Full Show Podcast: 18 May 2025

Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB. The only place for the big names,
the big issues, the big controversies and the big conversations.
It's all on Weekend Sport with Jason Vine on your
home of Sport News Talks ed Bill.

Speaker 2 (00:30):
Good afternoon and welcome in to the Sunday edition of
Weekend Sport on News Talks HEB May eighteen. I'm Jason Pines,
Show producer Andy McDonald. We've been waiting to get on
the year to talk to you. We're here until three
Talking Sports Super Saturday certainly delivered yesterday in christ Church.

Speaker 3 (00:48):
That is it no extra time in the pack four.
It is a draw and in many ways that is
a fear reflection of what has been a truly absorbing
contest between two gubewakes of.

Speaker 2 (01:04):
Women's rugby at sun Corp Stateia.

Speaker 4 (01:06):
It's rarefied even Warriors second place on the letter.

Speaker 2 (01:15):
And here they are make a time on the truck.
Another nail guy to though it's Albany, no.

Speaker 5 (01:25):
Wonder over it.

Speaker 2 (01:26):
Don't get the penalty head who got it?

Speaker 4 (01:30):
Hey Savia for the Wada PACIFICA speak the Blues for
the third time.

Speaker 2 (01:36):
In their history and in Melbourne advantage.

Speaker 4 (01:40):
Alkland FC Logan Rogerson is the man of the hour
at all plad FT create another first a finals win.

Speaker 2 (01:51):
At the first time of asking so much to keep
eyes on yesterday and into the evening. Gonna try and
cover off as much of it as we can for
you in the next three hours. Alkan FC coach Steve
Cooricus Dandy Boy the Chat to US Warrior's assistant Slave
Griffin after one mina PACIFICA winger and hat trick hero
Kien to Mooifilal is on the show, But I really

(02:12):
want to know what grabbed your attention last night. I
want to chat through some of these games with you.
And are there any more words to describe Ardie Savier
other matters around today PGA Championship. The third round is complete.
As you heard from Elliott during the Sports News, A
bit of a roller coaster third round for Ryan Fox

(02:32):
five thirty six bogies one over seventy two type for
seventeen three under seven shots behind the leader Scotty Scheffler. Well,
I mean, even being in this tournament was something that
Ryan Fox wouldn't have expected a week ago, so to
be within that shorter margin of the lead is something
Gray megars after two on that Wrexham Wrexham aheaded our

(02:53):
way playing a game of football against Wellington Phoenix in July.
There CEO Michael Williamson on the show this afternoon. The
Posnan Canoe Sprint and Power Canoe World Cup is coming
up this coming week, competing in his first power World
Cup event ki We Finn Murphy. He's on the show
James mcconey as well, with no doubt plenty to to
unpack over the last twenty four hours of show or

(03:15):
so when he joins us in his regular slot around
one forty five. Please join us if you would like to.
We'd love to have you on the show. I'm sure
you'll have reaction to what you saw or heard yesterday.
And numbers are eight hundred and eighty ten eighty. The
text line is open nine two ninety two emails into
Jason at Newstalk sb dot co dot NZ bang on

(03:36):
ten past midday when.

Speaker 1 (03:38):
It's down to the line. You made a call on
eight hundred eighty ten eighty Weekend Sports with Jason Hines, News.

Speaker 2 (03:44):
Talksb Advantage Aukland FC in their A League Football semi
final against the Melbourne victory at Amy Park last night
makes us way back to Devrez who escapes the attention
of Arzani and towards the.

Speaker 4 (03:57):
Area beenheedited by Logan Rogerson.

Speaker 6 (04:04):
First what Auckland FC and in front of their delighted
traveling supports Francis de Frees so often the provider does
it again and Logan Rogerson stupid and heading home his
ninth goal of the season and giving.

Speaker 2 (04:26):
Auckland FC the advantage in League One and they held
on to it one nil winners last night. They bring
that advantage back to Auckland for the second leg. That
second half headed from midfielder Logan Rogerson the key moment
in the match. The second leg is Saturday night, six
o'clock Ago Media Stadium. We'll try and get you a

(04:48):
ticket update, but last I heard there were only a
couple of one hundred left and what will be a
capacity of thirty thousand next week once they add the
extra seats, and we'll get an actual official update. Don't
want to tell you there are no tickets if there are,
But before we do any of that, let's bring in
head coach Steve Corricker, who's with us from Melbourne. Steve,
congratulations on another terrific performance last night. In a season

(05:12):
of very very good performances from your team, where does
this one rate.

Speaker 7 (05:17):
Well, it's definitely right up there. It's one of the
most important games of the season at that stage. Really
gritty defensive effort. I thought, you know, they didn't have
any shots on target, so that's real credit to you know,
the whole team working hard for each other, and obviously
Logo popped up with a very important goal.

Speaker 2 (05:40):
Just before we unpecked the game. What was your broad
strategy going into it?

Speaker 7 (05:47):
We knew we had to defend well. I think they've
got a lot of strengths going forward, a lot of
individual players that can change games. And obviously the two
wingers are Zanni velop and mchash were the real threats.
That we spoke about fair bit that we wanted to
make sure that we limit the time they had on
the ball and think, you know, the boys did it

(06:08):
exceptionally well. When one player got beat the other one,
someone else was there to, you know, to take over
from him. And that's what we spoke about, just more
everyone working hard for each other and getting the job done.

Speaker 2 (06:22):
You needed to soak up a fair degree of early pressure.
Did you expect that from Melbourne Victory? Well, yeah, I did.

Speaker 7 (06:31):
You know they were always going to start well and
they were on top, you know obviously that first fifteen
to twenty minutes. And also I think probably with us
not playing last week as well, it took us a
little while to get into the game, I thought. But
I think once we did, yeah, we started to play

(06:52):
some good football and obviously started to create chances and yeah,
I think we pretty much control the game from then on.

Speaker 2 (07:00):
As you said, Steve, Melbourne Victory didn't register a single
shot on target. Alex Paulson didn't have to make us
save although there were seven blocked shots. So how much
did your back four protect your keeper last night? Yeah?

Speaker 7 (07:14):
Back four, But also I put that down to everyone really,
but there was a lot of blocks from the back
four as well, really putting their body on the line.
And we spoke about that as well. You know, they
do shoot from distance and you have to put your
body on the line at times, and they definitely did
it last night, and you know it kept a clean sheet.

(07:35):
That's what's really important. Obviously we get the one goal
maybe should have been two right at the end with
datas when they hit the double post, we were up
celebrating almost and yeah, you know, obviously going in with
the two goal would have been nice, but I think,
you know, away from home, it's never easy coming here anyway,
and then you know we're going back home now to

(07:57):
go media in front of thirty thousand. Hopefully we can
you know, bring it home there.

Speaker 2 (08:02):
The goal, the score was from Logan Rogerson. Nine for
the season now for her, he said afterwards, you gave
him bit of a servant halftime, Is that right?

Speaker 7 (08:11):
I just wanted more from him. I didn't think I
was getting enough from the right hand side, not enough
forward runs, and I just wanted more from him. And
he produced in the second half, obviously with a very
important goal. So yeah, he's popped up at some really
crucial moments logan for the team and important goals.

Speaker 2 (08:33):
Yeah, I mean, I don't know, nine for the season.
I don't know whether he's he's always been that prolific.
Did you expect him to be, you know, nearly a
double figure goal scorer for you at the start of
the season.

Speaker 7 (08:46):
In that position there, you know you'd like him to
get around six or seven at least, I think as
a winger, I don't think he's probably ever scored that
many inner season, not that what I saw, But I
think he's probably surprised himself. You know, he's getting into
very good positions and he's taken his chances when they come,
and you know, he's a real threat on goal now,
which is which is good for us. We need players

(09:08):
like that, especially our wingers, popping up with goals. And
if you can get you know to nine or ten,
that's that's really good for a winger, I think.

Speaker 2 (09:16):
And he had the honor of scoring your fiftieth goal
of the season. You've got there faster than any other
side has ever gotten to fifty goals twenty seven games.
Previous record hold it was your previous side, Sidney FC.
You've been excellent defensively, as we've outlined. But as a
former striker, how much does a record like that getting
to fifty goals so quickly meant to you?

Speaker 7 (09:36):
Yeah, Terry showed me that that last night after the game.
That's I was surprising, but yeah, that's I think it
just you knows credit to you know, like we we
we speak a lot about our defensive set up at
the club and keeping clean sheets. But you know we
are scoring you know, one or two goals you know

(09:57):
every game, which is which is really positive as well
for the team. And to get there the fastest ever
in the in the A League after you know, to
get fifty goals, that's quite amazing.

Speaker 2 (10:07):
And you kept on going to you talked about Nato
Modino's you know chants at the end and yeah, I
think get to five the laws of physics not going in.
Some are hurting both both posts and then rebounding straight
to Jack Duncan. But it wasn't as though you sat
on the lead. Yes, you bring Tommy Smith on and
we know that he's very good at closing things out
Callan Elliott too, but you clearly didn't tell your team
just to sit back and park a bus. Steve, No, we.

Speaker 7 (10:29):
Don't do that. You know. We even when we go
to the back five, we normally create chances going forward.
And you know we got the wide players that will
get forward. We got Gashamo as well, and then you've
got midfield is still breaking forward. So yeah, we definitely
don't sit back. We quoe solid defensively with the five.
But you know we still want to play our football

(10:50):
and continue to try and score another goal.

Speaker 2 (10:54):
One of the hallmarks of your season has been the
consistency you've managed and chosen through selection. Eleven of your
players have played in twenty three or more of your
twenty seven matches. How key has that been to you
to be able to put out a very similar side
each week.

Speaker 7 (11:09):
Yeah, obviously it helps. Obviously if they're all doing well
and performing at a high level and we're winning, that's obviously,
you know what you want, the consistency. The players get
to get to know each other, they know what to expect.
But I think if you look at our bench as well,
it's really, you know, a really quality bench. You know,
you've got Need comes on, He's he's already scored I

(11:29):
don't know, eight goals or something this season as well.
Then you've got Brimmer, cam Howison didn't even get on.
The real quality players, Tommy Smith, Kallen Elliott. You know,
there's a real strength to the team and good depth
as well, and they're all in it together. You know,
the ones on the on the bench not playing obviously

(11:49):
you know they all want to play. But there's a
real support for everyone who is playing.

Speaker 2 (11:54):
How wet was it last night.

Speaker 7 (11:57):
When we first started. It was quite wet obviously for
the first probably ten fifteen minutes and then and then
it stopped. But obviously that pitch is quite slippery anyway
and fast, and you know, there's it's actually good for
playing playing conditions. You know, the boys liked it, enjoyed it.
But yeah, they all had their studs on except for Logan,
but Daddy Hay wasn't too happy with Logan having no studs.

(12:22):
But obviously he popped up with a goal, so that's
got him off the hook.

Speaker 8 (12:27):
I think.

Speaker 2 (12:28):
Was he out there in Maldis he was, Yeah.

Speaker 7 (12:31):
He obviously feels comfortable in molds.

Speaker 2 (12:34):
He knows better than that. Just to finish, what do
you reckon? It is going to be like it go
media next Saturday night.

Speaker 7 (12:40):
Well, it's going to be an amazing atmosphere and they've
obviously put the some more seats in so it's going
to be like thirty thousand. It's going to be brilliant.
They've definitely been right behind us all season and you know,
we just want to bring it home for him and
get into that home final and go on and win it.
It'sart about just getting there. It's about you know, winning.

(13:01):
So we've got two more games, two more wins, and
we get the job done, which is would be unbelievable
for Auckland and for the whole club.

Speaker 2 (13:11):
Another giant's stride in the right direction last night, Steve,
thanks for the check. Congratulations on the win last night.
Safe travels mate, Thanks Bonie, excheers me good on Steve.
Steve Corika, the head coach of Auckland FC from Melbourne.
They'll come home, they'll regroup, they'll refresh and then on
Saturday night Go Media Stadium will go mad. I would
imagine with close to thirty thousand there, they're throwing the

(13:33):
extra seats and I think capacity it's always a little
bit difficult to tell it go Media what the actual
capacity is. They're adding twenty seven hundred extra seats. Earlier
this season they got twenty seven thousand there for the
derby against Wellington Phoenix. So I guess if you add
twenty seven hundred to twenty seven thousand, you're getting close

(13:54):
to thirty thousand seats. We'll try and get an update
for you. There will be no seats available very soon,
I would imagine, but depending on when the extra seats
are released. If there's some of those where members hand
their ticker back or whatever it is, there might be
some tickets available a bit later in the week. We
are going to broadcast the show next Saturday from Tyler Street, Sport,

(14:18):
so midday to three next Saturday will be right in
the hearts of Auckland FC country ahead of the game
which kicks off at six. I'm keen to hear your
reflections actually on last night, Auckland FC fans, football fans,
whether you're on the bandwagon or have been there since
the start, maybe you were out and about. There were
a number of watch parties last night down at Brittamart

(14:40):
and Auckland. Some fantastic scenes of jubilation and celebration when
the goal went in from Logan Rogerson. Oh eight hundred
and eighty ten eight. Let's talk some football in a
season where they've continued to set new benchmarks. This was
another one last night from Auckland FC. For the second
time in two visits to Amy Park to take on
Melbourne Victory. Auckland FC put on a gritty, resolute courageou

(15:06):
just composed performance really in the pouring rain to take
a massive step towards the Grand Final in a couple
of weeks. Melbourne victory came out fast. They were always
going to at home, that's what you do. Auckland f
C hadn't played for a fortnight. They earned a buy
in the first round of the knockout stages, so they

(15:27):
didn't play last week. So maybe a little bit rusty,
I don't know, but they soaked up the pressure grew
into the game. They didn't really severely test Jack Duncan
in the Melbourne victory goal. But when it mattered, the
two Kiwi boys in this team, or two of them
combining to score a precious, precious goal cross from Devrees

(15:51):
headed from Rogerson advantage Aukland FC down the other end.
The stats will tell you, and Steve Criker pointed this out.
Alex Paulson didn't have to make a save last night,
didn't have to make a safe. That is quite extraordinary.
Melbourne victory had ten shots, though seven of those were
blocked by Auckland f C players before the ball even

(16:14):
got anywhere near Alex Porson and that tells you the
story of a defensive line that was pretty much hell
bent on protecting the goal. And coming home with a
clean sheet, and the fact that across three matches now
four and a half hours of football, Auckland have kept
one of the most potent attacking teams in the competition.
Goal is there's just another demonstration of why their debut
season's been so good. Louis Vistrata again superb in Auckland

(16:38):
f C's midfield, the way breaks up play, wins every
fifty to fifty wins, quite a few forty sixties and
even the odd thirty seventy as well. Just a terrific player,
so key for Auckland f C. And the goal from
Logan Rogerson. As I mentioned to Steve, Auckland f C's
fiftieth the fastest team in a league history to get
to fifty goals. So whichever way you look, there are

(16:59):
impressive things coming out of Auckland f C. OH eight
hundred and eighty ten eighty. If you'd like to give
us your thoughts on what your say all last night
nine two on text Peter Hollope.

