MIL OSI

MIL OSI

UFC Fighter meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, official merchandise sales and Galaxy Macau rewards take the fan thrills beyond the Octagon

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Luke Metcalf’s long term future may not be with the Warriors, but his short-term future has just become very important.

In-favour halfback Tanah Boyd went down with a suspected season-ending knee injury in Sunday’s 42-12 win over the Broncos in Brisbane.

Boyd suffered a suspected ACL injury in the opening minutes of the Magic Round clash.

Metcalf, who last week signed to join the Dragons next year, wasn’t in the line-up so Te Maire Martin replaced Boyd.

Coach Andrew Webster will now have to figure out his best pairing in the halves and who will join stand-off Chanel Harris-Tavita.

“We’ve got really good depth in that position.”

Luke Hanson and Jett Cleary are other options to play in the halves.

Webster said because of the bye and then the contract negotiations Metcalf wasn’t match ready and may not be available for next weekends game against the Dragons.

“We need to get him back doing reps because we don’t want to throw him back in and then he gets an injury, but he’ll be eligible for selection as soon as he is fit and done football.

“If he wasn’t important to us we would ask him to leave now and we don’t want him to, we want him to stay.

“He wants to stay, he wants to be a part of this, so he becomes important.”

Meanwhile, Boyd, who recently re-signed with the Warriors, was close to tears as he hobbled from the field.

“We’re not writing him off yet, but early indications say that it could be (ACL injury),” Webster said afterwards.

“It’s huge, we’ve had a great win here tonight and we’ve got one in there that doesn’t have clarity on his future. We really feel for him but fingers crossed hopefully it’s good news. It’s hard to get too excited when that happens.”

While Boyd was upbeat and supported his team-mates afterwards, Webster said it was obvious that he was hurting.

“You can see that he is emotional, upset.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/18/warriors-contemplate-their-next-move-at-halfback/

New Zealand has a new star pairing in 49er sailing.

Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush have become the youngest 49er world champions in history after a stunning comeback win in France.

The 21-year-old duo added the world crown to the European title they claimed in Greece last year, striking gold in a dramatic final race at the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships.

The Kiwis started the two-race medal series on top of the standings and extended their lead to five points with victory in the first race.

However they crossed the start line early in the final race and were forced to do a restart which dropped them to the back of the 10-boat fleet.

They were in ninth place heading into the final leg but made the call to gybe away from the rest of the fleet and their aggressive move paid off as they found stronger pressure and surged through the field to finish fifth and grab the world title.

“I don’t really have the words,” Menzies said afterwards. “It’s an amazing feeling. The final race was incredibly stressful, but we managed to fight our way back and stay in touch when it mattered.”

Lee Rush said the pair never panicked despite the disastrous start.

“We knew everything was still incredibly close, so the key was just staying calm and keeping ourselves in the race,” he said. “There were moments where the Germans had us, then the Dutch got close, and the Austrians came charging through late. We just kept our heads down and gave ourselves a chance.”

The pair only realised they had secured gold in the closing moments of the race.

“We left it until the very last minute,” Lee Rush said. “That final gybe set away from the fleet made the difference, but even halfway down the last run, we still weren’t counting anything.

“I actually said to Seb, ‘Just make sure we don’t fall out [of the boat] or do anything stupid now!’ We didn’t know we’d won until we crossed the line.”

The result continued New Zealand’s remarkable pedigree in the 49er class. It was the country’s first world title in the event since Peter Burling and Blair Tuke won in Geelong in 2020.

New Zealand crews had now claimed Olympic medals in the class at four consecutive Games, including Burling and Tuke’s gold at Tokyo 2020 and Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie’s silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/18/sailing-kiwi-crew-become-youngest-world-champions/

Kiwi forward Briton Nikora will make his State of Origin debut next week after being named in the Queensland team.

Nikora is the first Kiwi international to be allowed to play in rugby league’s biggest showpiece after a change in eligibility rules.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) announced the amendment in February.

Players were previously required to represent Australia or a tier two nation as defined by International Rugby League to be eligible for Origin.

This ruled out players who had represented the Kiwis or England.

The updated rules remove this restriction, allowing players who who meet the traditional State of Origin criteria and represent tier one nations to be eligible.

