mentioned,
we've talked to a lot of other states and regions
about about hosting this and we'll continue to have those
(09:10):
those discussions. But you know, we're really thankful that you know,
the city here is as working with us to make
this a reality.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Fair to say that super Round never really worked in
Melbourne to the extent that I'm sure the organizers then
would have hoped. Are there any lessons to be taken
from that? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (09:30):
I think so, you know, I do know you know
from from what from speaking with the organizers that you know,
one thing that did work was they did get the travelers.
So whilst the stadiums were nowhere near as full as
anyone would have liked, there was a pretty good critical
mass of travelers, right, and that's what you know funds
(09:51):
these these sorts of projects for all of the codes.
So so we've we've got to continue to focus on that.
And then you know, I think it's about making it
a complete event, and our discussions with the city here
and the venue and the Crusaders all about you making
sure that when you come to christ Church for Super Around,
(10:12):
you know, you feel that you're part of an event
all the way through the city, whether that's down at Riverside,
whether that's in the precinct of the stadium or in
the stadium. So we're really working on that sort of
coordinated approach so that you know, when people come, they'll
have a they'll have a holistic experience, and we really
hope people come for that experience. But also then you know,
(10:36):
go and spend a few days seeing the region, enjoying
all that christ Church and Canterbury and surrounds has to offer.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Super right Pepacific of courses and eleven team competition, so
one team will have the buy challenging conversation telling one
team that they're not coming to super Round.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Yeah, well, you know, the whole draw is one big
challenging conversation for me and all the teams. This is
this is another element. Yeah, and the discussions with the
clubs is that the clubs are super excited to have
this back, so yeah, it's a shame that not everyone
can be there, but yeah, we'll look to try to
(11:15):
get this as a regular part of the fixture and
make sure that we rotate that round. All right.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
So, as I said at the start, Crusader's going to
open up on Friday night, their opponent to be confirmed,
then the Trans Tasman double hitter on the Saturday, another
double hitter Sunday. When will the full draw not just
for Super Round Jack but for the twenty twenty sixth
season be out.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
Yeah, in the coming weeks, Piney, Yeah, we're working hard.
We're pretty close to close to that. So yeah, I'm
in the full details, you know, starting date, end date,
grand final date and the full full draw should be
coming coming pretty soon and we've been working hard on
that and that'll be well ahead of where we've released
(11:57):
it in previous years, which we're excited about. But yeah,
I think just on the Super Round fixturing, Yeah, we
see that Friday night sort of being an opening party night,
be high energy, and then on the Saturday, and the
reason why we have sort of confirmed those fixtures on
the Saturdays because they're out of the traditional and that
(12:17):
day matches and we're really we're really trying to get
in behind those matches and and h gear and make
them very special as we celebrate that connection between our
between Australia and New Zealand and recognize recognized vans that day.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
A very exciting weekend and prospect. Indeed, congrats on getting
this across the line, Jack, and thanks for joining us.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Measley with us on sports Fix.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
The Chamber is now in session on sports Fix.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
On the Sports Fix podcast, Let's pop inside the Chamber
on Monday. It's the People's Chamber starring Elijah out of
our ensid ME multi media team focusing on all sorts
of sport. I'd forgotten this until not that long ago. Elijah.
You're a Canary Bulldogs fan, so good weekend for you.
Speaker 4 (13:03):
Oh, one of the best weekends that I can recall.
Shout out to the Warriors for helping the Bulldogs figure
out there weather woes. We've struggled all season, but it
seems like we finally piece things together against the Warriors.
But I guess in terms of the Warriors an unfortunate
result for them. It's a bit tough when you lose
a playmaker early in the first half and you're sort
(13:24):
of left with one chief playmaker for the rest of
the game. But hey, the Bulldogs will take the two
points there.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
So out of the top four now for the first
time and quite some time. I checked. I think they
moved to the top four kind of mid April, what
have been now in mid August, So it's been a
long time residing in the top four. They drop out. Now,
Are they a top four side anymore? Or are the
top four at the moment the top four?