Speaker 9 (17:10):
Good morning. I'd like to rerun to the media elits
and the comments before the Football World Cup in South Africa.
You know that the quality of the statements of the
team before that remind me of Auckland. We have seed,
you know, just before they play, you know, the confidence
of you know, the people and what they say and

(17:32):
everything else like that. It seemed a very united team
and that they've fulfilled their prophecy.

Speaker 2 (17:40):
Yeah, I think Peter, I think you're did right about
the unity in this team. It's it's obvious for all
to see. They talk about it. It's easy for teams
to say, yeah, we're a family, where a brotherhood and
all that sort of thing. But they basically demonstrated on
the pitch and afterwards as well when they go and
thank their fans all that sort of thing. They really
are a very together group.

Speaker 9 (18:01):
And it's great to see and please they came from
nowhere and give hope for anyone to do anything at
any time. They get their formula correct and the commitment
and I enjoyed for full and it's great. After the
World Cup last time that the amount of new people

(18:21):
playing football, and you know, I think it's great, great
that and I think it's more young people playing learning
football than what there is rugby.

Speaker 10 (18:29):
Is that right?

Speaker 2 (18:30):
Yeah, we'll certainly journ. Your numbers for football are very
very strong. Have been for a while. But the other
thing I think this has done, Peter, is it's just
created a whole new legion of football fans. You know,
Auckland f C have managed to turn the heads of
those who otherwise probably wouldn't have watched the football match.
Any number of people have said to me, Look, I

(18:51):
don't normally watch football, but I'm watching Auckland f C.
So more power to the team if they're creating football fans.

Speaker 9 (18:57):
Yeah, and it's been the largest population based It's a
good marketing employee to have it based there and all
the best for everyone to watch something even better.

Speaker 2 (19:09):
Indeed, Peytuck, good on you, mate. I appreciate your call.
I eight hundred eighty ten eighty. If you've got some
thoughts on the football last night and anythink you saw,
if you're going along next week, if you've been a
Day one fan, if you've jumped on the bandwagon, keen
to hear from you. I eight hundred and eighty ten
eighty Text numbers ninety two niney two. Alista, says Jason.
Regardless of whether Auckland FTC go all the way or not,

(19:30):
it has been an outstanding season for the club. Come
Hellberg's time. Will Steve Coricker be eligible for Coach of
the Year given his Australian I'm pretty sure that he is.
I'm pretty sure that as long as you are in
charge of a New Zealand team, you can be Coach
of the Year. I need to check, but I think
he would be eligible. I think he would be in

(19:52):
the running. Just trying to think of a precedent. I'm
sure somebody will know. I eight hundred eighty ten eighty
nineteen nine to one Text, twelve twenty six. We're back
with more of your calls after this.

Speaker 1 (20:03):
Don't get caught offside call I. Eight hundred and eighty
ten eighty Weekend Sports with Jason Paine and GJ. Gunnobs,
New Zealand's most trusted home builder, News Dogs MB.

Speaker 2 (20:13):
Twelve twenty nine. On News Talks, Abach has to talk football.
We are going to flick across the rugby and rugby league,
so if you are keen to past comments on Auckland FC,
then this is the time to do it. Eight hundred
and eighty ten eighty. Quite a few on text, including
this one, Jason. People in Auckland are watching football because
they don't have a rugby team. Tony Well, I think

(20:34):
they do have a rugby team, and it's called Maana Pacifica.
I think that's that's become relatently obvious that Mawana Pacifica
is certainly taking over the hearts and minds of many
in the Nine as far as Auckland Rugby is concerned.
I think Artie Savia even said that last night there
are two teams in the nine. There was a suggestion

(20:54):
during the week, and I'm not sure where this came from,
that there were some in the Blues organization who weren't
big fans of Moana Pacifica setting up camp in the
same city is them that they you know, it was
like this is our town, not yours. I don't know
where that came from, but it was kind of floating

(21:14):
around during the week. If there was any basis to
it all at all, I'm not sure. But if I'm
the one at Pacifica, then there's motivational fuel right there.
We'll show you and they certainly did. Will unpack the
rugby after one o'clock. Do you think asks this text,
some of the unity and thanking the fans and the

(21:35):
behavior of the team has something to do with the
fact that Ali Williams is involved in the team and
he's passed this on from his time at the All Blacks.
I know his time wasn't always great, but do you
think he learned some lessons and is now passing them
on to the team. Well, I guess it's possible. Ali
Williams is part of the ownership group, of course, a

(21:56):
minority shareholder, but he's had all the games. I don't
know whether he spends a lot of time around the
team or not, but he's certainly a very passionate supporter
of the team that he has part ownership in. Whether
he's passed on some lessons, I'm not sure. I tell
you who was with the Auckland FC team during the week,
and that was Dan Carter. I think through Ali Williams,

(22:17):
that's how the contact came. And Dan Carter came and
spent about an hour with the team talking through things
that he'd learnt during his rugby career and how they
might be helpful to Auckland FC as they pushed towards
the A League Grand Final. So yeah, Ali Williams certainly
has a good contact book mark says Jason, what a
game I can see why Aukland won the Premiership. Amazing

(22:40):
football being played by both teams, great one touch football
on show. And then to have Crystal Palace win the
FA Cup, says mark Y. That was cool. Lucky though,
says Mark as the keeper should have been sent off
which would have changed the game result. I actually must
have been. I haven't had a look at a replay
of the FA Cup final. I had to get some

(23:01):
sleep somewhere and then get into work this morning and
sort a few things out. But I do know that
Crystal Palace fans are enjoying themselves royally here on Sunday,
oh eight hundred and eight, ten twenty eight away from one.
Jacob Spoonley, former All Whites and Phoenix goalkeeper, our Sky
Sport analyst, was in the commentary box last night and

(23:23):
joins us now on Weekend Sport. Jacob A, you put
a lot of thought into your post match reviews and
you've been doing some deep thinking about this game last night.
What do you think gave Auckland FC the edge?

Speaker 8 (23:39):
In short, the defense, the way they set up, the
architecture that Steve Kuraker has put in place, the emphasis
of Danny Hay and in the execution, especially from the
Lakes of Louis via Strata, the calm composed way that
he picked off Melbourne Victory and then also at times
set the press very confrontational through the middle of the park.

(24:00):
But if you got beyond Uverstrata, you then had to
overcome Nando Pinek and Dan Hall and then Hiracki Sucky
as well, and one on one confrontations they buy and
large came out on top. And the key thing for me,
Piney is if you look at it the game, If
you look at the game overall, the small moments, the
small wins, look at the fist pumps, look at the

(24:21):
little celebrations, the micro kind of moments where Auckland knew
they had put together a couple of small victories and
that not only gave them a little bit of momentum internally,
it also sends a message to Victory that they were
in for the fight and that Auckland wanted to ensure
that they took an advantage back to go media amounts

(24:41):
mart just.

Speaker 2 (24:41):
To build on that defense of resilience. This is a
Melbourne Victory team that is widely regarded as one of
the most dangerous and an attacking sense in the entire
A league. They've got any number of game breakers, both
in the starting eleven and off the bench. That is
three straight games now that Auckland FC have kept them
scoreless again. You know, we can only talk so much

(25:04):
about the defense, but how big, huh, how big a
sign is that of just what Auckland FC have built
here in their first season.

Speaker 8 (25:14):
Two hundred and seventy minutes. They've kept out a combination
of international stars and Soccoro's Nichean Volupola and Daniel Arzani.
They toiled away, but they really weren't given an inch
at all. In the postmatch interview, Azani cut a very
frustrated figure. He wanted to talk about penalties that weren't given,
fowls that weren't given. He wasn't able to talk about

(25:36):
any chances though, Piney, and that's huge. Now, I've got
this scenario in my head, so just bear with me.
But if you've seen Sacario, there's a solon called the Beast,
this ominous tune that lets you know that a big
moment's coming. And I'm just playing that over and over
in my head and thinking about the Melbourne victory. Sides
having to step out onto the field again, coming up

(26:00):
against the beast, coming up against the teeth of this
Auckland FC defense, and then looking up above that and
seen the port bouncing. They have everything to play for
and I think at the moment they're a bit of
a wounded animal. So it can go one of two
ways I see from Malbourn victory. Either they'll come out
swinging in the land a few blows in Auckland in

(26:20):
the weekend, or the wheels could come off and in
which case we could have a huge moment to celebrate
in Auckland next weekend.

Speaker 2 (26:28):
Auckland f C know that if they don't concede next
week they're into the Grand Final. Will there be any
temptation for Steve Coricker to depart from what has been
a pretty attack minded strategy for the most part, not
all out attack, but certainly you know they don't. They
don't sit any temptation for Steve Coricker to just sit

(26:49):
next Saturday night.

Speaker 8 (26:51):
You have to ask him, but I would say if
you round it up zero percent, pony. The blueprint for
Auckland has been very settled from the get go. There
we've seen some nuances, we've seen some wrinkles. Yes, they
convert to a bat five to see out games. The closer,
Tommy Smith comes on just to make things absolutely concrete.

(27:14):
But let's remember that this side has talked about success.
It's a mandate that's come down from Bill Foley. They've
got their first piece of silverware. They did so refining
this process, refining this attacking transition football throughout the course
of the season. Now, if you talk to them during
the week, if you have a chance to chat to
any players, what became very apparent was there was almost

(27:37):
a confrontational focus on the championship. They've got the Premiers
play now that's been locked away. It was paraded around
for around about a week. We haven't seen it. That
says to me that this side is squarely intent on
going to the Grand Final and giving the best account
of themselves as they possibly can. Now this second leg,
yes it has to be played, but in some ways

(27:59):
it is also preparation for the Grand Final. And I
I don't see Steve Coriker straining anywhere away from what
he has done all throughout the course of the season.
Let's remember, as you put in a tweet this morning,
consistency has been key for success of Auckland SC.

Speaker 2 (28:16):
Just to finish, I want to ask you about the
two players who combined for the goal last night, Francis
Devrees and Logan Rogerson. A year ago, Logan Rogerson was
playing his football in Armenia. I don't think most people
could even pick that out on a map. No one
would have heard of FC Noah, which is where Logan
Rogerson was playing. Francis Devrees was looking for a professional
football club. Now in the white hot atmosphere of a

(28:39):
semi final they can bind for an absolutely crucial goal
and Jake both kiwis.

Speaker 8 (28:47):
This is the underlying value to Auckland FC coming into
the competition, more opportunities for Kiwi players. We know that
the player po or has been maturing. You can look
at their high end the lights of Marcustone and it's
and Tyler Benden going to the Premier League being olden Lega.
But there's also this middle class of player is that
wants to have opportunities. They want to play in their

(29:09):
hometown and at times the way to Phoenix simply haven't
had the spots. But we've seen opportunities given to France
as defeasted up from the National League. Logan Rogerson, as
you said, wanted to have a chance to play in
a well resourced, well run club. He's got the chance
to do that and basically his hometown. This is the
thing that I think is so exciting, because yes, the

(29:31):
marquet players, the international stars will give you that sugar.
They've grabbed the attention. The connection is built through the hometown.
Boy come good, and we've got that in spades this season.
Logan Rogerson arguably the most consistent player across the competition.
Eight goals now to assist. Of course, it was going
to be him last night, and the dividend that we

(29:53):
will see from what these two players are doing will
be realized in ten to fifteen. Is time when you're
talking to an Auckland FC player that pulls on the
shirt and says, I was inspired by what I saw
from Francis to Freeze and Logan, I just sent all
the way back in year one.

Speaker 2 (30:08):
Are you able to secure me a ticket for next weekend.

Speaker 11 (30:14):
Partie?

Speaker 8 (30:14):
I haven't slept mate, I mean an eighteen months old
who gets up at four am. I returned home at two.
I wasn't out partying ladies and gentlemen. I got to
we got to the end of the broadcast at twelve thirty,
went into Tyler Street to have a drink with a
couple of the staff at Auckland FC. They put on
a fantastic event at Tucky Thaid Square. It's got to
be said, two thousand plus people in their raucous atmosphere.

(30:37):
We saw the visuals last night. Had a chat to
Raf Turnbull and he said to me there's only around
about five hundred tickets left, and that was at one
thirty in the morning this morning. I can't even imagine
the scarcity, that, the absolute toil that you're going to
have to go through to get your hands on month
these tickets the most sought after ticket in town this week,

(30:59):
all right.

Speaker 2 (31:00):
So in other words, you can't secure me your ticket
for next weekend.

Speaker 8 (31:03):
It's a soft note, Jason, It's a soft note, right.

Speaker 2 (31:07):
Always enjoyed chatting Jacob, Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Rest up Big Saturday Night coming a week from now.

Speaker 8 (31:13):
I cannot wait to be in a commentary box as you.
Next week is going to be huge.

Speaker 2 (31:17):
Yeah, it's going to be big, all right, Thanks Jacob,
Jacob Spoonley, They're from the sky Sport Football Team twenty
to one and says I lived in England for twelve
odd years and did as we all do, adopted an
English team as my side. But it's not quite the
same as having a club from your hometown. That's competitive.
I'm just enjoying finally having a decent site. I can
truly call my club good stuff. In nineteen to one

(31:38):
on News Talk Set B, We're back after this.

Speaker 1 (31:40):
Love Voice of Sport on your Home of Sport Weekend
Sport with Jason Vain and GJ. Gunner Homes New Zealand's
most trusted home builder.

Speaker 2 (31:49):
News Talks sixteenty one from Ken on text, Hi, Jason,
very proud of Francis de Vreese, a fantastic ex student
from Cashmere High School in christ Yet good on you, Ken,
Thanks and DF your text. Thanks for all your feedback.
Let's go to rugby more. One of Pacifica have made
more history with a tweet seven twenty one win over
the Blues at Albany last night.

Speaker 5 (32:10):
Right running ball, big Bridge, pass the time, boy flout.

Speaker 6 (32:13):
Probas break get it rightway, got up Tyra time ooy
for out one two three tries.

Speaker 2 (32:20):
It is the first time that Mona Pacifica have ever
beaten the Blues. Winger Kiraen to Mooi Filas scored a
hat trick of tries. As you heard there from our
commentator Elliott Smith, he joins us, now, Kiraen, congrats on
the win last night, your sixth of the season, third
in a row, first ever against the Blues. How big
a night was this for Mona Pacifica.

Speaker 12 (32:41):
It was massive.

