November 27, 2025 • 9 mins
For this week's Friday Sport Kick-off, All Sports Breakfast host Adam Cooper joins Nick Mills to discuss the latest in sport – including the Phoenix.
They dissect what is going wrong with the Phoenix and the crowd sand discuss their game this weekend.
They also chat about The Tall Blacks upcoming games and Golf for Good out in Kapiti starting this weekend.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News TALKS'B.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
We're going solo this morning on Friday Sports Kickoff with
All Sports Breakfast hosts Adam Cooper. Good morning groups and
that what was two of us? Yeah, well yeah, I'm
solo and new solo, So we're both solos of the studio.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Right, one team, one dream?
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Oh what they've used that the Phoenix?
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Who knows?
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Now? I heard a little story that the players are
looking at the floor at halftime. You know what that means?
Speaker 3 (00:41):
What does it mean?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
There's an old saying in sport at halftime if the
coach is talking and the players is looking at the
floor rather than looking at the coaches, a problem. I'm
hearing this a bit of a problem there. I mean
a lot of people are talking about it. Why are
we not hearing from any one of the Phoenix? Is
there an issue or is it just a bad start? Well,
we're hearing from the Phoenix. Players and coaches are fronting
every week. They're trying to give some answers as to
(01:05):
what's gone on. They're still at this point, having been
out two days ago to Denz Cis to get a
couple of the defender's thoughts on what's going on. Still
trying to keep sort of the positivity going, but it
has been a very disappointing season, most notably the past month.
They haven't won a game. They're now five rounds in
and only have one victory to their name. And if
anyone was.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
There last weekend, I don't think the crowd or anyone
watching them from a football perspective got any encouragement that
the Phoenix can get. You know, this, this streak of
disappointing performances out of their way. They didn't get a
shot on goal last weekend until the ninety third minute
of the game. Thank goodness there were three minutes of
extra time added because if it went through the nineteen minutes,
(01:47):
the Phoenix did not get one shot on goal, they.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Were down to Auckland, were down to nine.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
Well this is MacArthur last weekend, but yes, two weeks ago,
down to nine weeks ago. Had ten players for most
of the last part of the game, and then that
then they went to nine right towards the end. So yes,
by what I'm saying is they had a one man
advantage for a lot of the game and then yes,
they got down to a two man advantage later on.
So there's been no signs that it's getting better, right,
(02:15):
And there's been no signs that from the start of
last season, which was a disappointing campaign, that things are
any better now with this team.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Now. We were promised we as well in Tonian's were
promised that chief he was the man and everything was okay.
And I like him. I've only met him once, but
I like him. You know, this is not a personal
gripe against him. Is a problem with the organization, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
I think that the problem might lie with the coach personally.
You know, the players are going to rally together and
play for a coach that they believe in, right, And
they've tried to do some new things this year. They're
using this new I'm not a football expert, but they're
using this high line defensive thing where they press up
and up and up and almost have the defenders at
the halfway line as much as they can. It hasn't
really worked yet you look at the goals conceded and
(02:57):
the match is lost. There's been some some times where
it just hasn't worked. So they're trying these new things.
But how long do you give this new setup before
you think? They've tried this and it's not working. So
they're also the problem with the Phoenix. They've got all
these young players, players that might not actually always make
other A League teams. You know, you got you've got
a very you know. They do a great job bringing
(03:17):
players through the academy, but they're taking on.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Isn't it to be fair? That's really they make their
money bring their players through, then they sell them. Are
fan that brings some money in? Is that one hundred percent?
Speaker 1 (03:26):
That's right?
Speaker 3 (03:26):
But is that enough to fill a team's roster or
the bulk of a team's roster? Personally? I don't think so,
so it is worrying. The crowd last weekend was three thousand,
seven hundred, which was arguably up there with the worst
ever with the Phoenix. I remember a time when under
ten thousand was a bad crowd for the Phoenix. Now
they sort of aim for five thousands and it doesn't
(03:47):
look particularly good.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
So let me let me just elaborate on that, because
I really want has Wellington This is the question I'm
going to ask you. Has Wellington lost patience with the Phoenix?