Speaker 4 (13:50):
I think the top four are the top four. I
think the Panthers. Obviously there's a gap between the top
three teams the Raiders, Bulldogs, and the Storm down to
the fourth place team, which is currently the Panthers. But
the Panthers are running hot nine in a row. They
do have there's an upside for the Warriors fans. Panther
do have the Storm, the Raiders, and the Bulldogs those
(14:10):
top three teams over the next three weeks, so they'll
be hoping. Warriors fans will be hoping that the Panthers
sort of stumble at some point over that period. But
looking at the Warriors remaining schedule, you've got the Dragons, Titans, Eels,
and Seagulls, And yes, all those teams are outside of
the top eight, but a couple of those, the Dragons
who they have on Friday, and the Seagulls are fighting
(14:30):
for a spot in the top eight, so they've got
something to actually fight for here for the rest of
the season. And then the Titans and the Eels. I mean,
as we've seen a couple of weeks ago, if the Titans,
there's no easy wins in the NRL. That came to
Mount Smart and got the win over the Warriors. So yeah,
at this point, I think it's going to be very
hard for the Warriors to crack the top four.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
Just on the Bulldogs. Again, you're right, the buffer's there,
and look, the Bulldogs aren't falling out of the top four.
But it's not the easiest running for your team either.
Roosters away, Storm away, Panthers at home, and then I
think it's the Sharks at home, So that's pretty tough
for the Dogs. I think they'll be okay, but that's
not the easiest running in the world either.
Speaker 4 (15:08):
No, it definitely is it. And yeah, I mean I
guess if there is going to be one team from
those top three teams Raiders, Storm and Bulldogs who could
fall for some reason. It could be the Bulldogs. They
might not even win over the next month. I mean,
anything can happen in the NRL, so I think Warriors
fans will be crossing their fingers that something happens. But
I think for the Warriors themselves, they'll be focusing on
(15:29):
getting the job done over the next the remaining four games.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Okay, well we'll I'll wait with interest. That's three straight
losses now. They's hope the Cavalry is returning. White Eggan,
I guess is probably the big one who might be
back in contention next week. Ali lad Roccoberry still seem
like they're a week away. Jacob Labn's not going to
be back to a finals to Mighty Martin out now
with concussion. I don't know who's Andrew Webster offended in
(15:56):
a previous life to be handed the injuries he has
this season.
Speaker 4 (16:00):
I have no clue. I mean, obviously the football gods
maybe it's a Warriors thing. It's probably why the Warriors
havn't won a premiership. The what football gods been looking
over Mount Smarts and decided no, no premiership for you
guys or something like that. And unfortunately Andrew Webster's the
coach that's been caught under this. I guess curse, we
could maybe call it, but yeah, we'll see what happens. Now.
(16:24):
Tanner Boy's gonna have to come back into the half
back role with Timlighty out, even though he was a
late swap for that Bulldog's game. And then, as you mentioned,
weed Egan is going to be a big return if
he's fit and healthy.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Okay, we'll wait with interest on the matters around. I
want to chat to you about today. Hayden Wilde about
three months ago suffered a punctured lung, six broken ribs
and a shoulder blade injury. He's got a couple of
metal plates inserted in his shoulder, and one hundred days
later he's winning, not just competing in, but winning a
(16:56):
T one hundred event in London. This is utterly superhuman,
isn't it It is.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
It's one of the great comeback stories, not even this year,
maybe in the last few years off anything. I mean,
it's one thing, you know, recovering from those list of
injuries that you mentioned, career threatening that could potentially take
him up for a long time. But he's also training
to come back for this T one hundred event, which
is noticeably longer than a normal triathlon. I think it's
(17:23):
a two case whim, an eighty kilometer bike and an
eighteen kilometer run. So he's not only recovering from these injuries,
but he's training for this as well. And to do
that in the space of three months and to win
is a phenomenal feats and yeah, he should be thrilled
with that, and it's an amazing comeback story, get the
comeback of all comebacks.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
So absolutely, I totally agree. I don't think you know
cheap as if I had broken ribs three months after that,
I'd still be complaining about having to walk from the
couch to the fridge, let alone with me pull Lee's
alone competing at the level he has, So man, that