Speaker 13 (32:41):
It was so big for us at Mina Obviously, like
you said, it's a history year we're having with Mono,
and I just feel like we're just growing street to
strength every game and what last night meant to us
and to our fans, it's just, yeah, it's beyond words.

Speaker 12 (32:58):
It's just massive for us.

Speaker 2 (32:59):
What do you think last night's victory was built on.

Speaker 13 (33:05):
I think really good preparation week. I think, yeah, it
all started in our preparation. I think that we took
the emotion. There's a lot of emotion going into this game,
a lot of outside noise, and were just solely focused
on performance. I think that's what really led us to
going out there with a clear mind, mindset and everyone
was on the same page knowing that we had to

(33:27):
beat them. Up physically because we know they've got some
big boys, but strong bull carriers. We knew if we
took the physic physicality to them, then we can play
in the right areas with our game driving. And I
think the boys did.

Speaker 12 (33:39):
That pretty well.

Speaker 2 (33:40):
Absolutely. Such an interesting point you make there, because sport
is emotional, right, I know for the fans anyway, But
in the heat of the battle, how do you keep
a cool head? How do you go into such a
big occasion like that with a cool head?

Speaker 1 (33:54):
Yeah?

Speaker 13 (33:54):
I think for us, like we just talked about, we
can just being task focused. There's a lot of noise.
We have an awesome crowd there, over ten dozen people there.
I think mus Winer boys we just see for the
real task focused so it's always the next job and
staying real president of the moment. It's what really got us.
I think so.

Speaker 2 (34:12):
So Hettricker tries for you nine for the season. Now
you're the leading New Zealand based try scorer in Super rugby.
Why do you think you've been so prolific try scoring
wise this season?

Speaker 13 (34:25):
I think I've got some really good guys inside the
fitting me out for that. But no, I think, yeah,
I'm just lucky enough that the game plan allows me
to get my hands on the ball with Tanna as
the coach, and if it's in the air or get
a miss spoil or a kick, it's been pretty lucky.
So yeah, no, I'm loving it all right.

Speaker 2 (34:46):
Well, I'm not going to let you get away without
talking about your third try, the little kickchase, the little grubber. Yeah,
just what goes through your mind? You get the ball
split second to make up your mind. What are you
doing as you're sizing up your options in that situation?

Speaker 11 (34:59):
Yeah?

Speaker 13 (35:00):
Well, once I got the ball, I was thinking, am
I going to do a dive tray here? But it
was I faced like he had me pretty well read.
So I've seen a little bit of space at the back,
so I thought I'd just put a little kick through
it and lucky enough to yeah get it away, and yeah,
get it through, get it and put it down, which

(35:20):
was cool. So that was pretty special.

Speaker 2 (35:22):
I saw your WinCE a little bit afterwards. Did you
crampup or something?

Speaker 13 (35:25):
Yeah, both Carls are crampy out. Yeah, I both go
again and dock gaging some pickle juice.

Speaker 2 (35:36):
That's all you need and talk us through the last
last minute or so of the game you camped on
your line. They if they score a try and convert it,
they win. You know, what are the conversations out there?
Whose voices are the loudest.

Speaker 13 (35:49):
Just the leaders man like we had odd Ardie s
he was He's our big talk and he was just
saying that we've just got to be really no pailties here.
You know, this is a sip scrum. I think we
had times up, you know, I think we just had
like for us backs, we just we knew we had
to go front four like to defend them. We're going

(36:11):
to go send the house. But yeah, when I already
got that turnover, it was massive. It was also it
was a special moment.

Speaker 8 (36:18):
For our group.

Speaker 13 (36:19):
And you can hear the fans too, which.

Speaker 2 (36:22):
Was pretty cool that sol would be amazing. Yeah, everybody's
trying to find words to describe Artie's performance last night,
But it's not just last night, is it. It's you know,
he's been a game changer for the franchise. Are you
able to articulate his influence on your side internally?

Speaker 4 (36:38):
Yeah?

Speaker 13 (36:38):
So with odds, it's just the consistency of every week,
the way he prepped his week, he performs in trainings
leading up to the games. The character he is, he
leads by his actions and you feel it when you're
out there. You feel comfortable and you feel like you
know he's leading us. So he's a great leader, a

(36:58):
great captain, and I just know there's more to come.

Speaker 2 (37:01):
Yeah, special man, as you say, great crowd, how much
energy did you get from them last night?

Speaker 13 (37:06):
I was massive, man like, yeah, it was pretty cool.
Like bell allowed too, so all Ireland has Yellingcoln's screening.

Speaker 12 (37:14):
But I was cool.

Speaker 13 (37:15):
Man was loved it too.

Speaker 2 (37:16):
All right. Just to finish your sixth two games to
go Chiefs away, Cans Away. You know that's tough. How
are you going to keep this going and make the
top six for the first time.

Speaker 13 (37:27):
We're gonna whatever works for us during the week preparation wise,
we're going to prep for the Chiefs like that. But
we're going to try to take it to the next level.
I think we talked about have a good week weekend
when we get back for China. We're going to try
to take it to the next level because we know
it's going to be hard to beat the Chiefs and
the Hurricanes away. But yeah, first things for us to
trying to beat the Chiefs.

Speaker 2 (37:47):
Ifrom just that you're earning a lot of admirers Kyra
and you and the team. Congratulations on a historic victory
last night. And I really appreciate you taking the time
for a chat this afternoon.

Speaker 13 (37:56):
Oh good cheers, mate, have a good Sunday.

Speaker 2 (37:58):
You have a good Sunday too, Karen. Great to chat
to you, Cara and toe moi filou there hat trick
hero from last night. There's mona pacific some more history
first ever won over the Blues. Yes, six wins this season.
Now the late game last night. The Brumbies beat the
Reds twenty four to fourteen. Earlier on the Fijian drewer
at Latoka, which seems to be an absolute fortress for them,

(38:19):
beating the four thirty eight to seven. So that is
round fourteen in the books. The Brumbies are top on
forty three points, but they've played one extra game than
all of the other teams in the top six, so
the Brumby's forty three. The Chiefs are second on forty one.
The Crusaders also have forty one, with a slightly inferior

(38:41):
points differential. Then it's a big gap back to the
Reds on thirty two in fourth place. The Hurricanes are
fifth on thirty Mawana Pacifica are sixth on twenty eight.
Now the Blues also have twenty eight points, but they've
played one more game. The Blues may well miss the six.

(39:04):
They've got one more game to go. I've got the
buy next week and then in their final game of
the season, they welcome the Waratars to Eden Park on
the Saturday of King's Birthday weekend. First of all, they
absolutely have to win that game, but that might not
even be enough in their favor. The Blues in their

(39:24):
quest to make it into the top six, and it
would just be squeaking into the top six. Mawana Pacific
is run and is very tough. As I just mentioned,
Chiefs away, Hurricanes away. But then you look what Maana
Pacifica did to the Blues last night, and you think
to yourself, you would not put it past them to

(39:45):
get something out of one or both of those games
if they were to lose them both. The Blues do
have the chance to sneak into the top six if
they were to beat the Warrior the Waratars over King's
Birthday weekend. The Waratars themselves theoretically could still make it.
They've got a couple of games left on twenty two points.

(40:07):
It would take a pretty strange set of circumstances for
them to sneak in. So I think we can talk
about seven teams being in contention for the top six,
and we can obviously put the Brumbies, the Chiefs and
the Crusaders in there. They're pretty much there. In fact,
they are mathematically there. Red's Hurricanes, Mowanna Pacifica Blues. Three
of those four are likely to make up the top six.

(40:29):
Going to talk more about the rugby after one o'clock.
In fact, I also want to get your thoughts on
on Addie Savia and just what a special player he is.
After his performance last night, I think people were just
rushing to the what's it called the thesaurus the thesaurus
or just looking on synonyms dot com to find new

(40:51):
adjectives to describe them. Just an absolutely superhuman performance last night.
A lot of people also saying, hey, if he leads
to Mawana Pacifica like that. Imagine if he was All
Blacks captain. We can chat about that after one as well.
Seven away from one, analyzing every view from every angle
in the Sporting World Weekends for It with Jason five

(41:13):
Call News Talks eNB four to one on text of
Artie is and Captain of the AB so they shared
always a lot of fans, including me, says this one.

Speaker 12 (41:21):
I don't know.

Speaker 2 (41:22):
I'm a little bit on the fence about this about
whether you make him captain of the All Blacks for
a couple of reasons. One is that Scott Robertson is
pretty much all in on Scott Barrett. They've worked together
a lot. He chose him last year as his captain.
I think it would be well. First of all, I
don't think he'll do it, And second of all, I
think it would be unfair if he did take the

(41:43):
captaincy off Scott Barrett. You know, for what reason, just
because you've got a superman there at your disposal. Maybe
let's talk about it after one.

Speaker 1 (41:51):
The only place to discuss the biggest sports issues on
and after field, it's all on Weekends Forward with Jason
Paine on your home of Sport with us Talks one seven.

Speaker 2 (42:05):
This is Weekend Sport on News Talks AB. I'm Jason
Pine and McDonald's through the glass producing the show. We're
hed till three. Piney says this text there are still
tickets available for Auckland f C next weekend. I just
bought two for my son and me. He's fired up
with his Rogerson twenty seven shirt ready to go. Actually
he hasn't taken it off for weeks.

Speaker 14 (42:25):
I love it. I love it.

Speaker 2 (42:26):
We'll get an official word from Auckland f C, hopefully
before the end of the show. As far as the
official word is concerned, how many tickets are left where
you can get them and how long they expect them
to last? What have we got coming up this out?
I want to talk abouit about Artie Savier and the

(42:49):
theme that always comes out when Artie plays well, which
is every week, should he be a contender for All
Blacks captain? He is clearly an absolutely inspirational leader of
men and my Wanda Pacifica are the lady team to
get the benefit of. That doesn't necessarily follow that he

(43:11):
should be the All Blacks captain as well? It might,
It might, and I'll tell you what if, Scott Robertson
says before the first Test of the year, Look, I'm
changing my captain. Ardie Savia is going to lead the
team this year. I don't think you get an argument
from anybody, but I just wonder whether you know you're

(43:31):
better off leaving Artie Savia unencumbered in an all Blacks
environment and just let him play the way he plays.
I don't think the captain c affects Artie Savia at all.
I'm not saying that he would be burdened by it,
but I just know that in an all Blacks environment
there is a lot more to it than in a
super rugby environment. Would he be better off just leading

(43:56):
as he does inside an all Blacks group and leaving
the other staff all the media commitments and the sponsor stuff,
which he does happily and readily and very well. But
you know, it's not everybody's favorite thing. I don't know
if it's Ardy's favorite thing or not. He always seems
very happy to talk to the media and to mix
with sponsors, but he always just seems more comfortable just

(44:17):
with the everyday fan, just sort of, you know, wandering
around the ground and signing autographs and taking selfies and
shaking hands anyway you might have a view. And Scott
Barrett's a very very good rugby player and clearly also
has huge respect inside that all Blacks environment as a leader.
And maybe I heard Scott Barrett say this actually earlier

(44:38):
this season when there were question marks around his performances
for the Crusaders. He said, look, the leadership is something
that I that does elevate me, it does enhance me.
And he doesn't have that at the Crusaders, does he.
Because David Harvili is the captain there, well co captain anyway,
I'm not sure Scott Barrett is the official captain or
any part of the leadership group at the Crusaders. I'm

(44:59):
sure they ask his opinion anyway. That's just me sort
of pontificating on keen to hear your views. We'll get
to the rugby shore. But I want to start this
hour with the Warriors because that is five wins on
the trot for the Warriors now. The latest are tight
sixteen twelve victory over the Dolphins in Brisbane yesterday. He
breaks through the prison bars himself.

Speaker 4 (45:21):
You were playing quickly as well, metcalf pouncers, crabbers till
himself gets a belt.

Speaker 2 (45:27):
Get it's a tape well.

Speaker 15 (45:28):
Brilliant time look Meta doing it again.

Speaker 13 (45:33):
For the Warriors.

Speaker 2 (45:34):
The tape well scores and they've gone back. It's it
back at eight points to nil. The terrific try there.
The Warriors led sixteen nil worth ten minutes to go
before the Dolphins created something of a tense finish couple
of converted tries to go with co captain James Fisher
Harris being sent to the sin bin late in the contest.
But the Warriors got the job done, got the two points.

(45:56):
It keeps them in second on the ladder, just two
points behind the Bulldogs at the top and now four
clear of the Storm who lost thirty one twenty six
to the Sharks in the late game last night. Assistant
coach of the Warriors, Slave Griffins with us out of
Brisbane before they fly home. Slave, thanks for your time.
There's always five wins on the bounce, second on the table.
Your overall evaluation. First of all, on the way the

(46:18):
team played last night.

Speaker 11 (46:20):
Yeah, we the boys. It was a tough game like
Dolphins turned up. They're an armorytional team as well, so
there's a lot of three. The boys had a big
chunk of period with there to defend the line and
show their resilience on their trial life. So look, the
boys have been working really hard for each other. That's

(46:40):
kind of the base of what we're doing at the moment.
We still clash up a few areas, and we still
think we've got improvement in us. But yeah, it's pretty
pleasing to be winning the close games here.

Speaker 2 (46:51):
We've alluded to my next question. Your fifth win of
the season by four points or less. I'm sure it
does nothing for the heart rate up in the coaching box,
but it does speak to an ability to close out
and win tight games, which, let's be honest, wasn't always
the case last season. What's changed in twenty twenty five.

Speaker 11 (47:09):
Yeah, I think the boys just trying to pay us
coaches back, just keep us on the edge of our seats,
try try to get rid of to hear we've got this.
But actually to your point, yeah, we lost i think
eight games plus six points blast year, so we did
a lot of work on it, like situational mental. So
the boys have worked really hard and yeah, I mean

(47:32):
join as many as we have the so far. The
seasons obviously been testament to what they've worked on, but
we've been very close to maybe running away for a
few kind of let teams back in it. Yeah, we'll
think words.

Speaker 2 (47:45):
Just on the psychological part of this, because I guess
when you're defending your line, things can get a bit hectic,
a bit chaotic. Are you seeing Are you seeing cooler
heads out there, particularly from some of your more experienced plans.

Speaker 7 (47:59):
Yeah, we got a.

Speaker 16 (48:00):
Really good leadership groupe with Kate Well, Bunnett and Fish
and yeah, they've been awesome in those moments, and we're
worked really hard on connecting in those moments.

Speaker 11 (48:10):
As well, so the boys they will get their breast
and zone in. So I just think, yeah, the whole
team is doing a really good job there. You can
obviously it's fatigue as well as sets in, but I've
showed the resilience on their try line and just Seed
by those send you guys, I mean just Inhage moment,
so he's going to really really can't head for the voice.