That criteria includes being been born in New South Wales or Queensland, residing in either state prior to their 13th birthday, or if a players father played State of Origin.

Nikora has played 15 tests for new Zealand, though qualifies for Queensland having moved to Brisbane at the age of nine.

He has played his senior career exclusively for the Cronulla Sharks, playing 168 NRL games since 2019.

Two Warriors will also play in Origin I- Co-captain Mitch Barnett for New South Wales and second rower Kurt Capewell for Queensland.

Team lists

NSW Blues squad

1. James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)

2. Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)

3. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)

4. Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos)

5. Tolutau Koula* (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)

7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)

8. Addin Fonua-Blake* (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

9. Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters)

10. Mitchell Barnett (Warriors)

11. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)

12 Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

13. Isaah Yeo (c) (Penrith Panthers)

14. Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

15. Victor Radley* (Sydney Roosters)

16. Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle Knights)

17. Blayke Brailey* (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

18. Ethan Strange* (Canberra Raiders)

19. Casey McLean* (Penrith Panthers)

20. Dylan Lucas* (Newcastle Knights)

Coach: Laurie Daley

* Yet to play for NSW

QLD Maroons squad

1.Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)

2. Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins)

3. Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)

5. Jojo Fifita (Gold Coast Titans)

6. Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)

7. Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters)^

8. Thomas Flegler (Dolphins)

9. Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)

11. Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys)

12. Kurt Capewell (Warriors)

13. Max Plath (Dolphins)^

14. Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sutherland Sharks)^

15. Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)

16. Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos)

17. Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm)

18. Ezra Mam (Brisbane Broncos)^

19. Gehamat Shibasaki (Brisbane Broncos)

20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins)

^ Potential debutant

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

A Decade of Milestones | Live Hackathon Showdown | Comprehensively Promoting Computational Thinking Education

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Analysis: NZ Warriors supremo Andrew Webster often talks about how the “footy gods” have a knack for taking big decisions away from coaches.

He’s seen it happen before, he’s seen it happen this NRL season… and he’s seen it happen again this weekend.

After a tumultuous fortnight that saw marquee halfback Luke Metcalf unable to supplant in-form understudy Tanah Boyd and electing to pursue his future elsewhere, Webster may now have to hand the keys back to Metcalf for the rest of this 2026 campaign.

Boyd’s devastating knee injury took the gloss off a 42-12 romp over the champion Brisbane Broncos on their homeground, as the undoubted highlight of ‘Magic Round’.

“We’ve had a great win here tonight and we’ve got one of our own in there that doesn’t have clarity on this future, doesn’t have clarity on the next 12 months,” Webster lamented. “It’s hard to get too excited when that happens.”

Of course, the setback also came just as Boyd reportedly extended his own contract with the Warriors, although no official announcement has been made.

Metcalf was not selected for first grade or reserves this week, as he waited for his own situation to clarify, but during the week, Webster assured media that he still had a role to play with the Warriors this season.

Those words now seem prophetic indeed.

“I don’t know if he’ll be available for selection next week, but he’s available for the rest of the year,” Webster said after the Broncos win.

“We’ve just got to tidy up his contract and he hasn’t done one rep of footy because of the bye for the last two weeks.

“We need to get him back doing reps, because we don’t want to throw him and then he gets an injury, but he’ll be eligible for selection as soon as he’s fit and done football.”

Here’s what we learnt from the Warriors’ bittersweet night at Suncorp Stadium.

Best player

Wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has had to wear more than his share of abuse for his performances, especially on the defensive end, last season.

When speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira arrived at Mt Smart during the summer, many thought he would replace Watene-Zeleniak in the line-up.

Instead, the incumbent has responded with a rich vein of attacking form that has seen him cross the tryline 10 times in the past six outings, including a hat-trick against Cronulla Sharks, and two doubles against Melbourne Storm and the Broncos.

As an added bonus, his right-edge on defence also seems somehow safer this season, and his second four-pointer this week came off another intercept near his own goal-line and length-of-the-field sprint.

Against Brisbane, he accumulated more running metres (216) than anyone else on the field – 100 of them in that one passage – and scored the most fantasy points (73).

The Warriors again dominated the middle of the park, with starters James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett and Erin Clark all featuring heavily, and Jackson Ford still topping the tackle count during his 62 minutes off the bench.

