October 18, 2025 • 8 mins
This weekend's rugby league doubleheader kicks off at Go Media stadium tonight.
The Kiwi Ferns will take on Fetu Samoa, followed by the Kiwis facing off against Toa Samoa later tonight.
Newcastle Knights player Phoenix Crossland joined Piney to discuss.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks dB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
There's an International Rugby League doubleheader at go Media Stadium today.
The Pacific Championships are underway. The Kiwi Ferns play some
more in the women's match at three point thirty five,
followed by the Kiwi's against the sumn men from six
Newcastle Knights and Kiwi's utility Phoenix Crossland is with US Phoenix.
Thanks for your time. You got your first taste of
(00:34):
the Kiwi's environment last year. So how keen were you
to get back with the national side in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Yeah, it was a big goal. I wanted to get
back here this year and yeah, I was sort of
towards the backhead of the regular season in the NRO
was something I was thinking about quite a lot. So
to get the core from States and be back in
camp and displaced with these boys is yeah pretty special.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
How much did wearing the Kiwi's jersey mean to you
when you debuted a year ago.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Yeah, it was one of the highlights of my life.
From Yeah, I spoke about a lot last year. How
much my family, you know, I really love saying that
and how much I really love doing it. So I
felt really good, and not just my debut, but all
three games I played last year. We're pretty special and
fingers crossed to get to do it again this year.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
You turned down, of course, you know, the chance to
play for Australia year and that would mean state of
origin possibilities as well. By declaring your allegiance to New
Zealand was the only, any way a difficult decision for
you to make.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
I'm not really I was sort of a thing I
didn't really think about until I started my name started
getting sort of throwing around to represent New Zealand, and
you know, it was sort of as soon as the
opportunity came up, I took with both hands. And you know,
I don't think my family would have wanted it any
other way, and me as well. So you know, being
in this space is really special. I know I made
(01:57):
the right choice.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
And yeah, it.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Means not being able to play, going down that other
path of origin and stuff. You know, it doesn't pay
anyone beer because I love being here and this is you.
Speaker 4 (02:07):
Know, is it for me?
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Tell us about your family ties with New Zealand and
just how strong they are.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Oh, Yeah, so I'm not too familiar with my dad's
live they are from New Zealand. I'm pretty sure they're
from Hamilton area. And then you know, more connected to
my mom's side and there you know Wellington and the
West Coast, Greymouth and you know all down there, so
both sides of New Zealand, but you know, mum's side
is probably the side that I connect with more. And yeah,
(02:35):
they're they're West Coast, they're Rugula League born and bred
down there, so it was yeah, they're to see me here.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Tell us about the Kiwis environment. What was it like
to come into last year and does it now have
a bit of a feeling of familiarity about it for
you now that you've you've been there before.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
Yeah, last year was pretty pretty scared.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
I didn't really know any of the boys and other
than versing them, you know, throughout the year. But it's honestly,
it was like it was so easy that did so
well to meet and everyone and you know the space
that the least as it created here and this year's
probably been a bit easier. And you know, I'm familiar
with all the boys and the way we want to
play in the coaches and stuff. So it was just
(03:15):
this year was probably more a bit more relaxed and excited,
I guess, to come back and not have those sort
of you know, first time meeting everyone nerves. But you
still get a little few butterflies when you first come
in because now it's a big occasion for the country
and this team. So but at the end of the day,
it's it's really special.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Yeah, what is the special dynamic around a national team?
I mean, you've been part of elite rugby league teams
and I want to talk about Newcastle in the moment,
but is it a different kind of dynamic when you
get together with a national team.
Speaker 4 (03:49):
It is.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
I guess it's just like it's just such an elite environment,
like you just got the best of the best from
all the different clubs and you look around at some
of the players that you're eating dinner with and then taking.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
The field with. It's it's it's pretty crazy.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Obviously only my second year, so I still pinch myself
to you know, lace up the birds with fish and
you know, here and find this year.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
So it is, it is, It is pretty cool.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
And then I guess when you go back to Clubland,
you're expected to be more of a leader, So I
guess that's sort of in those areas that're sort of different.