Speaker 2 (48:32):
The last time you lost the game was that heavy
defeat to the Storm a month or so ago. Did
something happen after that game? Did Was there a pivotal moment,
a certain set of conversations that has set you off
on this run after that loss to the Storm?

Speaker 17 (48:48):
Not that I can recall.

Speaker 11 (48:49):
We were really every game pretty thoroughly. We're even to
the point where the boys are like, oh, I feels
like we lost the game because we're always the improvement
in us. We've been pretty strong. You know, we're learning
while we're winning, which is awesome. You don't need to
lose to to improve, you know. So not that I recall,
but I know I think the police did have a

(49:12):
little players chat, so that might have been pretty pivotal.
But obviously when looks like that, it didn't sur pride
and they really responded that they they galvanized and love
them playing for each other.

Speaker 2 (49:24):
A couple of eye catching moments last night on attack
Luke Metcalf's skill and his rugby league. I Q really
to the four little grub a kick to collect and
sit up cape well for your second try. How was
his growth in the seven jumper being evaluated by the
coaching stuff?

Speaker 11 (49:41):
Yeah, and he's I mean, yeah, this is the first
time he's propt back to back footy. He's still early
in his career and he's still learning as well. But
he had some huge moments. But she already yeah, he's
showing up and some like some really clutch moments. Then
he's he does some really nice attacking players. We're getting

(50:04):
that game cycle for the other team and then he
uses to create something. But yeah, he's a great good look.
He loves footy, loves learning, and yeah, well I worked
paying off. He's done a really good apprenticeship Na Sean,
and he's yeah, he's really excited to get his opportunity and.

Speaker 2 (50:19):
You're welcomed Roger to us a shack back for the
first time last night since round three. How much of
a boosts us is availability to give you?

Speaker 11 (50:27):
Oh awesome, like our centers system of pressure on our
wo defensively, but so it's called out him and him
and Allen back and Teane played really well as well.
So it was a little bit. I guess that's the
tame because he's put in some really good performances. But
girl know the caliber of Roger, and it's funny like

(50:48):
you look at the statue and he's run for you know,
top of the meta count, like two hundred and thirty
meters or something, and he just goes about his business.
I felt like really showing. You know, it was a
quiet game for Dodgers anything, but yeah, he had it
was a pretty decent layoff. So you know, he'll be
even better next week. So yeah, it's just called to

(51:08):
have a guy like that back. I know, as a
defensive coach, when a team that has a guy like him,
you're really worried. So yeah, I could imagine the headaches
he Causedes two.

Speaker 2 (51:16):
The other teams and at the other end of the
experienced scale. And amongst it all, you were able to
hand a debut last night to Tannastouris Smith. How special
a moment for him and and how do you acknowledge
a new player into the Warriors family.

Speaker 11 (51:30):
It was awesome. He's been the system, has always come
through the lower grade, so plays she ball, played New
South Law with the captain any debuts, so it was
awesome just for the club to develop those players. But
he's from christ which as well, so a little bit biased,
but it was really cool to see South Islander in
a crack and we've had faith in Tanpa for a

(51:51):
long time. Obviously we're we're pretty strong in the forwards
with our debt, but he's got his opportunity and he
played awesome luck he was Yeah, he was really good.
So I'm sure everyone will see a bit more of
a Tanner, but he was really cool out of his
dad come and see and you could. Yeah, it's just
it was a really cool list of.

Speaker 16 (52:08):
The boys as well.

Speaker 2 (52:09):
Also his father came and spoke before the game.

Speaker 11 (52:13):
Yeah, yesterday, so yeahs father come and kind of presented
them as Jersey.

Speaker 2 (52:18):
Amazing, amazing moment.

Speaker 11 (52:20):
Yeah, his brother's there. He looks identical or a brother. Hilarious,
But that's always called it, you know here what you
know the parents did him growing up and just a
little bit more about his backstory that you probably don't know.
But yeah, it's always called for those kind of players
to look back on what's got them there, and then
for the players play on that day for him like

(52:41):
they want to make a memorable debut. And it was
a pretty cool moment for him.

Speaker 2 (52:44):
Absolutely. Right, let's finished by looking forward to what is
said to be a mouthwater and clash a week from
today back at home, Go Media, Camber Raiders. I don't
know whether you even useless as a theme, but are
you looking forward to getting a bit of revenge after
what happened in Vegas?

Speaker 11 (53:02):
Yeah, we've had some really tough games the camera of
the last couple of years, so every game is in
the balance. And look, I was obviously really disappointing for us.
It was tough for the fans as role as it
committed all that money and all that time to go
over to eight. So we have stayed at home for
a long time years, so we're just excited to get
back to month from I think it's been a while

(53:24):
since we played at home. So yeah, our crowd has
been awesome. I think it's sold out. Really, we were
in our black cat rich looks really sharp, So no,
we're really excited to play good stuff.

Speaker 2 (53:35):
Well, safe travels. Slate, congrats on the win last night
and another one five in a row now. Always appreciate
you taking the time for a chat mate.

Speaker 11 (53:42):
Cheers, cheers, thanks for the support.

Speaker 2 (53:44):
No, thank you for your time, Slate. Slake Griffin, assistant
coach of the Warriors. Our Warriors fans is get into it.
Eight hundred and eighty ten eighty. Same thing as last week, right,
and the week before and the week before that. I
think winning the tight ones, it's just become a common theme.
Last year they lost the tight games, the single figure
margins went in favor of the opposition. This year, for

(54:07):
the most part, they are going in fact every time.
The two losses the Warriors have had this year have
been by big margins. So anytime there's a small margin,
the Warriors are on the winning side of it. If
we want to be picky, should they maybe not let
these teams get quite so close, particularly when they have leeds. Look,

(54:28):
I'm just stating facts here, and it feels a bit
unkind to be picky when your team has won five
in a row. But last night, for example, they were
sixteen knill ahead, Dolphins got back to sixteen twelve, which
was the eventual final score against the Dragons. Last week
the Warriors were fourteen knill ahead, the Dragons got back

(54:51):
to fourteen all and then they got the late drop
goal from Luke Metcalf to win that one fifteen fourteen
Against the Cowboys. The previous week, the Warriors were ahead
thirty points to twelve early in the second half, winning
at thirty twenty six, so three tries for the Cowboys
to close it up. I mean, should we worry about this?

(55:16):
It feels like I'm scraping the bottle of the bottom
of the worry barrel. Really, you know, when they're winning
the games. But look, I'm sure if you asked Andrew
Weis said Hey, I'll prefer we'd win, buy more, but
the winner's the thing and anything else that stood out
for you last night. Great to see Roger back. Love
seeing him out there. I thought he might have gone

(55:36):
into the centers, but none out onto the wing, and
it seems as though that's where he'll be utilized most
often this year. Just another very good performance in terms
of the heart shown by this team and the mentality
to defend your line late on in matches. Let's get
to the lines and talk some Warriors.

Speaker 18 (55:54):
Hello, Frank, good nay, Jason. That flag will be flying
high at the tennis Nick Friday.

Speaker 2 (56:02):
You're going to need are you going to need a
bigger flag, Frank.

Speaker 18 (56:05):
Well, a bigger one that's getting worn out with all.

Speaker 2 (56:08):
That bloody being buffeted by the wind so much. Last year,
it was quite pristine, wasn't it.

Speaker 8 (56:14):
Yeah.

Speaker 18 (56:14):
First, firstly though, before I make a few points about
the Warriors, congratulations on your commentary on the soccer.

Speaker 10 (56:22):
It is very good.

Speaker 2 (56:22):
Oh, thank you, Frank, that's very kind.

Speaker 18 (56:24):
No, what is port anyway? What we mate and I
were trying to figure out what the port's of Walkland
or what is it?

Speaker 1 (56:31):
Oh?

Speaker 2 (56:31):
The port? Yeah, that's what that's the name of the
of the sort of the very passionate act of support
that follow the follow Walkland fc've it's it's a it's
a name they coined themselves. I'm not exactly sure what
the origin of it is. But yeah, when you hear
me talk about the port that is the very passionate
fan base of Auckland f C.

Speaker 18 (56:50):
We were wondering if we were wondering about that. I've
just messaged a good friend of mine, Jeff at the Tennessee. He's,
like me, a warrior's a mad fan, and I put
down seven wins in a row, three on the road. Brilliant.
But and I said, we're going to have to discussed
the butt tomorrow on Monday. But yeah, it just seems

(57:11):
to me. I don't know. I mean, it's happened a
bit for me to tell Andrew Webber what to do.
But I would think if I was the coach at
halftime with a lead of ten nil, I would say
to the boys, right, forget the ten. The game starts

(57:31):
now in the second half. Now you start building a game.
Don't worry about that ten to get that for the moment,
just build on it. And I just don't feel we're
using the interchange bench. We've got these brilliant guys out there.
I mean, there's so many there that they're sitting waiting
in the wings. Some of our guys will be running
out of petrol obviously in that second half. I mean,

(57:53):
they defended to their bloody lives and it's got to
take a lot out of them. So give them a
bit of a rest and bring some of these as
he did. But I just feel that we need to
bring some of those newbies in and just sort of
round it out because we are We shouldn't be dropping
those two tries again. I mean, you know we won, yeah,

(58:17):
but oh god, as like wherebe I'm I haven't got
any bloody fingernails now, I'm just about down to be
bloody raw.

Speaker 2 (58:25):
Well, it's good to be down to them, though, Frank,
When at the end of the day or end of
the game, you can look at the scoreboard and say, well,
they'll talk up another one. I know what you mean.
You'd probably prefer to be sitting back and you know,
and luxurious relaxation with a you know, thirty or forty
point winning margin. But the two points are the two points,
aren't they absolutely wins.

Speaker 18 (58:46):
It win and let's just with the Raiders. Well, oh,
I think we can do it.

Speaker 2 (58:53):
I totally agree, Frank, I totally agree. And the motivation
from Vegas, whether it's real or not, whether they use
it as a frame of reference or not, whether they
have revenge on their minds or not, going to be
a heck of a contest. Extra seats have gone on
for the football next Saturday night, as you probably know,
And I was talking a couple of people last night

(59:14):
the Warriors pre show when I was out at sky
Monty Betham and Richie Barnett were out there and they
were saying that they've heard that those extra seats will
be sold for the Warriors game the following day. I mean,
there's no reason not to sell them as there, so
let's hope that's the case. Frank, good to chat to
your mate. Keep that flag flying high. John says on text,
I'll take anyone for the Warriors, close or not. I'm

(59:34):
sure the Blues would love five in a row. I
think you're probably right, John, Greg. Hello, here you going,
Bunny good?

Speaker 14 (59:41):
Greg. A bit strange to have the main event before
the entree last night, wasn't it?

Speaker 2 (59:48):
Are the ah, the Warriors before the Warriors before the
rugby you're talking. Yes, indeed it was quite an unusual
kickoff time, wasn't it. I must say I didn't mind it.
It allowed me to watch it.

Speaker 14 (59:59):
Yeah, Depth Defense composer go on, Hey, yeah, I think
I think that what they're doing is just you know,
exactly right. I did listen to a bit of a
thing on the on the uh, the Auckland soccer team before,

(01:00:22):
when they were talking about each other. They had the
players being interviewed and they were saying that they're like
a family, they're all stick together in tough times and good.
I think that's very much what the worries are all
about this year. It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter whether

(01:00:44):
they've had a loss. They you know, they don't seem
to dwell on it. They seem to get on with
what they're doing. I also think there's you know, like
a couple of players that don't get a lot of
cudos out there who are doing a lot of a
lot of hard work, like Cape Well Aaron Clark and

(01:01:05):
We're right in their corps.

Speaker 10 (01:01:06):
Uh.

Speaker 14 (01:01:07):
I think they are sort of setting the platform for
a lot of what goes on on the field. I
still think the jury's out on our friend Metcalf.

Speaker 8 (01:01:23):
I don't.

Speaker 14 (01:01:24):
I don't like his kicking game. He doesn't get enough
height on the ball. If you watch General Debeta Harris,
he gets a lot of height, gives time for the
chase team to actually get right up in the face
of the other team, where Luke, you don't have a

(01:01:44):
chance to actually attack the ball. My thoughts could be
changed over the whole season though.

Speaker 2 (01:01:51):
Yeah, good, I agree. I hope they are. And often
the number of the block, of the number seven jersey
gets you know, it does does attract comment critique, and
I think we're right to critique players just as you
have there. I mean, you know, Seawan Johnson was off
a lightning rod, wasn't he? For people? When you know,
the one when the Warriors lost, It was often Sean
Johnson's fault. Luke Metcalf might be in for similar critique

(01:02:16):
from Warriors fans. But yeah, I must admit I really
like him. I just think the raw materials are definitely
there for him to steer this Warrior's ship around. I'm
enjoying watching him, enjoy chatting to you too, mate, Thanks
for your call, Gregor. Really appreciate it. Oh eight hundred
eighty ten eighty one twenty seven Back with more of
your calls on the Warriors right after this.

Speaker 1 (01:02:35):
The Big Issues on and after Fields Call eight hundred
eighty ten eighty Weekends Forward with Jason Pain and GJ.
Gunner Homes New Zealand's most trusted O Milder News Talk
one thirty talking the Warriors.

Speaker 2 (01:02:48):
Ye's good, isn't it Five in a row today?

Speaker 14 (01:02:50):
Mark?

Speaker 10 (01:02:52):
Yeah, he was championing out Luke Metcalf last week and
took a bit of criticism, but objectively he stood on
the LAM leaderboard at the moment. That's pretty pretty well rated,
isn't it. He could he could be the LM Middle
Winner of the year.

Speaker 2 (01:03:06):
Well, I mean just to get the points right. You know,
at the stage of the season, after what ten games,
you have to think to yourself, he's doing a lot
of the right things.

Speaker 10 (01:03:15):
I think he's doing amazingly well. I think Andrew Webbs
is probably the best coach to Warrior's head and I
was just looking out, but I don't think. I don't
think an Australian born coach can be eligible for the
Heberg Halburg's. They give a lot of weight to the
Halburg Awards. But yeah, it's going to be interesting that
probably two of the best coaches of the year won't

(01:03:36):
be abble to receive the award.

Speaker 2 (01:03:38):
Yeah, she someone asked that question last hour, Mark and
I thought that they would be. But you're right, you've checked.
Somebody else has checked for me as well, and you're right.
So Andrew Webster Steve Coricker cannot win the Hellburg Award
for Coach of the Year. Even if one or both
guide their team to historic victories in the NRL or
the A League, they can't be Coach of the Year.

Speaker 10 (01:04:00):
I think Andrew Webster if he wins, if they win
the Grand Final, I think they're going to have to
check angel rules for their helbers, don't.