Key moment

The Warriors were hot on attack in the seventh minute, when Boyd seemed to slip and fall awkwardly, and he knew right away he was in trouble.

Onfield tests suggested an anterior cruciate ligament and further exams seemed to confirm that. We’ll know more on Monday.

Up stepped veteran Te Maire Martin, who broke his leg in the pre-season and only returned to play two weeks ago as a lock in reserve grade.

In case you forget, he played half for North Queensland Cowboys – alongside Jonathan Thurston – in an NRL grand final and he immediately made his presence felt, juggling a wobbly old pass from Wayde Egan and lobbing one over the advancing defensive line to Watene-Zelezniak for his first try.

“We know Te Maire’s going to come on and do his role,” Webster said. “He did a terrific job tonight and that’s a celebration to our whole system, to our assistant coaches for preparing him and to ‘T’ himself.

“We’ve got really good depth in that position.”

Martin was used largely as a utility last season, playing anywhere in the backline and even among the forwards, but his role may change with Boyd’s departure.

If Metcalf is unavailable next week, Webster will likely roll out the old firm of Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita.

Best try

Martin’s second try assist came while the Broncos were shorthanded, with second-rower Patrick Carrigan in the bin.

As the Warriors hammered the line, the halfback slipped a delicately weighted kick into the goal area, where veteran second-rower Kurt Capewell had timed his run to perfection to win the race.

That kind of understanding between two players that have spent very little time on the field together this year suggests Martin may yet be difficult to dislodge from a starting position.

Capewell doesn’t dominate the spotlight like many of his teammates, but every now and then, he produces something special that shows why he’s so valuable to his teams at all levels.

Injuries etc

Obviously, Boyd is the big news coming out of this game and his injury could not have come at a worse time.

His outstanding form this season had essentially driven Metcalf out of the club and now Webster may have to turn back to Metcalf to keep their championship hopes alive.

The injury also came on the very same ground that Metcalf hobbled off 11 months ago, ending his season and triggering Boyd’s rise to the No.7 jersey.

Sport can be cruel.

Egan took another blow to the head, but with an Origin jersey seemingly on offer, he was able to stay on the field, before eventually giving way to Sam Healey for the final 25 minutes.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira was put on report and sent to the bin for a high tackle that looked like it may have bounced off the ball into the head, so let’s see where that lands him at the judiciary.

The Warriors’ depth will be tested next week without their Origin stars, but this result was achieved without using Tanner Stowers-Smith or Jacob Laban off the bench, while Marata Niukore and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava both scored tries in NSW Cup this week.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was deemed a possibility to return from his shoulder tweak next week, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is still working through a neck complaint.

Centre Rocco Berry is also due back this week, but more likely via reserve grade, and then he’ll have to earn promotion.

What the result means

Victory momentarily placed the Warriors alongside Penrith Panthers atop the competition table, although the Panthers quickly restored their two-point buffer with a routine 28-6 win over St George-Illawarra Dragons.

They are now averaging more points (32.0) than any other team in the league (Penrith 31.7) and have the second-best points differential (+138), behind the Panthers (+203).

The result also equals the club’s best start through 11 rounds (8-2), matching last year’s record. The 2025 side lost to Canberra Raiders in round 12, so another win would create a new benchmark.

It also broke an eight-year losing streak against the Broncos in Brisbane.

Wahs fans

You simply can’t talk about this performance without giving credit to the Warriors fans that marched down Caxton Street and proceeded to turn Suncorp into a homeground for their team.

About 8000 reportedly made the trip across the Tasman to back their team, plus all those ex-pats living in Queensland these days.

“It was pretty loud down the south end,” Fisher-Harris confirmed. “We love our supporters – I actually think they are second to none.

“It was a great atmosphere out there.”

The Warriors – and their supporters – return to Suncorp again on 27 June to face the Dolphins and then again on 15 August for their ‘away’ game against the Broncos.

What’s next

St George-Illawarra Dragons have not won a game this season and are now on a 14-game losing streak that extends back into last season.

They’ve already sacked their coach and have lost by an average of 34 points under the new one.

The Warriors will be without their Origin players – possibly Mitch Barnett, Jackson Ford, Wayde Egan and Kurt Capewell – and will have to regroup from the loss of Boyd.