But I guess, yeah, there's probably a bit more a
bit there's probably more eyes on you at this level
and maybe a little bit more expectation. But you know,
it's all good, and it's it's all it's all privilege.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
You have been a first grade regular for the Newcastle
Knights now for well the best part of the last
four seasons. Where have the biggest areas of growth come
in your game?
Speaker 4 (04:40):
I guess like just leadership.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
I've always sort of been started pretty young playing at
the you know that level, and it was had the start,
it was pretty scary. But I guess when you're you know,
you're in these environments and you go back to clubland
and you've got those younger boys that are looking for guidance,
and you know, leadership, it's probably one of the biggest
things that you know, I've taken and taken back to Newcastle,
which is which is really cool. So I'd say my
leadership and just you know a little just to pick
(05:04):
up little things on preparation off some of the boys
and you using your own game. But yeah, for me,
it's just you know, going back to clubland and then
helping those younger boys and everyone.
Speaker 4 (05:14):
To be honest, it's yeah, leadership definitely.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Twenty twenty five was a challenging year for Newcastle. How
will you look to put that behind you when you
reassemble for pre season?
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Yeah, it was pretty tough. The last sort of six
weeks was yeah, not ideal for the club and for
the town, and but I guess I don't know, it's
sort of it's hopefully pretty easy to forget about that
because it you know, as a club, it's rock bottom
and you can't really get much worse. So hopefully just
just flush it down until we've got a new coaching
staff coming in a lot of turnover and players, so
(05:47):
there's going to be a lot of a lot of
fresh faces and a lot of fresh ideas. So I'm
really excited to get back there after this and yeah,
recess and and go again because we know we can
win games. We've got to, you know, with one baut
you I've had, so yeah, flush it down toil and
go again.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
And back to the Kiwi's Obviously you're a utility. You've
got you know a lot of strings to your bow.
What do you think your best role to play with
the Keyweezers.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Yeah, I don't know, it's sort of You've got Jamie
Marshall King here who's an elite nine. So yeah, I
can cover a lot of positions, so I'll be staked anywhere.
But you know, forteen is probably you know where I
see myself in this team, and it's it's unreal. I
just love to help the team out wherever I can,
and then you're obviously nine for you my third position,
(06:33):
so I get to learn a lot from Jazz and
you know, picking things up and take up back to Newcastle.
But yeah, in this team, I think it's probably probably
that forteen if I become in there so and it's
a it's a privilege to put on the jersey no
matter what number.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
So I'm excited and somemo I followed by Tonga. Of course.
I guess you don't take anybody lightly, do you. You
might think in the past perhaps that that the Island
Nations are perhaps not as as formidable proposition, but I
guess last year probably showed you that no matter who
you play, you've got to turn up right.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Yeah, exactly that tim of game last year was a
big smack in the face and I think you know
at highlighted how much stronger those you know, those teams
are getting. And it's exciting for the International Rugby League.
It's exciting for them, it's exciting for us because you know,
other than I guess in the in the past it
was sort of three teams. It was England, Australia and
New Zealand, and now it's you know, there's more teams
(07:26):
competing and winning games.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
So it's really exciting.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
I'm real happy to be and privileged to be first
and those sort of teams and making international foot growth
because you know, this is our sort of this is
our peak and you know, I'm proud of the boys
are playing every team, so that's good.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Must be quite nice to play Mount Smart too, as
a home player, rather than getting there and having to
face the Warriors and their fans.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
Oh, I still feel like an away game.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
And when your first tongue of there's just red, that's
good for everything. It's it's yeah, it's special just to yeah,
I guess to play in New Zealand and yeah, home,
so it's pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
A lot of excitement about these upcoming games Phoenix. Thanks
so much for joining Smart. I hope they go really
well for you and appreciate you taking the time today.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk zed B Weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks dB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
There's an International Rugby League doubleheader at go Media Stadium today.