Speaker 2 (01:04:07):
You look the coach, the coach who guides the Warriors
to their first NRL premiership and it could well be
this year, who knows. Let's not get carried away, but
the coach who does, I think the Halburg will be
probably you know, the least of their Warriors. They'll be
given the keys to the city and they'll be given
you know, free beer anywhere in Auckland. You know, all
this sort of stuff.

Speaker 10 (01:04:26):
Knighthoods, knighthoods for all at the ticket parade, Thicke tape parade. Hey,
just on a sav I mean, what a legiend he is,
and I mean talking about the Halbergs, I reckon they
should just give him the sports Person of the Year
award now, I mean, what a what a difference he's
made in you know, I think he's gone up a

(01:04:48):
level since even leaving the Hurricanes, and you know, given
this this role at Moana, he's he's really just you know,
he's obviously a proud Pacific Island and he's really I
don't think anyone's ever made such a difference to a
team that.

Speaker 2 (01:05:03):
He haswitching to lease stupendous.

Speaker 10 (01:05:08):
They were lnguishing the more I know, and they were,
they were I don't know that the makeup team of
the Super Rugby to me. And now he's turned that
completely around to beating the Blues last night. I think
it's just I think it's just tremendous.

Speaker 2 (01:05:22):
Utterly tremendous. Mark, You're so right, and and what that
leads on to, who knows in terms of leadership and
that sort of thing around the All Blacks. But yeah,
no one's a one man team. No team is a
one man team. That that would be a false statement
to make, but it is not exaggerating. I don't think
to say that Ardie Savia has almost single handedly changed

(01:05:46):
the fortunes of Morena PACIFICA has a rival. There has
been transformational, have gone from participants to contenders. Thanks Mark, Hey, Ben.

Speaker 17 (01:05:57):
Hey Briny? How are you mean?

Speaker 16 (01:05:58):
Good?

Speaker 12 (01:05:58):
Ben?

Speaker 14 (01:05:58):
Good?

Speaker 17 (01:06:00):
What do we kend?

Speaker 7 (01:06:01):
What do we hear?

Speaker 17 (01:06:04):
Just I'm glad to pre the program director has got
it right and it all lined up in a row.
Usually it's like having public holiday on a Sunday, you know,
you sort of feel like you need to have one
of those set ups so you've got two or three TVs.
But now they got it right and didn't disappoint. From

(01:06:27):
a from a.

Speaker 14 (01:06:29):
K TED.

Speaker 17 (01:06:31):
League and rugby background, good to see the Auckland f
C doing what they do. But me, I just want
to talk about the wise the.

Speaker 1 (01:06:46):
Match.

Speaker 15 (01:06:46):
Respect.

Speaker 17 (01:06:48):
But they're always doing it the hard way. You know,
it's just been it's been a hard case. And you
know Rogie Roger, yeah, will be the first one to admit,
even though you know I sort of looked at it afterwards, Well,
all those times when the rubb the green headn't gone
our way it was. It was a good chart to
see it finally go away, but that was a knock on.

(01:07:11):
So take away six points and and that's team twelve,
so now they're lucky there. It was good to see
the because on a horsewll hornets man. Myself, I played
for the m back in the nineties, so it was
great to see the debut. But one thing that caught

(01:07:32):
my last night was Alreadie. I just want to take
it back to the when the guy was doing chip kicks.
Was it three weeks ago? Catch and bounce and then
try and then it was disallowed and just like the guy,
you know, you could see how possessed he is. The
guys just yeah, he's another level. And he comes back
the week after that and its the same thing at

(01:07:54):
scores a try, you've only got a You've only got
to look at how the guy plays in the proofs
and the pudding. He's not out next Av's cat.

Speaker 11 (01:08:06):
I don't know.

Speaker 17 (01:08:06):
I don't know who is you know, he's half beck,
he's what was it, he's first five as well. He's
not just a winger, he's the first five. Last night
what did he do from five meters out to up
to seventy Yeah, yeah.

Speaker 2 (01:08:22):
Utterly, utterly brilliant, ben Yeah, like like you know, I'm
sort of struggling to find new ways of describing him,
but yeah, like I say, he's just been transformational there
and you're right, little chip kicks through There was one
period of play where he did a chip kick through.
He gathered about four guys, tried to tackle him, couldn't
put him on the deck, He got up, he went again.
Just utterly incredible from Artie last night, just stupendous. Thanks

(01:08:46):
for you, coll ben Ay, Paul, Yeah, Tony.

Speaker 19 (01:08:52):
Just on the Wars last night, the game that the
fans and in Australia at the Worry and age for
themselves that they meet up all around Australia where the
Worries are playing and they they gather and it's just fantastic.
And I was just thinking maybe their port should or
you know, this organ azed Sea fans should do something similar,
you know, like the Warrior Nations are over there and

(01:09:14):
really get behind the Orkland the Sea when they're playing
in Australia.

Speaker 2 (01:09:17):
Yeah, it's a good point. There were a good a
good little throng of them there last night for the
semi final. They sort of packed them into a corner.
They almost sort of squeezed them almost out of sight,
but they were they were making some noise. But you're
so right, Paul. Even talking to a couple of people
who went to Magic Rounds, it seems like Brisbane's just
a real hotbed for kiwis. And I know a lot
of kiwis of on the Gold Coast and that, but

(01:09:39):
it seems like Queensland is just full of kiwis And
whenever the Warriors play there, it must feel like it
must feel like an away game for the Dolphins and
the Broncos.

Speaker 19 (01:09:49):
Yeah.

Speaker 8 (01:09:49):
Well, I know.

Speaker 19 (01:09:53):
Most of them come from live in Sydney, but they
just they have a group chat and they meet various
grounds where the Worries are playing, and it doesn't matter
if it's camera or whatever, and they meet there and
you got the drum and it's going off. But just
on the game when he I'm really happy with our
harvest combination. You've got a left foot ticker and Chanel
and and then you've got the right foot kicker. And
I was watching those two really closely and they just

(01:10:16):
they both have an equal role and games game management,
it seems, and it's working really well and Shanel's kicking
his pretty pin point at the moment, and it's a
really balanced team we've got at the moment. You know,
we've we've got paid some really good forwards. You know
that young Aaron Clark's just blows me away his work rates.

(01:10:37):
So really happy with him win last.

Speaker 13 (01:10:39):
Night, mate.

Speaker 2 (01:10:40):
Yeah, I'm absolutely the same. I just wanted to ask you,
Paul about Wade Egan. He got a lot of headlines
a couple of years ago. He was terrific in twenty
twenty three and he's still very very good every week,
is he? But is he showing out as much as
he always hairs? Have I missed that? Is he still
as good as he always was?

Speaker 16 (01:10:57):
No?

Speaker 19 (01:10:58):
I think he is slowing down. I don't think he's
an eighty minute player anymore. And when you have done
your half, that's a tough position. You're making so many tackles.
Don't give your He's still a good player. But I
know there's a young Mitch Heey coming through uh and
I know he's he's probably the next cab off the
Ringers into the hocking roll. So yeah, but no, definitely

(01:11:18):
way vegans. He is slowing down a bit. But Roger
had a mixed berg last night. He dropped Balls's been
of a shame for tang to a picky and but
Fisher Harrison's first came back and you could tell him.
He had his angry face on. And I'm really looking
forward the game against Canberra. They're going to be real tough.
We know how good they are, but you know, the

(01:11:40):
thing is too piney. They're calling the Warriors over the bitch,
fraudulent for without the table. They don't really talk to
talk about them in the media or rate them. And
I think it's good. We'll just fly under the radar
for a while and we'll just kick some ass and
then we'll see you in the finals.

Speaker 2 (01:11:54):
Love it, Paul, love it. I love being under the
radar with you, mate, terrific. Always enjoy your calls. Yeah,
James Fisher Harris. I wonder what he might get for
that high shot he got put on report, didn't he
off of the last three and a half minutes or
whatever it was. I guess we'll find out tomorrow whether
he'll be missing for the next game. Such a shame
because of course, he's only just come back from that injury.
What did he miss? He missed four games from memory

(01:12:16):
with that injury back last night in the bin, so
it's it's possible he won't be there for the Raiders
next weekend and then Origin. And then you start thinking
about the collateral damage of going so well, and you
look at Mitch Barnett and Kirk cape Well and you say,
could those guys be in the Origin picture. I know
Andrew Webster was asked about that last night in the

(01:12:37):
press conference. He might just play that before we go
to a break on the Origin selection hopes of both
Kurt cape Well and Mitch Barnett.

Speaker 20 (01:12:46):
If he played Many Killer, Yeah, he missed that. Reliable
loves playing with Queenslone, like it it standing. I don't
like about any he's a Queenslone, but he just loves
loves the Jersey name and he's so reliable and he
can play anywhere. But I'm not going to throw stones
because I don't I'd trust me. I'm drawing up Queensland's

(01:13:07):
team and know who's wearing what's going on there. But
all we can do is vouch for how good he's
gone if he play him that arena. We don't go
great Bobby Shop.

Speaker 15 (01:13:16):
He's not there.

Speaker 20 (01:13:17):
He's unbelievable.

Speaker 7 (01:13:18):
Captain's not Kim Fish.

Speaker 13 (01:13:19):
I thought spectacular today, got.

Speaker 20 (01:13:22):
A young lot of young guys on the field at
one time, and then you've got Barney playing the way
he's playing, and then Fish come back in the team.

Speaker 7 (01:13:30):
I thought they were unbelievable.

Speaker 2 (01:13:32):
And Barney, I'm sure.

Speaker 20 (01:13:34):
I hope we'll get picked for Oregon and they'll be
they'll be amazing because he's made for that arena.

Speaker 2 (01:13:41):
All right, We'll waiting to see you on the origin
hopes of Kurt Capewell and Mitch Barney at nineteen to
two when we come back, James mcconey in this regular
Sunday slot.

Speaker 1 (01:13:50):
Crouche Hold Engage Weekend Fort with Jason Pabe and GJ.
Coumber Homes New Zealand's first trusted home builder News Talk
to Baby.

Speaker 2 (01:14:00):
Coming at one forty five does not tell us of.

Speaker 4 (01:14:04):
Just what the fair shop, the big Manchester City, What
a turn of.

Speaker 2 (01:14:09):
This is, what a moment fall of South London. I
run shust Park and beyond where you were red and blue.

Speaker 4 (01:14:21):
This is the moment you've been waiting one hundred and twenty.

Speaker 2 (01:14:26):
Years four one hundred and twenty years for a trophy
for Crystal Palace. James mcconey was watching on amongst all
the other sport that he's been keeping eyes on this weekend.
I was delighted for Crystal Palace, James.

Speaker 12 (01:14:38):
Amazing moment, incredible occasion. And also, even though I'm not
a big fan of the monarchy, I really like Prince William,
so you know I had it all. But the fairy
tale story of Pallace was fantastic. And I mean you
and I have watched a lot of football over the
years Piney and it's one of those clubs that you
kind of say would be unfashionable.

Speaker 2 (01:14:58):
Unfashionable is a great word. They're never going to win
the Premier League. I don't think that is drawing along bo.
I know Lester won it, but I I don't think
Pallas are ever going to win the Premier League. So
for them to finally win something significant like they have,
I have just delighted. For fans of the Super Eagles.

Speaker 12 (01:15:16):
Well it's only been one hundred and sixty four years,
so you know they eventually got across the line. But
we I mean I remember a team back in the
day in the early nineties with you know Ian Right
and Mark Bryce, and of course they they've had to
sell their plans back then, they really did. And I
mean like Premier League clubs, like your beloved Liverpool, they
love to swoop on a on a small and minnow

(01:15:38):
team in the Premier League, don't they, you know, to
find a Van Dyk or whoever a Saana. But I
just hope that Crystal Palace then can keep there. They've
got four England players there. One of them scored Ebbie Is,
who's an incredible what do you call attacking midfielder, and
they're the keeper as a mark Paston moment saved a penalty.

(01:16:02):
And by the way, with that penalty, Earlin Harland, the
Norwegy in the striking Viking, had the ball of teams.
He was going to take the penalty and he was
overruled by marmouse from Egypt. And obviously, I mean Egyptian
players must be in fashion because of most sala or whatever.
But the penalty was save pony.

Speaker 2 (01:16:20):
Who takes the football off Earling Harland.

Speaker 12 (01:16:24):
It just seemed crazy to me. I don't even know
where that ruling came from, because suddenly he had the
ball in his hands and there's a bit of a delay.
That was the biggest drama of the game. But yeah,
who would do that? But I'm glad they did because
now we've got the Palace story and seeing those fans,
those Palace fans in the stands. I got emotional watching that,
And you know, we could have a similar situation in

(01:16:47):
Auckland very soon.

Speaker 2 (01:16:48):
Well, I was going to say, I might not take
one hundred and twenty years for Auckland FC. It might
take one year there, one game away from the Grand Final,
which they'll host. If they make it. They've got to
be a really good shot of winning the whole thing
in their first year, don't they.

Speaker 12 (01:17:02):
Yeah, they did look very good in Melbourne last night,
and I was kind of surprised at the way the
victory approached the game, especially at the end. They threw
people forward, and I thought, just take the one Nell
loss and rebuild on what will probably be a much
nicer pitch and hopefully a nicer evening in Auckland, because

(01:17:24):
they almost conceded too. The Moreno hit the post. It
was a double poster. You don't often see it Piney,
but that was incredible too.

Speaker 2 (01:17:31):
Yep, the rarely seen double poster. And Andy my producers
pointed out that he thinks it was an equal acterual
triangle post to post to keeper. He reckons that's an
equal actual triangle.

Speaker 12 (01:17:44):
Yeah, exactly. We need Pythagoras to get out there and
confirm this. The fact is that I thought that, oh,
there's another thing that's weird as well that might intrigue
Andy because he's into triangles. Is the Melbourne victory. Obviously
I've got the V on their shirts, but the three
most dangerous players are called Vergos, Valadon and vlopts.

Speaker 2 (01:18:06):
V's lots of v's and indeed, indeed and only only
one nail behind him with lots of attacking threats, next
week could be very interesting. Now, can I ask you
about More on a PACIFICA. I absolutely loved this, not
just because they beat the Blues. The Blues have been
a bit of a you know. I mean, I know
a lot of people just don't know the Blues because
they're from Auckland. But I just thought More on a Pacifica,

(01:18:26):
what a story this is.