Beyond that looms a visit to Penrith, who will still be top of the table, courtesy of their bye next week.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand (17 May 2026) Electrify Queenstown 2026 opened today with a sell-out 400-strong crowd, amped to explore Aotearoa’s electric future.

Climate Change Minister Hon Simon Watts and New Zealand Climate Foundation chief executive Izzy Fenwick led the programme, which focused on how electrification can lower costs, lower emissions and strengthen resilience for households and business.

Minister Watts says electrification is central to New Zealand’s economic and climate future.

“Electrify Queenstown brings together businesses, innovators, investors, and local leaders who are helping drive practical solutions that can reduce costs, improve productivity, strengthen energy resilience, and support emissions reduction,” he says.

“Events like this are important because they help turn ideas and ambition into real-world action.”

Now in its third year, the award-winning Electrify Queenstown spans three days in New Zealand’s tourism capital.

Opening day brought electrification to life for attendees with hands-on Electric Experiences across the basin, including solar home tours, EV travel to Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, Catch a Fish’s electric boat trip, and an e-boat and e-bike adventure hosted by Naut, Ride to the Sky and Queenstown Golf Club.

At Queenstown Events Centre, the free How-To Hub and Power Playground ran from 1pm–3pm, with expert advice on solar, batteries, EVs, heating, hot water and finance, alongside test rides and demos of electric technology.

Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says the scale of interest reflected how quickly the national conversation around electrification is changing.

“Just a few years ago, electrification was often viewed primarily through the lens of emissions reduction. Today, people are increasingly focused on cost savings, resilience, energy security and how households and businesses can take greater control of their energy future.

“Electrify Queenstown is about making those conversations practical and accessible, and there’s strong appetite from both the community and industry to explore what’s possible.”

The event also featured a significant transport announcement from Christchurch-based company Whoosh, which revealed a consortium of Queenstown business leaders would fund a feasibility study into a potential electric elevated transport network for the district.

The study will investigate whether the autonomous pod-based transport system could help address congestion challenges and support future transport needs across Queenstown.

Powerswitch manager Paul Fuge was also at the lectern, detailing what consumers think about electrification and what will drive uptake, along with Josh Ellison, of Queenstown Electrification Accelerator.

Electrify Queenstown continues Monday (18 May) with its sold-out Business Innovation, Investment & Policy day at the Queenstown Events Centre.

The programme includes keynote presentations from inventor and global electrification expert Dr Saul Griffith, Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey, and a major political leaders’ debate moderated by Paddy Gower.

On stage will be Deputy Prime Minister Hon David Seymour, Leader of the Opposition Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, Energy Minister Hon Simeon Brown, Assoc. Energy Minister Hon Shane Jones, Green Party leader Chlöe Swarbrick and The Opportunities Party leader Qiulae Wong,

A limited number of tickets remain available for Tuesday’s programme – Practical business advice – the ‘How To’.

Event details

What: Electrify Queenstown

When: Sunday 17 May – Tuesday 19 May

Where: Queenstown Events Centre and locations across the district

Feature session: The Future of New Zealand’s Energy System: A Leaders’ Debate, Monday 18 May, 2pm-4.30pm.

MIL OSI

It’s surf’s up in the small Waikato town of Raglan, as it hosts the New Zealand Surfing Championships, and locals are excited for what it means for the town.

The World Surf League arrived at Manu Bay on Friday, marking the first time New Zealand has hosted a combined men’s and women’s Championship Tour event.

It has brought out surfing stars from around the world, and locals say the town is lapping up the international attention.

Hundreds of spectators crowded the shoreline of Manu Bay on Sunday to watch the totally tubular action.

Hamish Christophers was chuffed to have the chance to rub shoulders with the surfers from around the globe.

“It’s so good for locals, and just everyone in New Zealand to see what it’s all about,” he said.

“Good to meet them and rub shoulders with the best in the world, it’s epic.”

Up to 7000 spectators were expected to gather along headlands and the shoreline to watch elite surfers tackle one of the most famous left-hand breaks in the world.

Meanwhile in town, local Jeff Prudden said the town had been heaving with the competition on.

“Obviously, when the comp’s on town’s pretty quiet, but when the night hits it’s on bro,” he said.

“Yesterday, because obviously it got called off, town was bustling.”

He said surfers and spectators were arriving before the champs had even started.