guy has got some constitution and he deserves all the
(18:01):
praise that he is getting for what he's done. Just finally,
before you go, mate, super round christ Church and Zach
Weekend with her from Jack Measley on the podcast today,
you're booking your tickets for Anzac Weekend and Chriss Church.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
Yeah, I'd love to go down to christ Church and
check it out. It's an exciting way to bring in
the new stadium down there, and I think as well
super Round. I've always liked super Round if it's under
the right circumstances, and I think this is the right
set of circumstances here introducing this new stadium. My only
question is there's eleven teams in the competition, so who
actually will miss out? I would say I'd vouch for
(18:38):
teams like Moana and the Drawer to play, just because
of the fan bases they have. I think they can
create a lively atmosphere down there in christ Church. Maybe
if I had to pick, maybe the Western Force. Maybe
you save them a bit of travel coming all the
way from Perth. But that's something for I guess the
officials over at Super Rugby to figure out. But nonetheless
an exciting opportunity for christ Church with super Round.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
If we're running a tab book on who doesn't come
to super Around next year, Elijah, the Western Force are
at a dollar one. They're almost certainly for me the
one who's not coming. We know that the Reds are
coming and the Brumbies are coming, because those games have
been confirmed against the Hurricanes and the Blues on the Saturday.
The Crusaders obviously open on Friday night. We know that
(19:20):
the Highlanders and the Chiefs will be there. They're the
New Zealand teams. Of course they're going to be there.
And I think you're right. I think Mawana and the
Drawer will bring their own flavor in color. So it's
you know, it's to me, it's it's the Warritars, isn't
it the Warritars or the Force? And I think it's
the Force. I think they're missing out.
Speaker 4 (19:39):
Yeah, I agree, and I mean it's a long trip
for the Force as well, having to come from Perth
to christ Church, take a break, voice, save some costs,
save some of their points or something like that, or.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Don't gain any air points. It's probably more it's more appropriate. Yeah,
we wait and see when the drawers finalized. Always great
chatting in the chamber, Elijah. Thanks for that. We'll do
it again next Monday. Cool.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
This is Sports Figs, your daily dose of sports hues,
pow in Bye, news talks, ab.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
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(20:34):
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Speaker 1 (20:39):
Live on air or online and keep our shows with
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
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This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talk SEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Hello there and welcome into a fresh week and a
fresh episode of the Sports Fixed podcast, brought to an
association with GJ Guard the Homes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder.
It's Monday, August eleven. I'm Jason Pine. Exciting news this
morning with the confirmation of Super Round returning to Super
Rugby in twenty twenty six and it'll be staged at
(00:43):
the brand new christ Church Stadium, tech Kaha Across and
Zac Weekend. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley is on
the podcast today to tell us more. We'll kick it
around in the chamber two when elijahho joins us and
among the other topics I want to discuss with Elijah
the Warriors. Are they now just a top eight proposition
(01:04):
rather than a top four proposition after a third straight
defeat over the weekend. The latest and sports news as well,
so let's get into it. In other news, let's get
underway with some of the big sports stories around today.
Shane Van Gisbergen has continued his NASCAR circuit supremacy, picking
(01:24):
up his fourth win of the season in a non
oval race. Marcus Ambrose encouraged Shane ben Gezbergen to do
what he's doing now as Fiji does it again, but
a year on he gets redemption at Whence at Watkins Glad.
Here the gis was beaten at the Watkins Glen event
on the final lap last year. Corbyn Strong has won
(01:46):
cycling's Arctic Race of Norway, crossing the line eleven seconds
ahead of double Olympic mountain bike champion Tom Pitcock. Boom
you get here that anchoring around the fiors Here the
Karens go off, Corvid Sorong's crowder Weather and the Phoenix
Men have suffered a scare, eventually beating fourth tier side
(02:07):
None of Wadding City one nil with an injury time
goal to progress to the quarterfinals of football's Australia Cup.