Speaker 12 (01:18:29):
Yeah. The story helps with that the Blues will always
regret not sending one more person to that ruck to
clean out Artie Savier. So I watched it in the replayer.
I was like, you just needed one more person to
clean out or is probably aren't out left. They'd sort
of done the damage and they are right on their
goal line. But hey, it makes for the perfect narrative,
doesn't it. Everyone loves a hero story. Artie Savia. He's

(01:18:53):
been the best player all season. He's I think Wina
Pacifica means more to him than the All Blacks. I
think you're going to see it in the way that
he plays leading that side. You know, he takes it personally,
as Michael Jordan would say, and watch the breakdown on
sky lad tonight. They're going to analyze his performance, his

(01:19:15):
performance and also go over other compare it to other
great individual performances in Super rugby history. I know you've
probably got a few pioneer like a Christian Cullen or
whatever the Hurricanes people dream about.

Speaker 2 (01:19:30):
No, we do, we dream. We dream a little bit
about Christian Cullen on occasion. Yeah, absolutely, Well do.

Speaker 12 (01:19:35):
You dream about Walliser tit? I have nominated that one?

Speaker 2 (01:19:38):
I wonder well, actually, actually, well that's no, you're right
that semi Final against the Hurricanes was was probably the
most recent example of one man standing head and shoulders
above the other forty five who took part in the game.
But yeah, I mean Artie last night. I've said it
a few times on the shots. Impossible to find any
more words really, so I'll look forward to seeing the
analysis tonight. Hey, Warriors as well, five in a row

(01:20:01):
winning the tight ones. I'm sure Andrew Robster would prefer
it if they weren't quite so tight, but they're getting
a across the line.

Speaker 12 (01:20:08):
Yeah, I mean, I've been listening to your callers, very
educated league public, i must add, and I sort of
agreed with bits of what everyone was saying. But what
I really do like is that the playmaking has been
shared really nicely. And the key to that is that
Aaron Clark has halfback skills, so when he's got the
ball in his hands, you feel as confident as you

(01:20:29):
do with anyone in that team. So it's such a
bonus having a playmaker like that at Locke, and he
obviously does all the hard work as well. Very tough
man to put down, but I'd say that the reason
why all they have seemed to function really nicely is
because of Aaron Clark.

Speaker 2 (01:20:45):
Do you think, look, Metcalf's doing well. It seems to
be divided opinion on this. I think he's doing pretty well,
isn't he?

Speaker 14 (01:20:52):
Yeah?

Speaker 11 (01:20:52):
I do.

Speaker 12 (01:20:52):
I mean he's not an outrageous talent like some others
that you see around around the league at the moment
where you just go okay, you know, but it's hard
to find a really good halfback. And I think you know,
he's a great support player. He's clever as kicking has been.
He's put in some fantastic checks. I mean there was
another one at the weekend, right, So you can't fault

(01:21:14):
I guess what he's done with his experience. You know,
we've got to wait with Luke Metcalf. Just be patient. Yeah,
but I also felt that without someone like tying to
a picky who's been dropped for Roger two of us
a ship. I get that, but it'd be nice to
have room on the bench with someone who's that electric
you mentioned him with fresh legs coming on in the

(01:21:37):
second half, then all hal Blacks loose. Then you'll see
the best of summer like.

Speaker 2 (01:21:41):
Luke A great rappers always, James, Am I going to
see you at go Media Stadium next Saturday night for
Auckland FC. Will you be able to make it along?

Speaker 12 (01:21:50):
I'll be standing right behind you, Poney, just like that
scene from Ghosts.

Speaker 2 (01:21:56):
What the pottery scene, the pottery scene.

Speaker 12 (01:21:59):
Yes, I'll be there, singing unchained melody and and yeah,
it's going to be one of the great nights of
our I cannot wait.

Speaker 2 (01:22:08):
I simply cannot wait. Thanks James, James mcconey, Craig Goes Wild,
alternative commentary, collective and all across your socials too, and
a big part of our Sundays here on News Talk's
EDB seven to two.

Speaker 1 (01:22:18):
Breaking down the Hail Mary's and the epic fails weekends
for it with Jason Vine. News Talk ZB.

Speaker 2 (01:22:27):
Four to two from Jared on text, Pinty, that was
some result for more on in a Pacific last night.
I can't help but compare Artie to Michael Jordan who
led his balls in the nineties with such commands. Amazing
how one player can make such a difference, and Artie
has been massive for this team. Thank you, Jarrett, absolutely
bang on the money after two o'clock in case you

(01:22:47):
missed it, and then we will look back on round
three of the PGA Championship. Ryan Fox is in line
for a top twenty finish at the year's second major.
Graham Ago is going to run an eye over round
three and his predictions for round four. And Wrexham FC
are headed down Under. They're playing a game against the
Wellington Phoenix in July. Their CEO, Michael Williamson is on

(01:23:09):
the show after two as well.

Speaker 1 (01:23:12):
It's the only place to discuss the biggest sports issues
on and after fields.

Speaker 12 (01:23:17):
It's all on Weekend.

Speaker 1 (01:23:18):
Sport with Jason Vaine on your Home of Sport, New.

Speaker 2 (01:23:23):
York two o seven. This is Weekend Sport for an
hour or so more and then Tim Beveridge with the
Sunday edition of the Weekend Collective. He'll take over before
we can get there. I want to get you to
Hungary where we'll have a chat to Finn Murphy. He's

(01:23:43):
off to the Poznan Canoe Sprint and Power Canoe World
Cup in the week ahead, competing in his first ever
power World Cup event. Finn Murphy he was a rowing
champion who lost his leg in a motorbike accident in
twenty twenty one and in the time since has become
a very very very good power canoeist. He's on the

(01:24:05):
show to me. FC are on their way here to
Wellington Anyway to take on the Phoenix in July. Their
CEO is Michael Williamson. He's going to join us for
a chat. Gray Magoes long shortly to review round three
at the PGA Championship, look ahead to round four. Your
causing correspondents continue to be welcome at any time. O
eight one hundred and eighty ten eighty is our number

(01:24:26):
nine two nine to two on text if you prefer
to correspond in that manner. Eight past two, as we
always do at around about this time, though, it is
time to catch you up on some of the stuff
you might have missed. There's been heaps happening over the
last twenty four hours or so. We've covered off a
little bit of it, but there's a lot more we
haven't to the NRAL where a wind for Manly happened

(01:24:48):
in North Queensland.

Speaker 12 (01:24:50):
Jerry of it's the.

Speaker 2 (01:24:50):
Bronx out of bed turviv it's Manly package test.

Speaker 1 (01:24:57):
Time.

Speaker 2 (01:24:57):
I don't even know what happened, but that Survivors has
gone the time. That was a very odd wave of
introducing that a windn't happened twenty four to six. It
was the Sharks meantime, put in a big shift to
beat the storm open Gravey for hides on the end
girl Kennedy times he beat the past sky Star thirty

(01:25:22):
one twenty six to the Sharks. There to super rugby.
The Fiji and Draw ran all over the Western Force
in Lautoka, still having a run.

Speaker 21 (01:25:30):
They're getting the little Murray So he's not the waiting
down the kickdown town really getting back there.

Speaker 2 (01:25:36):
That's gonna come back right.

Speaker 14 (01:25:40):
Stairs, seller Sino ravel Talamunda.

Speaker 2 (01:25:45):
He got right last week. He's got another one to
night thirty eight seven easily the Fiji and Drew's biggest
winning margin of the season. The Brumby's moontime moved almost unnoticed.
That has to be said on this side of the
Tasman to the top of the table with a twenty
four to fourteen went over the reds passing you itches out.

Speaker 14 (01:26:01):
It pulls the past beautifully.

Speaker 2 (01:26:03):
Oh they're right here, they're wrong, big time bright gun
thing so too. Rosy tis post of the year and
he celebrates a wake and sees him right stime with
Oki Rugby and to the peg. Four Women's competition the
Wallaroo's too strong for the United States.

Speaker 1 (01:26:21):
As the home side and a Lemon safety marks and
the other Marthe.

Speaker 2 (01:26:28):
Again so strong shot.

Speaker 1 (01:26:30):
Balanced this time to ash Fasters with a second.

Speaker 2 (01:26:33):
Truck twenty seven nineteen they ran out winners to Formula one.
Oscar Piastree has continued his strong form heading into tomorrow
morning's Italian Grand Prix.

Speaker 1 (01:26:43):
Maks for Stafford currently splitting the two McLaren's fastest in
that first sector poll here last year ensured him.

Speaker 2 (01:26:51):
That he could hold onto the win.

Speaker 19 (01:26:53):
Can he do it again?

Speaker 2 (01:26:55):
No, we can't. I.

Speaker 3 (01:26:56):
Oscar Piastree secures pole position.

Speaker 2 (01:27:00):
And finally Stephen Elker just two shots back in the
tradition as he looked to win another senior golf major.
Just anito and here for Steven Arker down and went
out of the rake.

Speaker 8 (01:27:12):
Tevelman, Oh yes, favorable little hop three great shots, two misses.

Speaker 2 (01:27:20):
Can alca make the birdie?

Speaker 15 (01:27:22):
Kind of take advantage of these race there analyzing every
view from every angle in the sporting world weekends for
it with Jason Vye call eight hundred and eighty eighty
talks end.

Speaker 2 (01:27:33):
At the time of it. Stephen Elk is having doing
great things on the Seniors Tour, speaking of golf and
up and down round for Kiwi Ryan Fox, but he
remains on track for a top twenty finish at the
year second major, the PGA Championship in Charlotte. He's parted
a third round one over seventy two, mixing six bogies
with five birdies. He's tied seventeenth three under for the tournament.

(01:27:57):
Scottie Sheffler has the outright lead by three at eleven under,
with birdies on seventeen and then on eighteen.

Speaker 15 (01:28:05):
So this for sixty on the round of the day
and a three shot lead heading into the final round.

Speaker 2 (01:28:14):
It's a Cheffer showcase performance.

Speaker 6 (01:28:19):
Scotty's thinking, what green mile five under the last five
holes for the.

Speaker 2 (01:28:24):
World number one? We're could have talking to I'll play
in take the ball out of the cup.

Speaker 15 (01:28:30):
He was charged and they're channing Scottie here in Charlotte.

Speaker 2 (01:28:34):
They're channing Scotty. Indeed, Scotty Scheffler with a sixty five
in the third round is his final few holes quite remarkable.
He had a birdie on twelve, then a bogie on thirteen,
an eagle on fourteen, bertie on fifteen, part sixteen birdied seventeen,
birdied eighteen. Let's bring in Grahame Agars to wrap the

(01:28:54):
round and look ahead to round four. I guess you
look at that from Scotty Scheffer. Could that be the
defining five or six holes for him, Graham? Could that
be the stretch that wins him the PGA Championship?

Speaker 14 (01:29:06):
Yeah, could well be. That eagle, by the way, was
a two on a par four, which makes it more
impressive than a three on a par five. But Scotty
played what they call the Green Mile the last three
holes better than anybody did all day. It was treacherous.

(01:29:26):
It was very windy today and it brought undone a
lot of big name including Brython Deschambeau, who was in contention,
Tilly tangled with that Green Mile, and also John Rahm
who dropped back a little bit along that Green Mile
as well. So Scheffler is doing what Scotty Cheffler normally does,

(01:29:47):
just quietly go about his business, and then suddenly you
look at the top of the leaderboard and there he is,
going away from everybody. He's got a three shot lead
going into the final round over Alex Norn, a Swede
who's better than a journeyman, but certainly not a big
time one major championship winner, and he's only played two

(01:30:10):
tournaments this year, having been out injured for the whole season.
You've got to go all the way back to six
under define John Rahm, who's showing some decent form finally
in the majors, and a shot further back, sixth back
Bryson de Shamba, who, as I said, made a mess
of the closing hole. So Scotty Scheffler has laid down

(01:30:33):
the gaunt and to the rest of the field, he
started the season slowly after injuring his hand. But the
bad news for the rest of the field is he's
back and he's ready to start winning again, and he's
about to pick up his third major. As far as
I'm concerned, yeah, it.

Speaker 2 (01:30:49):
Looks very likely. So with a three shot lead over
the field, and as you say, more than that over
the guys who you expect would make a run, how
will Scotty Schiffler approach the fourth round? What does Scotty
Shiffer do when he's got a three stroke lead hitting
into the fourth round of golf tournament.

Speaker 14 (01:31:06):
He's getting used to it. He's let me see, I
think The stats are that he's had fifty four hole
league tournaments on the PGA Tour on seven occasions, and
he's brought every single one of them home. So the
odds are certainly in his favor, and it happens because
he just knows how to go about his business. He's

(01:31:27):
not a flamboyant player like De'shambeau who plays for the crowd.
He's not a grumpy player. He might have been when
he was a junior, but he's certainly not now because
he's caddy keeps him calm and he's learned to just focused,
as boring as it is, on one shot at a time.
If he makes a bogey, he has the best bounced

(01:31:49):
back statistic on the PGA Tour that is making a
birdie on the very next hole. So he's just got
all the tools that he needs to be a great player.
And as I said, this would be his third major.
But you know, we're looking really at a hole of
career starting out here, and if he can keep up

(01:32:10):
this sort of play and not get injured, the sky
is a limit for him because there's just not a
weakness in his bag. Last season, there was a little
bit of doubt about his putting. He took some advice
from Rory McElroy change from a blade putter to a
mallet a big headed putter, and that seems to have

(01:32:30):
solved that problem. So there's no weakness there and everybody
else in the field knows it. So that helps him
as well to.

Speaker 2 (01:32:37):
Give hope then to the others. Graham, there do seem
to be a lot of holes on this golf course
that are that are available for birdie, a lot of
birdies being made, but by the same token, quite a
few buggies as well. But is there something to give
hope to the chasing pack that they can shoot low
on this course?

Speaker 14 (01:32:57):
Yeah. The opening three holes are very difficult, so you
don't see too many birdies there, and the closing three
holes the Green mile are credibly difficult, particularly when it
was windy like it was today, because there's water in
play on every one of those holes. But the middle holes,
you know, from four three to fifteen, there's plenty of

(01:33:19):
holes out there, drivable par four's, easily reachable par fives
that can give someone who has a hot day a
chance to post, to come from behind. But you know,
I'm thinking, and have thought most of the week at
about thirteen under wins this championship. So Shefflin needs to
go three under for the day and his score so

(01:33:41):
far sixty nine, sixty eight, sixty five. But for the
John Rams and the Shambows of the world, they're going
to have to post near record low final rounds in
majors to catch him. So that works in his advantage
as well. But there are a group of holes, as
I said, the sort of middle stage of the golf

(01:34:02):
course where low numbers are available, but you're going to
have to be on your game to get them.

Speaker 2 (01:34:08):
Well, let's say I look at Ryan Fox, so, as
I say, a third round one over seventy two sex
bogies with five birdies, which has been the story of
his tournament, really fourteen birdies at the tournament, which is
fourth equal, but he's made eleven bogies. So when you
see score cards like that, what does that tell you
about the way that Ryan Fox is playing this tournament?