I mean, are the Yellow fevers still turning up and
their messes. You're at the games, you see it.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Yep, they are maybe not to their their huge there,
large attendance and large personnel group that they that they
have when the Phoenix have been at their best. They're
still pretty much and if it wasn't for them, it'd
be a really real worry as to anyone really coming
in and making some noise at the game. So that
sort of holding it together. How long will they be
able to last? I mean financially, let's look at it. Financially,
(04:24):
you know, they cannot be making money. They can't even
be breaking even. They'll be in you know.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
I mean, I know there's some wealthy people behind it,
and I know there's some great sponsors and the great organization.
How long can it last?
Speaker 3 (04:36):
Yeah, that's the million dollar question, isn't it. I Mean
it's been a tough slog since COVID. Obviously, you know
they've had some transfer money come in when they have
offloaded some of those players that you've spoken about, but
that's that pretty much helps pay off everything that was
owed from COVID. So it is a really tough time.
You know, it's not cheap being out there at nded
cis as well, so it is a concern. The other
thing with that you said if people lost patience, Well,
(04:56):
the thing is if the phoenix were to go, and
we all obviously hope from a willing sweepeak that it
won't happen, and I don't think it will. I think
there will be changes made and some more positivity. But
there'll be so many people that criticize that and then say, oh,
you know, that's such a shame we lost the phoenix.
Well where are those people right now going along to
the games? Where were they for the derby where we
only got twelve thousands? You know, like that's the problem here.
(05:17):
So it's so easy for us to knock it and say, well,
you know, you know, where are the phoenix? What are
they doing?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Well?
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Why are people going along and supporting them? Because I know,
say we lose them or changes are made, they'll be
up in arms. So where are those people. It's like
when a restaurant or bar closes, you know, people will say, oh,
that's such a shame, but hey when did you last go?
Oh a year ago. So it's a tough one. But
you can only hope from a Wellington Sporting perspective that
something changes, whether that has to change, whether that's down
(05:45):
the track, start winning, yep, you know, start giving it
and start showing that they want to compete on the field,
which they certainly didn't last weekend.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Okay, right, let's move on. We've I think they're on
the mat now with Phoenix, so let's move on. Tour
Blacks play Australia starting to night in Hobart. This is
really really important and Australia versus in New Zealand at
any sport is huge. Basketball is no exception because they've
got something like seven or eight NBA players now playing.
You know, I don't saying they're playing in this game,
(06:14):
but they're in Australian basketball. So it's a big deal,
big deal man.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Actually, it's quite lucky that actual current NBA players can't
play in this because obviously the NBA don't release players
for us, because Australia would get about fourteen players. New
Zealand's well, Steven Adams, they wouldn't get him, but he
would be you know, he's an NBA player. So the
way that matches out, New Zealand's probably quite lucky in
that respect. But when you look at you know, the
likes of Yanny witzel Meninger from the Breakers and others.
(06:42):
New Zealand's got a real you know, real chance, real
chance here with the roster, they've got probably the best
chance in years. I mean, I think I was looking
at the head to heads before. The Australia has had
absolute dominance over New Zealand over the years. I think
we have won about sixty to ten.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
I think.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Four so there's been ten wins, so we're in double digits.
But this is going to be a great series. And
just think when you look at you know, some of
the Australians being air out of the Saints. He's going
to be part of the series too. From an Australian perspective.
Oh see, I didn't realize, so I think it's going
to be Read Cooks. I didn't see his name on
the roster, so I don't think so.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Coached by Dean Vickerman, so well down fans would know that.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
So very exciting. So yes, it's all set up in
Hobart tonight, then here and Wellington on Monday night, and
I think there's a lot of excitement around this. Basketball
we know is just such a in a growth phase.