“People come before as well, because you had the good weeks’ worth of swell before the comp, so it brought people in,” Prudden said.

“Just seeing pros chilling around town, and going to the pub, rubbing shoulders and having some food with them is pretty sweet.”

Orca eatery and bar manager Tom Oxley-Guest said while the competition had been great for business, such a large event could be a little overwhelming.

“Just trying to organise the days, and make sure we’re having enough staff on to deal with the amount of people,” he said.

“Obviously, everywhere’s got capacity, and we’re a pretty big place, so I think we can handle it well.”

He said hosting the competition was great for the town.

“I think it’s massive for Raglan, just to put us on the map, especially the time of year that it comes in, it’s huge because obviously that’s when the waves get better for the boys,” Oxley-Guest said.

“It’s perfect because this is when the town gets quieter.”

Oxley-Guest hoped the surf champs would be back in Raglan next year.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s walking football team is expecting to punch above its weight on the world stage this month.

The 2026 International Walking Football Federation World Championships kicks off in Brisbane at the end of May and it will be New Zealand’s first time competing at the championships.

The team’s coach and manager, Neil Haines – who formerly represented New Zealand – told RNZ the walking game is six-aside, played on smaller fields, and has rolling substitutes.

Crucially, the players are aged 50 and over.

Haines said the New Zealand team of 12 began training about three weeks ago on Sundays, but will be upping that to twice a week ahead of their first match against England on May 28.

“We’re looking forward to it! And then, we playing Australia. The best part of it, we will give them a run for their money.”

Haines said it was a fantastic line-up, with teams from across Europe also competing – some of whom had been playing for at least 10 years.

He said it would be a challenge, but the team was up for it.

“We’ve just started out here in New Zealand and we feel that… like most New Zealand sport we’re going to punch above our weight.

“I hope that we can cause some surprises and the players are keen to do very well, so we are hoping we will get further than just making the numbers up.”

Haines said he came across the sport a couple of years ago and has been promoting it through the local trust he chairs ever since.

From an initial gala day at the North Shore United Club, between 20-30 people now turn up for games twice a week on summer evenings, he said.

Haines said the game enabled men and women to continue to play a sport they loved and – although mainly about participation – players retained a competitive streak.

“Just because people are over 50, they have not lost their competitiveness and that makes it really interesting, because walking football allows the body to work without too much stress.”

Haines said it would be great if the world cup inspired more people to join.

“I’d love it if this… got people into activities where they can enjoy the company of each other, the banter, and also doing something they thought they possibly could never do again – that’s playing football on a pitch, but they’re just walking.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

NRL Magic Round: NZ Warriors v Brisbane Broncos

Kickoff 6pm NZT, Sunday, 17 May

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Live blog updates on RNZ

For the first time in 2026, NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster will finally unleash his two-headed beast – co-captains Mitch Barnett and James Fisher-Harris – in a formidable starting front row against Brisbane Broncos on Sunday.

While Kiwis colossus Fisher-Harris has been a pillar of strength for the 7-2 Warriors, Barnett has struggled to stay on the field, since starting his campaign late, as he completed rehab on his season-ending knee injury from last June.

After quietly bringing up 50 games for the Auckland club on the road against his old Newcastle Knights outfit, he broke a thumb in his next outing, missed two games, then played two games, but suffered concussion and had to sit out another week under protocols.

Then came last week’s bye.

“I’ve become a bit used to it, after last season, but it’s good to be back,” Barnett acknowledged. “I’m hoping I can get a bit of a run going now and string some games together.”

All four of his appearances have come off the interchange, as in-form dynamo Jackson Ford seemingly made the No.10 starting jersey his own, with a series of performances that have put him into Dally M Medal contention, sometimes going the full distance.

Webster has taken a risk tinkering with his winning line-up for NRL ‘Magic Round’, but is comforted by the knowledge he has re-united two of the game’s best front-rowers in tandem.

“We never intended to play Jackson Ford for 80 minutes each week,” he explained. “I think there have been three occasions when he hasn’t played 80 this year.

“We always wanted to get Fish and Barney pairing up together, with a passer, which is Erin Clark. We always wanted Jackson Ford to come on and finish the game.