Speaker 15 (01:34:27):
Yeah?

Speaker 14 (01:34:28):
I looked up in excuse me, I looked up his
stats just to see what was going on, and they
didn't surprise me. And it tends to point out the
weakness and the reason he's gone backwards instead of forwards
is he's number thirteen in distance for the players in
the field, and there's seventy four of them left, so
that is as expected he smashes it. He's number thirty

(01:34:50):
four in driving accuracy, which is also excellent for somebody
who hits it a long way, so there's no problems
for him off the tee. His problem is that he's
sixty out of seventy four in putting, and that's what's
dropped him down. I watched a few of his holes
today and there are a couple of really shaky puts.

(01:35:10):
One that he missed from about four feet that barely
reached a hole. So that's where the issue is. And
it's not a good issue to have on these greens
here because after five days of rain leading into the championship,
the greens that now recovered and a rock hard and
super fast, So if you're worried about your putting it all,

(01:35:32):
that's where you're going to struggle. So after tea he's
doing fine. It's just around the greens that he's having trouble.

Speaker 2 (01:35:38):
In many ways, it's a bit of a free hit,
doesn't it. I'm not sure you can say that about
a major, but of course, he didn't even think he
was going to be here, Graham until he won at
Myrtle Beach a week ago. Can you forgive Ryan Fox
for perhaps, I don't know, being a bit fatigued after
four straight tournaments, the elation of winning on the PGA
Tour for the first time. Will these sorts of things
be affecting him at all?

Speaker 10 (01:36:00):
Oh for sure.

Speaker 14 (01:36:01):
I mean he had a big hurdle to climb. First
of all, you've got to deal with the letdown arp
to a win, and everybody in the world suffers from
addixcept tiger Woods or used to. It never seems the
worry tick. He just picked up and started a new tournament.
But then he's making a major championship, and he's coming

(01:36:21):
in in very difficult circumstances because one of his planned
practice rounds was completely washed out, so he only basically
got one look at the course before he went out there.
And the fairways, as has been discussed, were very very
wet for the first two days. In fact, the first
day they really should have played left, clean and pace

(01:36:43):
as far as I'm concerned, because there were mud balls
all over the place which was distorting the scoring. So
it was an uphill battle always for him. But if
he can manage all that and finish in the top twenty,
that would be an excellent result for him. And going ahead,
you know, he's got starts in big tournaments now for
the rest of the year because he's a PGA two it.

Speaker 2 (01:37:07):
I had to scroll quite a way down to find
Rory McElroy just speaking of bouncing back from victory. I mean,
just such an emotional time for him at the Masters.
I found him he had tied forty ninth, seventy four,
sixty nine, seventy two. So maybe that proves the point Graham,
And it's just so done difficult to win golf tournaments,
isn't it.

Speaker 14 (01:37:28):
Yeah, it is the other thing that's working against him.
This is a story that's actually developing. People don't realize
that the rules that govern the faces on golf clubs
are very specific these days, and on drivers in particular,
because they have a restitution of rebound. In otherwis the

(01:37:51):
face danse a little bit and then strings the ball
out when you hit it. And I think the number
now is it can't be more than point eight five.
And I don't know what point eighty five means. It
maybe point eighty three, but it's one of those numbers.
So they periodically people from the USGA and the r
and A pop out of the tournament and they test

(01:38:13):
the drivers of players at random. And they tested i
think up the seventy players here at the PGA, and
Rory McElroy's driver was found to be non conforming. In
other words, it was hot. So they made him change
the head, which you do these days. You don't have
to change the whole club. You just screw the head
off and put a new one on. And they tested

(01:38:34):
that one and that was okay. Now I'm not saying
that Rory was cheating because one of the reasons they
do test these clubs the manufacturers of always send them
samples when they produce a new driver or new clubs
of any sort. But the constant hitting that these guys do,
and particularly the power with which McElroy hits, can soften

(01:38:58):
up the face and increase the spring, which gives you
a little bit more distant. It may also give you
a little bit less control. That could vary. So Rory
actually had to take the driver out of the bag,
and nobody knows whether it's the one he used at
a guster, and even if he did use it at
a guster at that stage it could well been legal,

(01:39:20):
but he had to take it out and substitute a
brand new head, and he's been spraying them all over
the golf course this week. So I think part of
his problem is that he's not comfortable with the driver
that he's using, even though in all respects it's supposed
to be exactly the same as the one he was using,
But obviously he's just not comfortable with it, and that's

(01:39:43):
been his biggest problem this week.

Speaker 2 (01:39:45):
So interesting, So a compliant head can over time, if
you're smack enough golf balls, will it become non compliant.

Speaker 14 (01:39:55):
That's correct, that's correct. And there was there was a
stage where before they brought in this rebound rule. I
call it that the manufacturers were made making hot drivers
and I bought one ones just to try it out,
and I couldn't control it. Of course, fell over the place.
But I've still got it. I've still got it. And

(01:40:16):
there are also people who built hot golf ball, and
if you have the combination of a rebound driver and
hot golf ball, you can do some quiet things, but
it's not legal. So the fact is that these guys
do actually damped the driver faces. John Daly was one
of the first ones that I knew that dented them

(01:40:38):
on a regular basis, and he had to swap out
the whole club because back then, of course, you couldn't
just screw on a new head. And I do know
that Scottish Scheffler maybe last year or the year before,
when he switched to one of these graphite faced drivers,
not titanium faced drivers, he actually put a ball through

(01:40:59):
the face on the practice range one day. He'd weakened
the face the point where it just cracked. So you know,
if technology moves on, so does the testing regime that's
necessary to try and keep, you know, these guys within
the bounds of the golf course, because if you let

(01:41:20):
technology go crazy, there wouldn't be a golf course in
the world that wouldn't become obsolete within two or three years.

Speaker 2 (01:41:27):
So interesting, so interesting, always in education. Chatting to your Graham,
thanks for joining us as always on weekend Sport this afternoon.
It's pleasure indeed, Thanks Jason, Thanks Graham. Gray may Gars
there the one and only you always learn something, don't
you win?

Speaker 14 (01:41:41):
Gray A.

Speaker 2 (01:41:42):
Gars is on the radio with us so Scotti. Scheffler
is three strokes clear at the top, having fired a
sixty nine or sixty eight and a sixty five. Is
the only player to have shot three rounds under seventy
the three shot lead eleven under the card Alex Norrin
is his closest challenger at eight under. Then Davis Riley
and JT. Posten are both at seven under, the two Americans,

(01:42:04):
and then a bunch of players at six and five under.
Ryan Fox currently tied for seventeenth. He is three under
for the tournament, having fired a one over round of
seventy two to four under in the first round even
par yesterday, one over today, three under for the tournament.
Ryan Fox so looking pretty good really if he can.
If he can stay solid in the fourth round, stay

(01:42:25):
on par, or maybe even pick up a couple of shots,
he may well earn himself a top twenty finish at
a major, which, let's not forget, he didn't even expect
to be at a week ago. To twenty six on
news Talk set be let's take a break and then
talk a bit about rexam FC and their visit to
New Zealand in the month or so ahead.

Speaker 1 (01:42:46):
You be the TMO have your say on eight hundred
and eighty ten eighty weekends for It with Jason Pine
and GJ. Guvnerholmes, New Zealand's most trusted home builder News Talks.

Speaker 2 (01:42:56):
NB two twenty nine on News Talks ed B. Wrexham
FC are coming down Under for the first time ever
this July. They're going to play matches against Melbourne Victory
and Sydney FC before meeting the Wellington Phoenix and the
Capitol on Saturday, July nineteen. Tickets for that match already
on sale, selling pretty strongly from what I understand. This
tour takes place off the back of Wrexham's third straight promotion,

(01:43:20):
which we'll see them play in the Championship next season
that has just one rung below the Premier League. They
are the first club in the history of the Football
League to complete back to back to back promotions in
three consecutive seasons. REXAMFC CEO is Michael Williamson, who joins
us on the show. Michael, thanks for your time. I'm
sure there would be many places around the world who

(01:43:42):
would love to have Wrexham pay them a visit. You
went to North America in the last two pre seasons.
How did you decide upon Australia and New Zealand for
this preseason.

Speaker 22 (01:43:53):
Well, first, thanks for having me on.

Speaker 21 (01:43:55):
Now, as you alluded to, we've done the last couple
of preseason preparations in North America. It's been fantastic obviously
with the documentary Welcome to Wrexham, which will be coming out.
I guess tomorrow morning your time, tomorrow evening our time
here this evening in the US, so trying to figure
out all the different time zones. But no, it's been
fantastic to to be able to engage directly with fans,

(01:44:17):
and in North America it's been been you know great
to get out there and and to have the fans
be able to experience us in person and to have fan.

Speaker 22 (01:44:24):
Zones and engage with them.

Speaker 21 (01:44:25):
So obviously we're looking for what the next logical step
was with that, and in Australia New Zealand was it
was a clear you know, the clear you know front
runner in.

Speaker 22 (01:44:35):
That and we looked at some of our metrics.

Speaker 21 (01:44:37):
We had over four million fans following us on our
social media accounts from the region, and then we also
looked at the documentary and discovered that you know, for
the non scripted series on Disney Plus, for the last
three years we ranked number two in the most watched
UH non scripted series, behind the Kardassian So somehow Kim

(01:45:00):
Kardassian and the Kardassians still beat us out. But we'll
get them, don't worry. Just give us some time season four,
I think you I think we'll pull ahead of them.

Speaker 2 (01:45:07):
Fantastic. So just on the document series, it's been so popular,
immensely popular. Will any filming take place during this trip
down under?

Speaker 7 (01:45:18):
I mean you'll see that.

Speaker 21 (01:45:18):
We always capture you know, content throughout all of our season,
starting with the preseason, so storylines start there. I mean,
new players come in, old players returning, so you know,
definitely that's where the start of the entire season for
the documentary initiates. That's where some of the storylines starts
to develop. And then you see obviously over the course

(01:45:39):
of the season how things evolve and and you know
what underlying themes happen. So yeah, certainly there will be
you know, content that's captured during those time periods there.

Speaker 2 (01:45:48):
Why do you think the story of Rixham FC has
resonated so much with so many people?

Speaker 21 (01:45:57):
Yeah, you know, I get asked that question quite often,
and I think what it is is that it's a
story about a community and a town of people who
happen the follow football club. And so when we look
at our fans, you know, worldwide, they're not necessarily football fans.
They're fans of a story about, you know, people in
a community that they can relate to that we have

(01:46:19):
somehow connected to, you know, with the hearts and minds
in some sort of emotional level, to say, here's an
amazing story that I relate to in some way or another,
and that has allowed them to become fans of the
football club as a result. And it's truly powerful, powerful
to have that kind of connection with fans and with
people globally who don't just follow you.

Speaker 22 (01:46:41):
Because of the results on the pitch. I mean, that's clearly.

Speaker 21 (01:46:43):
Important, but they're following you because of they want to
see the success of this town, in this community and
first and foremost, and that's what Rob and Ryan have
really been able to accomplish and tap in here is
because they are truly rooted to being a community football
organization first and foremost.

Speaker 2 (01:47:00):
Just making all that community. There are a lot of
people who have supported Rakesmith's safe for a long, long
time lifelong fans. And obviously with with welcome to Raxam
and the you know, the ownership change, a lot of
new fans have jumped on board. How have the old
fans been about that? You know they you know, where
were you before.

Speaker 8 (01:47:20):
Now?

Speaker 21 (01:47:20):
To be very honest, that's the other thing that has
made this really special is, you know, people a lot
of times say, oh, it's amazing what Rob and Ryan
have done for Wrexham and for for the city and
the town, and I always correct them and say, they
actually haven't done anything for the town. What they've done
is shine a spotlight on the people in the town
and what that has really comes down to is the

(01:47:42):
fact that they're so warm and welcoming that they've embraced this,
and in a way that's humble.

Speaker 22 (01:47:47):
Because they're like, you know, I can't believe you're here,
you know, in Wrexham. But let me tell you about
my story.

Speaker 21 (01:47:53):
You're from Australia, you're from New Zealand, you're from Mexico,
you're from Norway, you're from you know, the US. Let
come let me, you know, come in, have a pine.
Let me tell you about Wrexham and that that that warm,
welcoming embrace of this has really allowed this to become
a global brand while still being very much rooted in
the community.

Speaker 2 (01:48:13):
So the on field stuff, I know, whenever a new
ownership group comes in with a bit of financial clout
behind them, the skeptics will say, oh, you're just buying promotions.
You know, you're just buying promotion from league to the
League one, League one to the Championship. You're just gonna
buy your way into the Premier League. What's your response
to that.

Speaker 21 (01:48:31):
You know, we've been trying to do it and listen,
that's why I've been brought in as well, to try
to do it in a way that makes sure that
we're sustainable, because the worst thing that could happen is
for us to arrive to the Premier League and have
it and not stay there and ultimately come back down.
And once you start to come down in that downward spiral,
it could you can get relegated very quickly and find
yourself right back into you know, National league again. So

(01:48:54):
to make sure that's not happening, we need to invest
in the infrastructure around the club, but we also need
to make sure that we're building it in a sustainable way.
And when you look at it, this is not something
where there's just a bunch of you know, billionaires pumping
money into the club. It's actually driven through commercial revenues,
through sponsorship, through partnerships, through merchandising. Ironically, not through ticket prices,

(01:49:17):
because we have one of the things is that we've
maintained among the lowest ticket prices in each of the
leagues that we played in. So the idea, the concept is, yes,
we are able to do this. It's certainly a unique
model because without the documentary and and the and the
global fan base that we have, and without obviously the
marketing you know powers of Rob and Ryan Uh, you know, most.

Speaker 22 (01:49:39):
Clubs could not do this.

Speaker 21 (01:49:40):
But we are able to do this, and we've been
able to do it in a way that has been
sustainable and not just you know, pumping moneys from an
owner that once that owner gets you know, either tired
of pumping money into or whatever it might be, no
longer decides to do it.

Speaker 22 (01:49:52):
That's not the case.

Speaker 21 (01:49:53):
We're building a model that is is you know, built
in foundations that are sustainable so that once we get
to the Premier League, which I'm fully confident we will
not saying this year coming up, but you never know.

Speaker 22 (01:50:06):
But ultimately, you know, back to back to back to back,
that's just a lot of backs.

Speaker 8 (01:50:10):
I don't know.

Speaker 21 (01:50:12):
I think, you know, for us just being the most
important thing is once we get there, when we do
get there, that we're able to stay there.

Speaker 2 (01:50:18):
You come into this roll, or came to this troll
last year with you know, a great save, a many
years on the board at into Milan, Michael, what what
what is transferable from your time there to your time
at Rakes and AFC.