Japanese importer Deki Ashiga headed home the winner in the
fourth minute of stoppage time. Coach Jian Calotaliano happier with
his side's second half performance. Show a lot more discipline
and intend to go forward.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
I thought the first half was.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Very disappointing in terms of executing our game plan.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
The Christian Health.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
Use Candabinion It's Sports Fix with Jason Lyne.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Great to see today that common sense has prevailed and
Grace Wiki will wear the black dress of the Silver
Ferns this year, next year, and basically for as many
more years as she decides to. This, of course, is
due to the eligibility criteria for the Silver Ferns being
changed by the Board of Netball New Zealand. Players being
able to apply for an exemption if they're not playing
(03:03):
an our domestic competition and being looked at on a
case by case BA. First of all, I would imagine
the case of Grace Wiki would have been one of
the quickest open and shutcases of all time. As soon
as her application for exemption arrived at Netball New Zealand headquarters,
there should have been a race to sign it off.
(03:28):
They should have moved with great rapidity, which by the
sounds of it, they did to make sure that Grace Wiki,
this generational netballer, was able to play for the Silver
Ferns and International Netball. I guess it does open up
the question about whether we will ever see Grace Wiki
back in our domestic competition. Along with the news today
(03:48):
that she's in the Silver Ferns again came the news
that she has re signed with the New South Wales
Swifts for twenty twenty six. And why wouldn't they want her?
As I say, generational netballer, extremely powerful and potent shooter,
and the Swifts themselves fell just short of the Grand
Final this year, have unfinished business and see Grace Wiki
(04:11):
as a big part of completing that business. Having been
granted the exemption, we now wait and see which other
players go to apply their trade off shore and then
apply for exemptions of their own. There will be others
who are open and shutcases, players who are such good
assets to the Silver Ferns that straight away they will
(04:32):
be given that exemption. Others, though, may have a few
nervous moments as they apply for that exemption having plied
their trade off shore and are told, you know what,
We're not going to grant it to you for a
variety of reasons. Finally, NEP on New Zealand's board, you
have to congratulate them on finally getting to the position
(04:53):
where a they change the eligibility criteria and be applied
it effectively around the Grace Wiki situation. But I still
wonder why on earth it took them so long. It
was a long and drawn out process before they they
even looked at those eligibility criteria and they were only
forced to do so. Let's be honest by Grace Wiki
(05:15):
making the decision without any certainty that she'd be able
to play for New Zealand, to go and play in
Australia to improve herself as a netballer. As I say, thankfully,
sanity has prevailed and this rule will now forever be
known as the Grace Weiki rule.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sports Vex with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
You're listening to the Sports Fix podcast. Christ Church's new
te Kaha Stadium will host Super Rugby's Super Round across
Anzac weekend next year, the first sporting event at the
new venue. The Crusaders will open proceedings against an as
yet unconfirmed opponent on the Friday night, then the Hurricanes,
Brumbies and Blues Reds on the Saturday, and another double
(05:59):
headed to follow on the Sunday. Super Rugby Pacific CEO
Jack Mesley was in christ Church for the announcement and
joined us on Sports X Jack. How keen were you
to get super Round back on to the Super Rugby
Calendaroda Parney?
Speaker 3 (06:14):
Yeah? Really, King. You know, I think rugby, as you knows,
as a touring is part of part of rugby, and
we know fans across the Pacific love to love to
tour and go and watch rugby games, so it makes
sense for us. It also just gives us a really
(06:34):
big round that we can really focus on drive visibility
and interest in Super Rugby Pacific and just a great
opportunity to bring everyone together.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
How long have the discussions been going on with the
relevant parties in christ Church to get us to the
announcement today?
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Yeah, I mean some months. You know, I've been enrolled
just over twelve months now, and you know, getting super
Round back on the agenda was one thing that we
identified early. We had conversations with a number of different territories,
you know, another number of different cities across Australia, in
(07:14):
New Zealand and also into the Pacific, and you know,
christ Church right from the outset have just been really
engaged in those discussions and we worked really closely together
to get us to the point now that we can
we can announce it. And you know, I think just
the kind of beauty of it being the new stadium
(07:35):
A and that long weekend, you know, it all kind
of fell together just to make a lot of sense.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
We think you were there this morning at the new Venu.