You look at the interest in it. As you know, Nick,
the Saints pack out of stadium.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Well, I'm just about to say, you talk three thy
seven hundred. I think that's pretty close to what the
that game on a Monday night has sold. I think
there's only a few. Now, someone might correct me again,
I don't think there's that many tickets still available on
Monday night. So don't tell me people aren't going to go,
you know, for the Phoenix story. No, they ain't going
to go and support a game because they're doing it
on a Monday night. How hard is it to go
(07:53):
out on Monday night? But you, me and you both
won't be there.
Speaker 3 (07:56):
I won't be there. No, But it's great and I
think it just goes to show that people are willing
to pay for events that they feel they'll enjoy. Right,
and you know, the tall talking about it makes that
can be very often. So a ready good night.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Talk about enjoying it will be a good night talk
about enjoyment. Golf for good. I mean, I love this idea.
Talk to our listeners about this whole idea and what
it brings.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
Yeah, I know we don't have too long, so I'll
quickly run you through it. Brand new mini golf course
out in part of part of a maze and garb reserve.
This has been driven by local businesses, by local people,
the Lions and the rotary clubs out there, and they've
built this flash new mini golf course. It's not just
your standard tiny, little mini golf course where you sort
of hit and get company to help you out. It's
(08:41):
an actual miniature golf course, if that's the best way
to explain it. There's a few bunkers. It's all done
with your partner, but it's just a little bit expanded
the what your average mini golf course is the best
part about this very affordable. All the money is going
back into local community organizations. So it opens tomorrow. You
can get out there. You can book rounds. I think
you can even get memberships for the course. I already
want to go out. I think we might even be
(09:02):
planning a trip on Tuesday. It's got Tuesday next week
we're talking about. I don't like I don't like announcing
these things because when you say you're going somewhere, the
fans flock to the area. So we'll keep our day
there next week separate and.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Hey, hey, I think people flocked to see you rather
than see.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
Anyway opens this weekend. Get out and support it and
part of part omer It's great.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Adam Cooper, Thank you very much. Adam host All Sports
Breakfast tomorrow morning and over fifty percent of anyone that's
listening to radio listens to it. It's the biggest show
that we've got, so make sure you're listening tomorrow morning
Speaker 1 (09:35):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, Listen live
to news Talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News TALKS'B.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
We're going solo this morning on Friday Sports Kickoff with
All Sports Breakfast hosts Adam Cooper. Good morning groups and
that what was two of us? Yeah, well yeah, I'm
solo and new solo, So we're both solos of the studio.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Right, one team, one dream?
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Oh what they've used that the Phoenix?
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Who knows?
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Now? I heard a little story that the players are
looking at the floor at halftime. You know what that means?
Speaker 3 (00:41):
What does it mean?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
There's an old saying in sport at halftime if the
coach is talking and the players is looking at the
floor rather than looking at the coaches, a problem. I'm
hearing this a bit of a problem there. I mean
a lot of people are talking about it. Why are
we not hearing from any one of the Phoenix? Is
there an issue or is it just a bad start? Well,
we're hearing from the Phoenix. Players and coaches are fronting
every week. They're trying to give some answers as to
(01:05):
what's gone on. They're still at this point, having been
out two days ago to Denz Cis to get a
couple of the defender's thoughts on what's going on. Still
trying to keep sort of the positivity going, but it
has been a very disappointing season, most notably the past month.
They haven't won a game. They're now five rounds in
and only have one victory to their name. And if
anyone was.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
There last weekend, I don't think the crowd or anyone
watching them from a football perspective got any encouragement that
the Phoenix can get. You know, this, this streak of
disappointing performances out of their way. They didn't get a
shot on goal last weekend until the ninety third minute
of the game. Thank goodness there were three minutes of
extra time added because if it went through the nineteen minutes,
(01:47):
the Phoenix did not get one shot on goal, they.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Were down to Auckland, were down to nine.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
Well this is MacArthur last weekend, but yes, two weeks ago,
down to nine weeks ago. Had ten players for most
of the last part of the game, and then that
then they went to nine right towards the end. So yes,
by what I'm saying is they had a one man
advantage for a lot of the game and then yes,
they got down to a two man advantage later on.