Speaker 22 (01:50:33):
Surprisingly, I think I surprised. People want to say it's
quite a bit.

Speaker 21 (01:50:36):
Actually yes, I mean that Enter is now going to
be in a Champions League final here this year. There
are two years ago as well, and they're a Champions
League club. But when when I came in in twenty twelve,
they had come off the Tripletta and they're going through
a sort of a restructuring rebuilding of the organization. So
it was a lot of change management that had to

(01:50:58):
come in and build staffing, to improve the commercial areas,
had to come in and build you know, hr to apartments,
had to come in and invest in the training facilities,
had to come in and invest in the stadium, you know,
develop and connect with our global brand, our global fans worldwide,
and as well as going through a change and transformation

(01:51:19):
on the pitch. So if you take all of that,
that was all being done to return it back to
Champions League because it was a Champions League club. So
a lot of those same principles are applied here at Wrexham,
obviously not trying to return it to Champions League, but
to bring it to Premier League, right, to bring.

Speaker 22 (01:51:35):
It to the top level.

Speaker 21 (01:51:37):
The same fundamentals still go into place and uh and
so a lot of that is transferable, A lot of
it has been interesting to to to to apply here. Obviously,
you know you have to adapt and and and to
the cultures into to the to the actual club and
the story of the club and history of club. But
it is surprisingly similar and as far as what we
have to do and and and how we have to

(01:51:58):
build this to be able to again arrive to the
Premier League and stay there.

Speaker 2 (01:52:01):
Well, I know this high excitement down Under about Wrexham's arrival,
certainly the ballers as well, but I would be remiss
not to ask on behalf of our wider audience about
the potential of Royan and Rob making the trip. I mean,
I'm sure I don't have to sell the virtues of
New Zealand to Michael. I know you'll be coming down,
But what about Ron and Rob? Any chance they make

(01:52:23):
a flying visit?

Speaker 14 (01:52:25):
Am I not enough?

Speaker 11 (01:52:26):
A lot?

Speaker 2 (01:52:27):
Look like I wasn't suggesting, Well, it's not suggesting that
for a second.

Speaker 22 (01:52:32):
I have a deep rooted connection to to to the
A League.

Speaker 21 (01:52:35):
You know. I actually I was at DC night and
we had Danny Oss up there and and Fred who
was a Brazilian in so you know, I know some
of the talents down there, and so I'm excited to
see that as far as you know. The question I
always get about Rob and Ryan, and what I always
say is is it depends a lot on their schedule,
so it's to be determined.

Speaker 22 (01:52:53):
They obviously are really excited.

Speaker 21 (01:52:54):
I was just chatting with them earlier today to to
you know, for specifically, Ryan really likes New Zealand as well.
But you know, they're they're interested and and and obviously
excited about the tour. They've posted an online even this
morning and they grind posted again. You know, I think
if they're able to come, They certainly would. It just

(01:53:16):
depends on what their film schedule. Well I didn't realize this,
you know, not being a Hollywood person, but they actually
have full time jobs between.

Speaker 22 (01:53:22):
Marketing and filming and editing. And I had no idea.

Speaker 21 (01:53:25):
I just assumed they showed up for a couple hours
on the set and they got to do all the
fun things the Hollywood people do. That's not the case.
So but yes, I mean, the answer, short answer is,
you know, you never know what to expect. I've walked into,
you know, the box at the race course and you know,
turn around and there's Channing Tatum and I'm like, what
are you doing here? And it's like, oh, just filming
a Super Bowl commercial and Eva Ligoria and everyone else.

(01:53:48):
So you never know who's going to show up for
a recent match. So yeah, I guess that's the best
way to put it.

Speaker 2 (01:53:53):
That's a great way of putting it. Look, and you, Michael,
you're more than enough. We look forward to seeing you
down here down on the during the trip, and we'll
keep our rows peeled for any for any sort of
celebrities on the periphery. We caunt White to have Rake,
someom come down to to New Zealand in particular Michael.
Thanks for joining us today. We look forward to seeing
you in July.

Speaker 21 (01:54:11):
We're excited and definitely go out and get your tickets
while they're still there.

Speaker 2 (01:54:15):
Thanks Michael, I appreciate your time. Rexham CEO Michael Williamson
down under Wrexham are headed the game against the Wellington
Phoenix in the Capitol on Saturday July nineteen. Coming up
nineteen away from three. We'll take a break and then
talk to one of our up and coming Para new athletes,
Finn Murphy, about to take part in his very first

(01:54:35):
Power World Cup event in Posnan. He's on the show
right after this.

Speaker 1 (01:54:40):
It's more than just a game. Weekend Sport with Jason
Vine and GJ. Gunnomes, New Zealand's most trusted home builder
News Dogs.

Speaker 2 (01:54:48):
B Coming up sixteen away from three, the pass Nan
Canoe Sprint and Parwa Canoe World Cup comes up in
the week ahead. Competing in his first ever Power World
Cup event will be key we Finn Murphy, a former
national rowing champion who lost his leg in a motorcycle
accident twenty twenty one. Finn Murphy, as well as great

(01:55:09):
to get the chance to chetty fin. How are the
excitement levels as you look forward to your debut World
Cup event? Yeah, they're pretty high.

Speaker 5 (01:55:17):
A it's I'm currently in Hungary for the new World Cup,
which doesn't have a power event, but been near watching
the beaverbody athletes compete, and that's that's gemming up pretty hard.

Speaker 2 (01:55:28):
So so, yeah, how has your build up been? Tell
us about the last little while as you as you
build towards Posman.

Speaker 5 (01:55:35):
Yeah, well, it all happened pretty pretty quick, to be honest.
I hadn't really expected to be over here this year.
I was expecting to sort of have maybe another year
of paddling on my boat before it before I came Ober,
but managed to do a really quick time before Christmas.
That sort of put me on the radar a bit.

Speaker 12 (01:55:50):
And it's so.

Speaker 5 (01:55:54):
I won the power event at Nationals and.

Speaker 14 (01:55:57):
Here I am.

Speaker 2 (01:55:58):
So so which discipline are you competing and and how
strong is the field?

Speaker 5 (01:56:02):
With the power event? There's three events. There's KAL one
through to KL three, with KL three being the lowest
level of impairment. So I'm in the KL three events.
I've just got to blow in the amputation, which which
is pretty ideal in terms of impairment levels. I'm actually
not too sure what the what the quality of the

(01:56:23):
competition is going to be like over here this year
because it's just af dur An Olympic, Olympic and Paralympic cycles.

Speaker 2 (01:56:28):
So a lot of a lot of the.

Speaker 5 (01:56:31):
Really competitive athletes have taken six months off post Olympics.
If their southern hems for athletes, they probably haven't made
their way over to Poznan. And likewise, if they're from
the sort of far flung corners of Europe, they might
not be over here. But based on what based on
the able body athletes, there's a there's a pretty strong
contingency of of countries that have come over. So so yeah,
it'll be interesting to see see you next week and

(01:56:52):
what what the dealers. But I'm excited anyway, absolutely, and
so you should be. How long has this been a
goal for you? I mean even even before I opted
for the amputation, it was in the back of my mind.
I didn't lose my league immediately after my motor accident,
so I had a bit of time to sort of
think about it, and prior to making the decision to
imitate I I was definitely like, well, if I do,

(01:57:12):
then that opens up the opportunity to pursue Olympic goal
or something along those lines. So yeah, it's been in
the back of my mind for sort of at least
three and a half four years now.

Speaker 2 (01:57:24):
Tell us about the accident and then the subsequent decision
to opt for the amputation that you did.

Speaker 5 (01:57:32):
Yeah, so it was I think it was October sixteenth,
twenty twenty one. I was on my way to get
my second dose to the COVID vaccine, so I helped them.
A motorbike was getting into my local GP and on
the way there, about four hundred meters down the roof
of my house, a band turned in front of me
going into a petrol station. My front tire or my

(01:57:52):
motorbike didn't have enough air in it, so when I
applied the brakes slipped me off and I went feet
first into the side of this van. Pretty much checked
my ankle and a million pieces compound pressure of my tip.
For Yeah, the league was really the worst, but I
had I had a bunch of injuries like a brain
lead and spinal fractures, So in terms of how life
threatening it was, I had other things going on at

(01:58:12):
the time. Didn't really worry too much about the ankle.
But yeah, after after about a year, if I rehab
that I had some complications. I've managed to break all
the metal fixings and that they put into my ankle.
So I was going to have to have some sort
of original surgery rather than spend another year going to
rehab it.

Speaker 12 (01:58:28):
I forget.

Speaker 5 (01:58:28):
If I get rid of it, then it's start fresh
with an ankle. I can't feel so so do you
know it was?

Speaker 2 (01:58:35):
I know you've probably told the story a lot of times,
but you know it all seems so offhand. I'll just
get rid of it. I'll just get rid of my
leg below below the knee. But you know, how did
you come to that decision?

Speaker 5 (01:58:47):
So that in that year that i'd sort of I'd
had some in the amputection, I'd been walking with pretty
severe arthritis, and my limb was about and shorter than
it had been before the accident, so I had a
bit of a hobble going on for those things. Factoring
in the pain element and permanence of it, amputations a

(01:59:08):
pretty good option as opposed to having arthritis for the
rest of my life. And it also meant that if
I if I did amputate. I could get my leg
to be the same link because the other as my
good leg, and that way I wouldn't get authrighters my
knee or my hip. Later well, I could at least
the later progression of that potentially. So yeah, that's that's
how I sort of arrived at the decision.

Speaker 2 (01:59:26):
And how did you find your way to power canoeing?

Speaker 5 (01:59:28):
Well, yeah, I'd always been interested in the water. I
Like I said, I did sort of six seasons of
club rowing and then swap to the surfboats. So after
that I was sort of looking for something water based
and kayaking do the natural option. I thought they'd be
quite a bit of crossover between the two between two sports. Yeah,

(01:59:48):
it was a good decision. I'm loving loving at the moment,
and I think two hundred meter distance is a there's
a lot better distance for me than the two thousand
meters distance in rowing.

Speaker 2 (01:59:57):
So how long did it take you to uh to
get used to being in the boat? Did you fall
out much?

Speaker 14 (02:00:06):
Yeah?

Speaker 5 (02:00:07):
Yeah, yeah, I was in the water every session pretty
much for the first six months. I'd bet my coach
made by a wetsuit because because I couldn't train, couldn't
train to the winter without going in the water.

Speaker 14 (02:00:18):
So it took me.

Speaker 5 (02:00:19):
Definitely took me a while to get the hang of
the balance. Whereas in a robot it's it's pretty intuitive.
With a kayak, it's it's a real skill that you
have to sort of work on. It something that even
the sort of elites continue to work on well into
their careers. So it took a bit.

Speaker 2 (02:00:32):
Again used to well, you've obviously mastered up mate, ahead
of your first World Cup event, what about if we
look forward for other Paralympics in Los Angeles and twenty
twenty eight on your radar.

Speaker 5 (02:00:43):
Yeah, that's that's that's a big one for sure. So yeah,
everything everything from now until then will be will be
aiming for that ultimate goal of making it to the
to the twenty twenty eight Paralympics. But in the meantime,
I've got a couple of couple of dates on the
horizons to look forward to. I've got the World champ
event in August, so I'll be back over in Europe
then to compete in that that's in Italy, and then

(02:01:07):
hopefully over the next couple years and can get a
few more, you more international events under my belt to
get a bit more experience. She's put me in best
position for competing in LA.

Speaker 2 (02:01:16):
Well, sounds like you're heading in the right direction, Finn.
Great to jet to you mate, thanks for telling us
your story. All the best in the week ahead at
the pos Nan Canoe Sprint and Para Canoe World Cup.
Look forward to hearing a lot more about your mate
as we head towards the Paralympics in twenty twenty eight.
That is Finn Murphy joining us on News Talks EDB
coming up nine away from three.

Speaker 1 (02:01:38):
Let's school from the drag field and the court on
your home of sort Weekend Sport with Jason Vine News Talks.

Speaker 2 (02:01:45):
NB six and a half away from three. That's pretty
much us for weekend Sport, for today and for the weekend.
Just a reminder that next weekend on Saturday, our show
will be coming to you live from Tyler Street.

Speaker 12 (02:01:56):
Sport.

Speaker 2 (02:01:56):
It is right in the heart of Auckland City at
britam Art and has become the home away from home
of Auckland FC. It's where they packed it last night
to watch the one Ni'll win in the first leg
of the semi final against Melbourne Victory. Can only imagine
what it's going to be like there next week in
the build up to the home leg which kicks off

(02:02:17):
at six o'clock next Saturday at go Media Stadium. I'm
told there are still tickets left, but they are expecting
them to go. This is for the game itself in
the next twenty four to forty eight hours, so if
you can to get along to that game then I
would not mess about too much. Get on Auckland FC's website,
follow your o's and pick yourself up some tickets and
we'd love to see you at Tyler Street Sport between

(02:02:38):
midday and three next Saturday for the Weekend Sports Saturday edition.
Thank you so much for joining us this afternoon. Tim
beverages on the radio after three o'clock with the Weekend Collective.
Huge thanks to any McDonald's always for producing the show
exit song today as we continue New Zealand Music Month
in May gone with a song that I think skyrocketed

(02:03:01):
into newfound popularity by being involved than an add for bread.
You sound sure and your facts they're finding I'm pretty sure.
I'm effects very good. I think they used this at
the in the Mollenberg, didn't they. I thought they did that.
The running chant song. You know we all want our
Mollenberg all right, I'm not sure. I know I've always

(02:03:25):
related to this one from Chris Knox. Might have been
a bit before my time again, maybe it was. Enjoy
the rest of the afternoon. Enjoy yours as well. Chris
Knock's not given likely taking us out. We'll see tomorrow
night on Sports Talk between seven and eight, when we'll
discuss this question. Should Ardie Savilla be All Blacks captain
by for now?

Speaker 5 (02:03:44):
This isn't easy? Oh might not write enough?

Speaker 8 (02:03:54):
You love.

Speaker 16 (02:04:07):
You that I true that I am.

Speaker 17 (02:04:10):
Very love give it lightly, but I'm here.

Speaker 5 (02:04:19):
What is kind of you that it's you.

Speaker 7 (02:04:25):
That lightly?

Speaker 15 (02:04:27):
But I you that.

Speaker 5 (02:04:30):
That I love?

Speaker 11 (02:04:32):
What is like?

Speaker 16 (02:04:34):
Yet?

Speaker 11 (02:04:34):
You love?

Speaker 5 (02:04:39):
Get man?

Speaker 8 (02:04:41):
You love?

Speaker 15 (02:04:46):
What is?

Speaker 1 (02:04:55):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to news talks it'd be weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio.

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