Still construction going on obviously, so hi version hard hats,
no doubt. But how's it looking.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Well, it's looking a lot better than I do in
high vision, hard hat. Let's put it out like, yeah
it is. It's going to be unbelievable, bunny. I mean,
we were up a few levels where we did the
precedent this morning and you are on the sideline, so
there is not a bad seat in the house. To
(08:11):
be undercover is just going to make such a difference
for all of those Cantabrians that have been braving the
cold out of Apollo, and you know, just a short
stroll from the city. I mean, you know, wonderful bars
and restaurants just down the road. So yeah, all of
those things combined, and you know, I mean Crusaders being
(08:33):
our champions and the most successful Super rugby team. You know,
they're a world class franchise and they're going to have
a world class day here and that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Initially this is just a one year deal. Are you
keen for it to be a longer term proposition?
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Yeah? We want this as a as a marquee event
in our in our fixture, in our draw every year.
So you know, we'll continue to work hard to try
to make that a reality. You know, as I mentioned,
we've talked to a lot of other states and regions
about about hosting this and we'll continue to have those
(09:10):
those discussions. But you know, we're really thankful that you know,
the city here is as working with us to make
this a reality.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Fair to say that super Round never really worked in
Melbourne to the extent that I'm sure the organizers then
would have hoped. Are there any lessons to be taken
from that? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (09:30):
I think so, you know, I do know you know
from from what from speaking with the organizers that you know,
one thing that did work was they did get the travelers.
So whilst the stadiums were nowhere near as full as
anyone would have liked, there was a pretty good critical
mass of travelers, right, and that's what you know funds
(09:51):
these these sorts of projects for all of the codes.
So so we've we've got to continue to focus on that.
And then you know, I think it's about making it
a complete event, and our discussions with the city here
and the venue and the Crusaders all about you making
sure that when you come to christ Church for Super Around,
(10:12):
you know, you feel that you're part of an event
all the way through the city, whether that's down at Riverside,
whether that's in the precinct of the stadium or in
the stadium. So we're really working on that sort of
coordinated approach so that you know, when people come, they'll
have a they'll have a holistic experience, and we really
hope people come for that experience. But also then you know,
(10:36):
go and spend a few days seeing the region, enjoying
all that christ Church and Canterbury and surrounds has to offer.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Super right Pepacific of courses and eleven team competition, so
one team will have the buy challenging conversation telling one
team that they're not coming to super Round.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Yeah, well, you know, the whole draw is one big
challenging conversation for me and all the teams. This is
this is another element. Yeah, and the discussions with the
clubs is that the clubs are super excited to have
this back, so yeah, it's a shame that not everyone
can be there, but yeah, we'll look to try to
(11:15):
get this as a regular part of the fixture and
make sure that we rotate that round. All right.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
So, as I said at the start, Crusader's going to
open up on Friday night, their opponent to be confirmed,
then the Trans Tasman double hitter on the Saturday, another
double hitter Sunday. When will the full draw not just
for Super Round Jack but for the twenty twenty sixth
season be out.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
Yeah, in the coming weeks, Piney, Yeah, we're working hard.
We're pretty close to close to that. So yeah, I'm
in the full details, you know, starting date, end date,
grand final date and the full full draw should be
coming coming pretty soon and we've been working hard on
that and that'll be well ahead of where we've released
(11:57):
it in previous years, which we're excited about. But yeah,
I think just on the Super Round fixturing, Yeah, we
see that Friday night sort of being an opening party night,
be high energy, and then on the Saturday, and the
reason why we have sort of confirmed those fixtures on
the Saturdays because they're out of the traditional and that
(12:17):
day matches and we're really we're really trying to get
in behind those matches and and h gear and make
them very special as we celebrate that connection between our
between Australia and New Zealand and recognize recognized vans that day.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
A very exciting weekend and prospect. Indeed, congrats on getting
this across the line, Jack, and thanks for joining us.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Measley with us on sports Fix.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
The Chamber is now in session on sports Fix.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
On the Sports Fix podcast, Let's pop inside the Chamber
on Monday. It's the People's Chamber starring Elijah out of
our ensid ME multi media team focusing on all sorts
of sport. I'd forgotten this until not that long ago. Elijah.
