October 9, 2025 • 8 mins
Paul Miller casts his eye over Otago's chances in the NPC playoffs which start this weekend.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
And before we wrap up for the week here on
the Muster, Paul Miller, former Southland Otago and All Back
player for that matter as well, joins us this afternoon.
He's been doing commentaries on gold Sport throughout Super Rugby
season two into the MPC OG Good afternoon. Look, we
look at the MPC from a fans perspective and especially
for you a lot up there in Otago. You've kind
(00:26):
of risen up from the phoenix as far as going
up to the top of the table a shoot out
between you and Kennery at the moment, you must be
pretty chuffed up there in the land of Blue and Gold.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Hey. Andy, Hey, I just still remember where I'm from though,
I'm always going back to my roots, so I still loves,
still love the Staggs. Hey, but yeah, you're right. So
I've just sort of come unawirz. You know, they've just
sort of stuck underneath the umbrella. I reckon for the
first couple of games, and that was relevant to the crowd,
(00:59):
you know, I want to touch on just for a second.
It's the crowds were abysmal. I'll be honest, they were
terrible at the start. However, I think we touched on
it before since the Shields started moving around. I think
that sparked a lot of interest and it's sort of
showed when obviously Stags won it and then obviously Otago
managed to just snap it off Canterbury and the crowds
(01:19):
have just gone from you know, year five hundred and
now they're up to about six thousand, so and it's
just across the nation as well. It's been fantastic for.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
The game fromin and Tago viewpoint though, likes of Dylan Pledger.
You're hearing rumors about him going over on the New
Zealand a tour to Europe later on in the season
or next month. Actually he's gone pretty good. But guys
like Lucas Casey have stood up Cam Miller at first five.
I think it's been exceptional too. So all of these
guys who have been in there for a wee while
(01:48):
now is starting to gel.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Yeah, that's that settlement. And one thing I want to
touch on. I'm not trying to compare South into Otago,
but the quality probably more so with Club Rugby. These
guys are actually playing week and week out, playing more
competitive games, more teams in the competition here and than
Eden as well. And you know, to be honest, there's
a few Stags players playing in this competition as well.
(02:12):
So and I think the development process here in a
TAGA that they've probably got that right at the moment.
Dylan Pledger has been you know, air marks since it
was at King's High School as a young fellow. They
can probably spot that talent and now and they're trying
to stop these other provinces i e. You know, Canterbury
and the likes trying to take these players away. So
Tager have done pretty well and being proactive to hold
(02:35):
on the players like the Dylan Pledger and the thing
that a target I've got, They've got more of a settle.
These players have been together now probably three to four seasons.
Cam Miller has had good Super Rugby experience as well,
so you add that to the mix. I'm not surprised
at they where they are on the table.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Given the nature of the premier competition here in South
and Club Rugby are do you think they need to
look at amalgam mating with Tonedan Dare I say it?
Speaker 2 (03:01):
That would cause a whole lot of other issues in
terms of cost travel, you know, logistics, you know it
were definitely up the level I think, you know, you
look at it from the top, Yes, it would create
more of a competitive aspect, more interest, I would say too.
(03:21):
But you know, logistically you can imagine, you know, I
guess all the community trust would be bombarded with funding
applications just to try and help with travel and stuff.
So that would probably cause more issues than what it's worth.
So but look, I have heard previously so that it
has been mooted, it has been put on the table,
so perhaps they need to sort of look at that closely,
(03:43):
or maybe look at something near the end of the
season have sort of a crossover between the Tiger South
and border.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Well, just like what a tippy was going to use
ethyl as a base and bow closer comes into the equation.