“He could come on after 15-20 minutes and you almost don’t have to worry about Jacko – he can go 100mph right through to the end. That’s always what we thought would be the best dynamic, but Mitch obviously hasn’t got that momentum going.

“That’s why we wanted to do it – we’ve got our two skippers out there in the front row, and Jackson gets to come on and do his job.”

Barnett admits to being somewhat blindsided by Webster’s call.

“That’s not really a question for me, but for Webby,” he said. “He approached me and I just said yeah.

“I feel for Jacko, he’s been going really well, but I’m just here to do my role. Webby has obviously picked me, because he wants my style of game at the kickoff.

“The big fella, instead of playing 80 minutes, he might play 70 this week, so nothing really changes for him.”

With State of Origin looming, this weekend represents the last chance for contenders to push their cases, before selectors name their squads.

Barnett has made two appearances off the bench for New South Wales, both wins. Four days after last year’s 18-6 victory in the series opener, a torn anterior cruciate ligament curtailed his involvement.

Given his rotten run with injuries, he hasn’t had a chance to build any kind of form and would have to rely on past feats.

“I’m just trying to play rugby league at the moment, and put my best foot forward for the Warriors first and foremost,” Barnett conceded. “That other stuff takes care of itself, but if that opportunity comes, I’d be stoked.”

NSW fanatic Webster absolutely denies he’s switched his line-up to give his skipper his best chance to push for Origin inclusion, but is adamant Barnett deserves that call-up.

“I’m not trying to prepare Mitchell for Origin,” he said. “Personally, I think Mitchell is one of the game’s best players, particularly front-rowers.

“I know what leadership he brings. I thought, when he didn’t play last year, after he got injured, they missed him and I think great players like Mitchell have enough runs on the board, but I don’t pick the team.”

Ironically, Barnett and Ford may be competing for the same spot on the Blues’ roster.

Ford has been the best front-rower in the league this season, leading his team in running metres and tackles, and pacing the competition in post-contact metres.

As a starter, his ability to go wire to wire has essentially given Webster the luxury of an extra second-half substitution.

Barnett considers his teammate has done more than enough to deserve the call-up.

“Bloody oath,” he said. “I think he’s made for Origin.

“I just think he wouldn’t let anyone down. He does all the stuff that people don’t really see – the kick chase and the tidy-up stuff that Origin is built on.”

Another on the cusp of selection is second-rower Kurt Capewell, a 13-game Queensland veteran who wasn’t wanted for their opening loss last year, but helped turn them around with back-to-back wins to take the series.

At the time, he inexplicably led the NRL in missed tackles, but made some big stops in the Origin decider.

“I’m not particularly fond of Queensland, but I am fond of Kurt Capewell and think he should be in the team too,” Webster offered. “The way he played against Parramatta last week was an Origin performance.

“We weren’t playing our best football at times, but the way he defended and the effort areas, he’s made for Origin.

“If you look at his history, he’s got a great strike rate in Origin, so if they pick him, he won’t let them down.”

Over the past week, since Maroons halfback Tommy Dearden fell to an ankle injury, some pundits have even built a case for in-form Warriors half Tanah Boyd to replace him, while hooker Wayde Egan is another outsider on the NSW radar.

Chances are the successful candidates – or at least the contenders – will already know by now.

They will have been told to pack an extra bag for their trans-Tasman road trip.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC shut out Adelaide United’s attack and the outside noise to secure their first A-League grand final appearance.

An achievement that coach Steve Corica has been striving towards since he joined the club three years ago, when he had no players, no equipment and no confirmed home ground, but also leaves the veteran of the league a little bit torn about what he wants to happen next.

A 3-0 win in the second semifinal in Adelaide on Friday night was a result that defied the odds.

It was the first time Auckland had scored three goals in 90 minutes since late February, and the first clean sheet in the same length of time.

It ended Adelaide’s 11-game unbeaten streak and silenced a sold-out home crowd that had not seen the Reds lose at Coopers Stadium on a Friday this season.

For Corica the 4-1 victory on aggregate goals with his “walking wounded” squad was a way to keep the doubters quiet and prove he had the right plan to get the club to the very last game of the season.

“It was a very big talk that we had this week leading into the game, we knew everyone wrote us off so that was motivation,” Corica said.

“But we knew what we had in the changing room.

“We know we’ve had our fair share of injuries, and we still have, but we showed the depth in the squad as well.”