You're a Canary Bulldogs fan, so good weekend for you.
Speaker 4 (13:03):
Oh, one of the best weekends that I can recall.
Shout out to the Warriors for helping the Bulldogs figure
out there weather woes. We've struggled all season, but it
seems like we finally piece things together against the Warriors.
But I guess in terms of the Warriors an unfortunate
result for them. It's a bit tough when you lose
a playmaker early in the first half and you're sort
(13:24):
of left with one chief playmaker for the rest of
the game. But hey, the Bulldogs will take the two
points there.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
So out of the top four now for the first
time and quite some time. I checked. I think they
moved to the top four kind of mid April, what
have been now in mid August, So it's been a
long time residing in the top four. They drop out. Now,
Are they a top four side anymore? Or are the
top four at the moment the top four?
Speaker 4 (13:50):
I think the top four are the top four. I
think the Panthers. Obviously there's a gap between the top
three teams the Raiders, Bulldogs, and the Storm down to
the fourth place team, which is currently the Panthers. But
the Panthers are running hot nine in a row. They
do have there's an upside for the Warriors fans. Panther
do have the Storm, the Raiders, and the Bulldogs those
(14:10):
top three teams over the next three weeks, so they'll
be hoping. Warriors fans will be hoping that the Panthers
sort of stumble at some point over that period. But
looking at the Warriors remaining schedule, you've got the Dragons, Titans, Eels,
and Seagulls, And yes, all those teams are outside of
the top eight, but a couple of those, the Dragons
who they have on Friday, and the Seagulls are fighting
(14:30):
for a spot in the top eight, so they've got
something to actually fight for here for the rest of
the season. And then the Titans and the Eels. I mean,
as we've seen a couple of weeks ago, if the Titans,
there's no easy wins in the NRL. That came to
Mount Smart and got the win over the Warriors. So yeah,
at this point, I think it's going to be very
hard for the Warriors to crack the top four.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
Just on the Bulldogs. Again, you're right, the buffer's there,
and look, the Bulldogs aren't falling out of the top four.
But it's not the easiest running for your team either.
Roosters away, Storm away, Panthers at home, and then I
think it's the Sharks at home, So that's pretty tough
for the Dogs. I think they'll be okay, but that's
not the easiest running in the world either.
Speaker 4 (15:08):
No, it definitely is it. And yeah, I mean I
guess if there is going to be one team from
those top three teams Raiders, Storm and Bulldogs who could
fall for some reason. It could be the Bulldogs. They
might not even win over the next month. I mean,
anything can happen in the NRL, so I think Warriors
fans will be crossing their fingers that something happens. But
I think for the Warriors themselves, they'll be focusing on
(15:29):
getting the job done over the next the remaining four games.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Okay, well we'll I'll wait with interest. That's three straight
losses now. They's hope the Cavalry is returning. White Eggan,
I guess is probably the big one who might be
back in contention next week. Ali lad Roccoberry still seem
like they're a week away. Jacob Labn's not going to
be back to a finals to Mighty Martin out now
with concussion. I don't know who's Andrew Webster offended in
(15:56):
a previous life to be handed the injuries he has
this season.
Speaker 4 (16:00):
I have no clue. I mean, obviously the football gods
maybe it's a Warriors thing. It's probably why the Warriors
havn't won a premiership. The what football gods been looking
over Mount Smarts and decided no, no premiership for you
guys or something like that. And unfortunately Andrew Webster's the
coach that's been caught under this. I guess curse, we
could maybe call it, but yeah, we'll see what happens. Now.