I suppose if that was to be the case. This
is all hypothetical, of course, but it's always fun to think.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Yes, you know, and at the end of the day,
it is trying to keep players in a competitive club
rugby aspect as well. So if they're not getting that,
they're not developing, so and you can't be reliant on
trying to target these players. And you know, it's great
this NBC because players can play themselves into a provincial
team by playing club footy. I mean, yes, you might
(04:21):
argue some of them have already been their marked and
had contracts. However, you know it's good for the likes
of the country. Areas still can play their way in there,
and you know that was always what it was like
back in the day. But no, I think something needs
to be looked at quite intentionally in that area.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Well, okay, just this MPC on a hole though, it
has really captured the imagination this year. AGA, it's been
a really good watch, just a whole way through. There
hasn't been really too many dug games.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
No, there has been too many blowouts. I mean, the
poor old Stagger's there. Yes, probably I've still been a
bit hungover from the Shield the Shield game, but look,
apart from that, it's been creative, been intuitive play from
all these teams, and that's reflective on I guess, good wholeheartedness.
(05:09):
You know, local community players and the other aspectors are
still trying to play their way into Super rugby, make
professional teams, and there's more options out there now apart
from Super Rugby. You've got obviously America happening and obviously
there's always going to be over in the UK, but
you know it's still a stepping stone into that professional
environment and I think what we've seen as well as
(05:29):
good quality coaches that have come through the ranks too,
so you know you have that added into the mix.
It's always going to be a spectacle for you know,
the community and also the spectators.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Are you surprised at the way that last year's champions
Wellington have fallen by the wayside and also Auckland too
only just marginally going above the stags on the table.
That wasn't expected, was it?
Speaker 2 (05:54):
No? No, definitely lot. I look at what's coming through.
You know, Auckland have always been pretty competitive within the
secondary schools and and age group However, something doesn't seem
to click when they come up to the to the
provincial area, and Wellington's probably the same. I don't think
they had anyone from the Wellington schools making the age
group teams there, so you know, obviously something's happening because
(06:17):
I know that Saint Kennigan's there in Wellington and the
few other schools one in College always sort of have
a good you know baseline for this for secondary schools
in the in the development. But yeah, I'm very surprised
Wellington haven't really kicked on as what they did last year.
And Auckland, look, I mean new coach Stephen Bates. I mean,
(06:37):
hopefully they give him another crack next season. But it's
it's that's not Auckland like at all when obviously they
they got thrashed the other weekend by Tiger, which was
you know, astounding, Yeah, interesting times.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
I could just finally a Targer you reckon they can
win the MPC.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
I think they can just just not just being so sattled.
I think they have been able to adapt to what's
been in front of them. And I think, you know,
we talk about the structure and being over coach, I
don't think these guys have had too much sequence structure
within their game. And I think one key player, like
we haven't really said too much about him, is Cam Miller.
(07:15):
He's a pivotal position at first five. He's actually been
able to run with the boy. He's had a lot
more time in space. He's able to run to the
line where he wasn't doing that before. You can just
see the confidence. His kicking game's got a lot better.
And what better than Dylan Pleasure. He's a we start
at the moment, so you know that combination is certainly
helping them, along with Christian Leo Willy as well. So
(07:35):
I think they can do it. I think they'll put
wake Otto to the sword tonight and then who knows
the next two weeks after why.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Kaka and South and spoiling legend. Paul Miller, he just
happens to live in to need in these days or
put that on there. Always appreciate your time on the
Muster and made appreciate your thoughts.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
No cheers and he thinks of that.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Laugh out loud with ad proud because life on the
land can be a laughing matter. Brought to us by
sheer well data working to help the livestock farmer. Nothing
is better than putting on fresh, warm underwear straight out
of the dryer. Plus it's even funner to look around
the Lord Dromat and guess who they belong to? You funner,
(08:16):
that's not a word, is it is? Today? Shout out
Jeff Heaps, love your work. That's us for the afternoon
and for the week here on the Muster. The best
of tomorrow morning at five am, of course, The Muster
Podcast going on iHeartRadio. I'm Andy Muir. This has been
the muster on Hakanui thanks to Peterson Llix. Enjoy the weekend,
See you Monday.