The Pacific Championships are underway. The Kiwi Ferns play some
more in the women's match at three point thirty five,
followed by the Kiwi's against the sumn men from six
Newcastle Knights and Kiwi's utility Phoenix Crossland is with US Phoenix.
Thanks for your time. You got your first taste of
(00:34):
the Kiwi's environment last year. So how keen were you
to get back with the national side in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Yeah, it was a big goal. I wanted to get
back here this year and yeah, I was sort of
towards the backhead of the regular season in the NRO
was something I was thinking about quite a lot. So
to get the core from States and be back in
camp and displaced with these boys is yeah pretty special.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
How much did wearing the Kiwi's jersey mean to you
when you debuted a year ago.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Yeah, it was one of the highlights of my life.
From Yeah, I spoke about a lot last year. How
much my family, you know, I really love saying that
and how much I really love doing it. So I
felt really good, and not just my debut, but all
three games I played last year. We're pretty special and
fingers crossed to get to do it again this year.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
You turned down, of course, you know, the chance to
play for Australia year and that would mean state of
origin possibilities as well. By declaring your allegiance to New
Zealand was the only, any way a difficult decision for
you to make.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
I'm not really I was sort of a thing I
didn't really think about until I started my name started
getting sort of throwing around to represent New Zealand, and
you know, it was sort of as soon as the
opportunity came up, I took with both hands. And you know,
I don't think my family would have wanted it any
other way, and me as well. So you know, being
in this space is really special. I know I made
(01:57):
the right choice.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
And yeah, it.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Means not being able to play, going down that other
path of origin and stuff. You know, it doesn't pay
anyone beer because I love being here and this is you.
Speaker 4 (02:07):
Know, is it for me?
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Tell us about your family ties with New Zealand and
just how strong they are.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Oh, Yeah, so I'm not too familiar with my dad's
live they are from New Zealand. I'm pretty sure they're
from Hamilton area. And then you know, more connected to
my mom's side and there you know Wellington and the
West Coast, Greymouth and you know all down there, so
both sides of New Zealand, but you know, mum's side
is probably the side that I connect with more. And yeah,
(02:35):
they're they're West Coast, they're Rugula League born and bred
down there, so it was yeah, they're to see me here.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Tell us about the Kiwis environment. What was it like
to come into last year and does it now have
a bit of a feeling of familiarity about it for
you now that you've you've been there before.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
Yeah, last year was pretty pretty scared.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
I didn't really know any of the boys and other
than versing them, you know, throughout the year. But it's honestly,
it was like it was so easy that did so
well to meet and everyone and you know the space
that the least as it created here and this year's
probably been a bit easier. And you know, I'm familiar
with all the boys and the way we want to
play in the coaches and stuff. So it was just
(03:15):
this year was probably more a bit more relaxed and excited,
I guess, to come back and not have those sort
of you know, first time meeting everyone nerves. But you
still get a little few butterflies when you first come
in because now it's a big occasion for the country
and this team. So but at the end of the day,
it's it's really special.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Yeah, what is the special dynamic around a national team?
I mean, you've been part of elite rugby league teams
and I want to talk about Newcastle in the moment,
but is it a different kind of dynamic when you
get together with a national team.
Speaker 4 (03:49):
It is.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
I guess it's just like it's just such an elite environment,
like you just got the best of the best from
all the different clubs and you look around at some
of the players that you're eating dinner with and then taking.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
The field with. It's it's it's pretty crazy.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Obviously only my second year, so I still pinch myself
to you know, lace up the birds with fish and
you know, here and find this year.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
So it is, it is, It is pretty cool.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
And then I guess when you go back to Clubland,
you're expected to be more of a leader, So I
guess that's sort of in those areas that're sort of different.