(16:24):
Tanner Boy's gonna have to come back into the half
back role with Timlighty out, even though he was a
late swap for that Bulldog's game. And then, as you mentioned,
weed Egan is going to be a big return if
he's fit and healthy.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Okay, we'll wait with interest on the matters around. I
want to chat to you about today. Hayden Wilde about
three months ago suffered a punctured lung, six broken ribs
and a shoulder blade injury. He's got a couple of
metal plates inserted in his shoulder, and one hundred days
later he's winning, not just competing in, but winning a
(16:56):
T one hundred event in London. This is utterly superhuman,
isn't it It is.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
It's one of the great comeback stories, not even this year,
maybe in the last few years off anything. I mean,
it's one thing, you know, recovering from those list of
injuries that you mentioned, career threatening that could potentially take
him up for a long time. But he's also training
to come back for this T one hundred event, which
is noticeably longer than a normal triathlon. I think it's
(17:23):
a two case whim, an eighty kilometer bike and an
eighteen kilometer run. So he's not only recovering from these injuries,
but he's training for this as well. And to do
that in the space of three months and to win
is a phenomenal feats and yeah, he should be thrilled
with that, and it's an amazing comeback story, get the
comeback of all comebacks.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
So absolutely, I totally agree. I don't think you know
cheap as if I had broken ribs three months after that,
I'd still be complaining about having to walk from the
couch to the fridge, let alone with me pull Lee's
alone competing at the level he has, So man, that
guy has got some constitution and he deserves all the
(18:01):
praise that he is getting for what he's done. Just finally,
before you go, mate, super round christ Church and Zach
Weekend with her from Jack Measley on the podcast today,
you're booking your tickets for Anzac Weekend and Chriss Church.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
Yeah, I'd love to go down to christ Church and
check it out. It's an exciting way to bring in
the new stadium down there, and I think as well
super Round. I've always liked super Round if it's under
the right circumstances, and I think this is the right
set of circumstances here introducing this new stadium. My only
question is there's eleven teams in the competition, so who
actually will miss out? I would say I'd vouch for
(18:38):
teams like Moana and the Drawer to play, just because
of the fan bases they have. I think they can
create a lively atmosphere down there in christ Church. Maybe
if I had to pick, maybe the Western Force. Maybe
you save them a bit of travel coming all the
way from Perth. But that's something for I guess the
officials over at Super Rugby to figure out. But nonetheless
an exciting opportunity for christ Church with super Round.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
If we're running a tab book on who doesn't come
to super Around next year, Elijah, the Western Force are
at a dollar one. They're almost certainly for me the
one who's not coming. We know that the Reds are
coming and the Brumbies are coming, because those games have
been confirmed against the Hurricanes and the Blues on the Saturday.
The Crusaders obviously open on Friday night. We know that
(19:20):
the Highlanders and the Chiefs will be there. They're the
New Zealand teams. Of course they're going to be there.
And I think you're right. I think Mawana and the
Drawer will bring their own flavor in color. So it's
you know, it's to me, it's it's the Warritars, isn't
it the Warritars or the Force? And I think it's
the Force. I think they're missing out.
Speaker 4 (19:39):
Yeah, I agree, and I mean it's a long trip
for the Force as well, having to come from Perth
to christ Church, take a break, voice, save some costs,
save some of their points or something like that, or.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Don't gain any air points. It's probably more it's more appropriate. Yeah,
we wait and see when the drawers finalized. Always great
chatting in the chamber, Elijah. Thanks for that. We'll do
it again next Monday. Cool.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
This is Sports Figs, your daily dose of sports hues,
pow in Bye, news talks, ab.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
And that blows the final whistle on this episode of
the Sports Fixed podcast. Thank you so much for subscribing,
for downloading and for listening in A fresh episode will
arrive in your podcast feed at around about the same
time tomorrow afternoon and every weekday. And for more from
News Talks ABB Sport listening to Sports Talk weeknights between
seven and eight and on the weekends weekend Sport Saturday
(20:34):
and Sunday between midday and three. For more from News
Talks EDB listen.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
Live on air or online and keep our shows with
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