So there's been no signs that it's getting better, right,
(02:15):
And there's been no signs that from the start of
last season, which was a disappointing campaign, that things are
any better now with this team.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Now. We were promised we as well in Tonian's were
promised that chief he was the man and everything was okay.
And I like him. I've only met him once, but
I like him. You know, this is not a personal
gripe against him. Is a problem with the organization, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
I think that the problem might lie with the coach personally.
You know, the players are going to rally together and
play for a coach that they believe in, right, And
they've tried to do some new things this year. They're
using this new I'm not a football expert, but they're
using this high line defensive thing where they press up
and up and up and almost have the defenders at
the halfway line as much as they can. It hasn't
really worked yet you look at the goals conceded and
(02:57):
the match is lost. There's been some some times where
it just hasn't worked. So they're trying these new things.
But how long do you give this new setup before
you think? They've tried this and it's not working. So
they're also the problem with the Phoenix. They've got all
these young players, players that might not actually always make
other A League teams. You know, you got you've got
a very you know. They do a great job bringing
(03:17):
players through the academy, but they're taking on.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Isn't it to be fair? That's really they make their
money bring their players through, then they sell them. Are
fan that brings some money in? Is that one hundred percent?
Speaker 1 (03:26):
That's right?
Speaker 3 (03:26):
But is that enough to fill a team's roster or
the bulk of a team's roster? Personally? I don't think so,
so it is worrying. The crowd last weekend was three thousand,
seven hundred, which was arguably up there with the worst
ever with the Phoenix. I remember a time when under
ten thousand was a bad crowd for the Phoenix. Now
they sort of aim for five thousands and it doesn't
(03:47):
look particularly good.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
So let me let me just elaborate on that, because
I really want has Wellington This is the question I'm
going to ask you. Has Wellington lost patience with the Phoenix?
I mean, are the Yellow fevers still turning up and
their messes. You're at the games, you see it.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Yep, they are maybe not to their their huge there,
large attendance and large personnel group that they that they
have when the Phoenix have been at their best. They're
still pretty much and if it wasn't for them, it'd
be a really real worry as to anyone really coming
in and making some noise at the game. So that
sort of holding it together. How long will they be
able to last? I mean financially, let's look at it. Financially,
(04:24):
you know, they cannot be making money. They can't even
be breaking even. They'll be in you know.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
I mean, I know there's some wealthy people behind it,
and I know there's some great sponsors and the great organization.
How long can it last?
Speaker 3 (04:36):
Yeah, that's the million dollar question, isn't it. I Mean
it's been a tough slog since COVID. Obviously, you know
they've had some transfer money come in when they have
offloaded some of those players that you've spoken about, but
that's that pretty much helps pay off everything that was
owed from COVID. So it is a really tough time.
You know, it's not cheap being out there at nded
cis as well, so it is a concern. The other
thing with that you said if people lost patience, Well,
(04:56):
the thing is if the phoenix were to go, and
we all obviously hope from a willing sweepeak that it
won't happen, and I don't think it will. I think
there will be changes made and some more positivity. But
there'll be so many people that criticize that and then say, oh,
you know, that's such a shame we lost the phoenix.
Well where are those people right now going along to
the games? Where were they for the derby where we
only got twelve thousands? You know, like that's the problem here.
(05:17):
So it's so easy for us to knock it and say, well,
you know, you know, where are the phoenix? What are
they doing?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Well?
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Why are people going along and supporting them? Because I know,
say we lose them or changes are made, they'll be
up in arms. So where are those people. It's like
when a restaurant or bar closes, you know, people will say, oh,
that's such a shame, but hey when did you last go?