But I guess, yeah, there's probably a bit more a
bit there's probably more eyes on you at this level
and maybe a little bit more expectation. But you know,
it's all good, and it's it's all it's all privilege.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
You have been a first grade regular for the Newcastle
Knights now for well the best part of the last
four seasons. Where have the biggest areas of growth come
in your game?
Speaker 4 (04:40):
I guess like just leadership.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
I've always sort of been started pretty young playing at
the you know that level, and it was had the start,
it was pretty scary. But I guess when you're you know,
you're in these environments and you go back to clubland
and you've got those younger boys that are looking for guidance,
and you know, leadership, it's probably one of the biggest
things that you know, I've taken and taken back to Newcastle,
which is which is really cool. So I'd say my
leadership and just you know a little just to pick
(05:04):
up little things on preparation off some of the boys
and you using your own game. But yeah, for me,
it's just you know, going back to clubland and then
helping those younger boys and everyone.
Speaker 4 (05:14):
To be honest, it's yeah, leadership definitely.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Twenty twenty five was a challenging year for Newcastle. How
will you look to put that behind you when you
reassemble for pre season?
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Yeah, it was pretty tough. The last sort of six
weeks was yeah, not ideal for the club and for
the town, and but I guess I don't know, it's
sort of it's hopefully pretty easy to forget about that
because it you know, as a club, it's rock bottom
and you can't really get much worse. So hopefully just
just flush it down until we've got a new coaching
staff coming in a lot of turnover and players, so
(05:47):
there's going to be a lot of a lot of
fresh faces and a lot of fresh ideas. So I'm
really excited to get back there after this and yeah,
recess and and go again because we know we can
win games. We've got to, you know, with one baut
you I've had, so yeah, flush it down toil and
go again.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
And back to the Kiwi's Obviously you're a utility. You've
got you know a lot of strings to your bow.
What do you think your best role to play with
the Keyweezers.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Yeah, I don't know, it's sort of You've got Jamie
Marshall King here who's an elite nine. So yeah, I
can cover a lot of positions, so I'll be staked anywhere.
But you know, forteen is probably you know where I
see myself in this team, and it's it's unreal. I
just love to help the team out wherever I can,
and then you're obviously nine for you my third position,
(06:33):
so I get to learn a lot from Jazz and
you know, picking things up and take up back to Newcastle.
But yeah, in this team, I think it's probably probably
that forteen if I become in there so and it's
a it's a privilege to put on the jersey no
matter what number.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
So I'm excited and somemo I followed by Tonga. Of course.
I guess you don't take anybody lightly, do you. You
might think in the past perhaps that that the Island
Nations are perhaps not as as formidable proposition, but I
guess last year probably showed you that no matter who
you play, you've got to turn up right.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Yeah, exactly that tim of game last year was a
big smack in the face and I think you know
at highlighted how much stronger those you know, those teams
are getting. And it's exciting for the International Rugby League.
It's exciting for them, it's exciting for us because you know,
other than I guess in the in the past it
was sort of three teams. It was England, Australia and
New Zealand, and now it's you know, there's more teams
(07:26):
competing and winning games.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
So it's really exciting.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
I'm real happy to be and privileged to be first
and those sort of teams and making international foot growth
because you know, this is our sort of this is
our peak and you know, I'm proud of the boys
are playing every team, so that's good.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Must be quite nice to play Mount Smart too, as
a home player, rather than getting there and having to
face the Warriors and their fans.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
Oh, I still feel like an away game.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
And when your first tongue of there's just red, that's
good for everything. It's it's yeah, it's special just to yeah,
I guess to play in New Zealand and yeah, home,
so it's pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
A lot of excitement about these upcoming games Phoenix. Thanks
so much for joining Smart. I hope they go really
well for you and appreciate you taking the time today.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk zed B Weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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