And before we wrap up for the week here on
the Muster, Paul Miller, former Southland Otago and All Back
player for that matter as well, joins us this afternoon.
He's been doing commentaries on gold Sport throughout Super Rugby
season two into the MPC OG Good afternoon. Look, we
look at the MPC from a fans perspective and especially
for you a lot up there in Otago. You've kind
(00:26):
of risen up from the phoenix as far as going
up to the top of the table a shoot out
between you and Kennery at the moment, you must be
pretty chuffed up there in the land of Blue and Gold.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Hey. Andy, Hey, I just still remember where I'm from though,
I'm always going back to my roots, so I still loves,
still love the Staggs. Hey, but yeah, you're right. So
I've just sort of come unawirz. You know, they've just
sort of stuck underneath the umbrella. I reckon for the
first couple of games, and that was relevant to the crowd,
(00:59):
you know, I want to touch on just for a second.
It's the crowds were abysmal. I'll be honest, they were
terrible at the start. However, I think we touched on
it before since the Shields started moving around. I think
that sparked a lot of interest and it's sort of
showed when obviously Stags won it and then obviously Otago
managed to just snap it off Canterbury and the crowds
(01:19):
have just gone from you know, year five hundred and
now they're up to about six thousand, so and it's
just across the nation as well. It's been fantastic for.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
The game fromin and Tago viewpoint though, likes of Dylan Pledger.
You're hearing rumors about him going over on the New
Zealand a tour to Europe later on in the season
or next month. Actually he's gone pretty good. But guys
like Lucas Casey have stood up Cam Miller at first five.
I think it's been exceptional too. So all of these
guys who have been in there for a wee while
(01:48):
now is starting to gel.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Yeah, that's that settlement. And one thing I want to
touch on. I'm not trying to compare South into Otago,
but the quality probably more so with Club Rugby. These
guys are actually playing week and week out, playing more
competitive games, more teams in the competition here and than
Eden as well. And you know, to be honest, there's
a few Stags players playing in this competition as well.
(02:12):
So and I think the development process here in a
TAGA that they've probably got that right at the moment.
Dylan Pledger has been you know, air marks since it
was at King's High School as a young fellow. They
can probably spot that talent and now and they're trying
to stop these other provinces i e. You know, Canterbury
and the likes trying to take these players away. So
Tager have done pretty well and being proactive to hold
(02:35):
on the players like the Dylan Pledger and the thing
that a target I've got, They've got more of a settle.
These players have been together now probably three to four seasons.
Cam Miller has had good Super Rugby experience as well,
so you add that to the mix. I'm not surprised
at they where they are on the table.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Given the nature of the premier competition here in South
and Club Rugby are do you think they need to
look at amalgam mating with Tonedan Dare I say it?
Speaker 2 (03:01):
That would cause a whole lot of other issues in
terms of cost travel, you know, logistics, you know it
were definitely up the level I think, you know, you
look at it from the top, Yes, it would create
more of a competitive aspect, more interest, I would say too.
(03:21):
But you know, logistically you can imagine, you know, I
guess all the community trust would be bombarded with funding
applications just to try and help with travel and stuff.
So that would probably cause more issues than what it's worth.
So but look, I have heard previously so that it
has been mooted, it has been put on the table,
so perhaps they need to sort of look at that closely,
(03:43):
or maybe look at something near the end of the
season have sort of a crossover between the Tiger South
and border.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Well, just like what a tippy was going to use
ethyl as a base and bow closer comes into the equation.