Oh a year ago. So it's a tough one. But
you can only hope from a Wellington Sporting perspective that
something changes, whether that has to change, whether that's down
(05:45):
the track, start winning, yep, you know, start giving it
and start showing that they want to compete on the field,
which they certainly didn't last weekend.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Okay, right, let's move on. We've I think they're on
the mat now with Phoenix, so let's move on. Tour
Blacks play Australia starting to night in Hobart. This is
really really important and Australia versus in New Zealand at
any sport is huge. Basketball is no exception because they've
got something like seven or eight NBA players now playing.
You know, I don't saying they're playing in this game,
(06:14):
but they're in Australian basketball. So it's a big deal,
big deal man.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Actually, it's quite lucky that actual current NBA players can't
play in this because obviously the NBA don't release players
for us, because Australia would get about fourteen players. New
Zealand's well, Steven Adams, they wouldn't get him, but he
would be you know, he's an NBA player. So the
way that matches out, New Zealand's probably quite lucky in
that respect. But when you look at you know, the
likes of Yanny witzel Meninger from the Breakers and others.
(06:42):
New Zealand's got a real you know, real chance, real
chance here with the roster, they've got probably the best
chance in years. I mean, I think I was looking
at the head to heads before. The Australia has had
absolute dominance over New Zealand over the years. I think
we have won about sixty to ten.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
I think.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Four so there's been ten wins, so we're in double digits.
But this is going to be a great series. And
just think when you look at you know, some of
the Australians being air out of the Saints. He's going
to be part of the series too. From an Australian perspective.
Oh see, I didn't realize, so I think it's going
to be Read Cooks. I didn't see his name on
the roster, so I don't think so.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Coached by Dean Vickerman, so well down fans would know that.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
So very exciting. So yes, it's all set up in
Hobart tonight, then here and Wellington on Monday night, and
I think there's a lot of excitement around this. Basketball
we know is just such a in a growth phase.
You look at the interest in it. As you know, Nick,
the Saints pack out of stadium.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Well, I'm just about to say, you talk three thy
seven hundred. I think that's pretty close to what the
that game on a Monday night has sold. I think
there's only a few. Now, someone might correct me again,
I don't think there's that many tickets still available on
Monday night. So don't tell me people aren't going to go,
you know, for the Phoenix story. No, they ain't going
to go and support a game because they're doing it
on a Monday night. How hard is it to go
(07:53):
out on Monday night? But you, me and you both
won't be there.
Speaker 3 (07:56):
I won't be there. No, But it's great and I
think it just goes to show that people are willing
to pay for events that they feel they'll enjoy. Right,
and you know, the tall talking about it makes that
can be very often. So a ready good night.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Talk about enjoying it will be a good night talk
about enjoyment. Golf for good. I mean, I love this idea.
Talk to our listeners about this whole idea and what
it brings.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
Yeah, I know we don't have too long, so I'll
quickly run you through it. Brand new mini golf course
out in part of part of a maze and garb reserve.
This has been driven by local businesses, by local people,
the Lions and the rotary clubs out there, and they've
built this flash new mini golf course. It's not just
your standard tiny, little mini golf course where you sort
of hit and get company to help you out. It's
(08:41):
an actual miniature golf course, if that's the best way
to explain it. There's a few bunkers. It's all done
with your partner, but it's just a little bit expanded
the what your average mini golf course is the best
part about this very affordable. All the money is going
back into local community organizations. So it opens tomorrow. You
can get out there. You can book rounds. I think
you can even get memberships for the course. I already
want to go out. I think we might even be
(09:02):
planning a trip on Tuesday. It's got Tuesday next week
we're talking about. I don't like I don't like announcing
these things because when you say you're going somewhere, the
fans flock to the area. So we'll keep our day
there next week separate and.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Hey, hey, I think people flocked to see you rather
than see.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
Anyway opens this weekend. Get out and support it and
part of part omer It's great.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Adam Cooper, Thank you very much. Adam host All Sports
Breakfast tomorrow morning and over fifty percent of anyone that's
listening to radio listens to it. It's the biggest show
that we've got, so make sure you're listening tomorrow morning
Speaker 1 (09:35):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, Listen live
to news Talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio
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