I suppose if that was to be the case. This
is all hypothetical, of course, but it's always fun to think.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Yes, you know, and at the end of the day,
it is trying to keep players in a competitive club
rugby aspect as well. So if they're not getting that,
they're not developing, so and you can't be reliant on
trying to target these players. And you know, it's great
this NBC because players can play themselves into a provincial
team by playing club footy. I mean, yes, you might
(04:21):
argue some of them have already been their marked and
had contracts. However, you know it's good for the likes
of the country. Areas still can play their way in there,
and you know that was always what it was like
back in the day. But no, I think something needs
to be looked at quite intentionally in that area.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Well, okay, just this MPC on a hole though, it
has really captured the imagination this year. AGA, it's been
a really good watch, just a whole way through. There
hasn't been really too many dug games.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
No, there has been too many blowouts. I mean, the
poor old Stagger's there. Yes, probably I've still been a
bit hungover from the Shield the Shield game, but look,
apart from that, it's been creative, been intuitive play from
all these teams, and that's reflective on I guess, good wholeheartedness.
(05:09):
You know, local community players and the other aspectors are
still trying to play their way into Super rugby, make
professional teams, and there's more options out there now apart
from Super Rugby. You've got obviously America happening and obviously
there's always going to be over in the UK, but
you know it's still a stepping stone into that professional
environment and I think what we've seen as well as
(05:29):
good quality coaches that have come through the ranks too,
so you know you have that added into the mix.
It's always going to be a spectacle for you know,
the community and also the spectators.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Are you surprised at the way that last year's champions
Wellington have fallen by the wayside and also Auckland too
only just marginally going above the stags on the table.
That wasn't expected, was it?
Speaker 2 (05:54):
No? No, definitely lot. I look at what's coming through.
You know, Auckland have always been pretty competitive within the
secondary schools and and age group However, something doesn't seem
to click when they come up to the to the
provincial area, and Wellington's probably the same. I don't think
they had anyone from the Wellington schools making the age
group teams there, so you know, obviously something's happening because
(06:17):
I know that Saint Kennigan's there in Wellington and the
few other schools one in College always sort of have
a good you know baseline for this for secondary schools
in the in the development. But yeah, I'm very surprised
Wellington haven't really kicked on as what they did last year.
And Auckland, look, I mean new coach Stephen Bates. I mean,
(06:37):
hopefully they give him another crack next season. But it's
it's that's not Auckland like at all when obviously they
they got thrashed the other weekend by Tiger, which was
you know, astounding, Yeah, interesting times.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
I could just finally a Targer you reckon they can
win the MPC.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
I think they can just just not just being so sattled.
I think they have been able to adapt to what's
been in front of them. And I think, you know,
we talk about the structure and being over coach, I
don't think these guys have had too much sequence structure
within their game. And I think one key player, like
we haven't really said too much about him, is Cam Miller.
(07:15):
He's a pivotal position at first five. He's actually been
able to run with the boy. He's had a lot
more time in space. He's able to run to the
line where he wasn't doing that before. You can just
see the confidence. His kicking game's got a lot better.
And what better than Dylan Pleasure. He's a we start
at the moment, so you know that combination is certainly
helping them, along with Christian Leo Willy as well. So
(07:35):
I think they can do it. I think they'll put
wake Otto to the sword tonight and then who knows
the next two weeks after why.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Kaka and South and spoiling legend. Paul Miller, he just
happens to live in to need in these days or
put that on there. Always appreciate your time on the
Muster and made appreciate your thoughts.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
No cheers and he thinks of that.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Laugh out loud with ad proud because life on the
land can be a laughing matter. Brought to us by
sheer well data working to help the livestock farmer. Nothing
is better than putting on fresh, warm underwear straight out
of the dryer. Plus it's even funner to look around
the Lord Dromat and guess who they belong to? You funner,
(08:16):
that's not a word, is it is? Today? Shout out
Jeff Heaps, love your work. That's us for the afternoon
and for the week here on the Muster. The best
of tomorrow morning at five am, of course, The Muster
Podcast going on iHeartRadio. I'm Andy Muir. This has been
the muster on Hakanui thanks to Peterson Llix. Enjoy the weekend,
See you Monday.
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