Corica praised the defensive efforts that limited Adelaide’s attack to just one shot on target in a match that history suggested could have ended in a draw like it did in Auckland last week.

“We defended really well, we set up well, the boys were animals really.

“We did well in both boxes and I’m extremely proud of the effort, the performance as well.

“We know they’re a good footballing team but we didn’t allow them to play their stuff.”

After falling short at the semifinal stage last season, despite winning the Premiers Plate, Corica said the team had learned from the experience.

“We wanted to remain calm coming into the game as well. We didn’t want to get too excited about it because then we don’t perform at a good level.

“But the boys, you could see they were up for it from the start defensively.”

As most clubs across the league would have, Corica and the players had set out a goal of getting to – and winning – the grand final this season.

Where Corica is conflicted is about who he wants his side to face in the biggest game of the season.

The other semifinal, between Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC, will be played on Saturday night in Newcastle.

If Sydney win, Auckland will host the grand final.

If Newcastle win, Auckland will be on the road to McDonald Jones Stadium with the opportunity to lift silverware for the second season in a row.

Corica said it would be “very nice” to be playing at home in a grand final – the only catch is it would be against the club he played, captained, coached and won A-League titles for.

“It’s also going to be a little bit emotional if that happens.”

By winning in front of a parochial Adelaide crowd on Friday, Auckland further cemented their road form this season so Corica was also prepared to take on the reigning premiers at their home ground.

Wherever Auckland’s history-making match takes place next week, Corica and players are one win away from securing the trophy that has been missing from their cabinet.

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Wellington Phoenix’s first A-League grand final appearance has been years in the making.

After a record-breaking season, the women finished the regular season in second place to qualify for the playoffs for the first time.

To secure a place in the grand final, they had to come back from a one-goal deficit to beat Brisbane Roar after ,extra time on aggregate goals across the two-legged home and away playoff.

The grand final also marks a special milestone of the team’s 100th game.

Two seasons ago, Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill told RNZ the women’s season deserved a grade of C-minus.

Gill must be at an ‘A’ now, with room to improve, should they defeat three-time Premiers Plate winners Melbourne City at AAMI park on Saturday night.

How did the Phoenix women go from the bottom to the top?

Previous results

The Phoenix joined the women’s A-League in 2021 and are the ‘newest’ club still in the competition. (Western United joined in 2022 but had to sit this season out, due to financial issues).

Before this season’s run to the grand final, the end-of-season standings were not good reading.

In their first season, the Phoenix finished last in a 10-team competition. They recorded only two wins in 14 games during a season in which they were based in Wollongong, New South Wales, due to COVID travel restrictions.

The next season produced the same outcome – last in a then-11-team competition.

After two wooden spoon seasons, the 2023/24 campaign saw the Phoenix finish eighth, which was their best-ever finish before this season.

Last season, they dropped to ninth with seven wins, three draws and 13 losses.

Coaches

The Phoenix have had four coaches in five seasons.

Bev Priestman has been the most successful and most controversial appointment.

Priestman joined the Phoenix this season, after serving a one-year ban from all football for her involvement in a drone spying scandal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Before her appointment in Wellington, Priestman coached the Canada women’s national team, which won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She also brought Canada to the 2023 Football World Cup, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

The Englishwoman is considered the most-credentialed coach currently in the A-League and the Phoenix have her locked in for another season.

Over time, the Phoenix have now had three women as coaches, with Gemma Lewis as the inaugural coach, followed by Natalie Lawerence, before Paul Temple had two seasons in charge.

Captains

Being given the captain’s armband has often resulted in a player not spending much time on the pitch.

Goalkeeper Lily Alfeld was the team’s first-ever player signing and inaugural captain, and played all but one game of the first season, before injury curtailed her career. She missed all the 2022/23 campaign after off-season knee surgery and a back injury, before moving into an off-field role with the club.

Football Fern Annalie Longo then had a couple of injury-riddled seasons as captain and stepped away from football at the end of last season.

During her time as skipper, Longo also had to defend the team environment, when midfielder and vice-captain Chloe Knott quit during the 2023/24 season, citing the pressures of combining fulltime work and playing professionally.

This season, CJ Bott was named captain, but announced her pregnancy in January and sat out the remainder of the season.

Bott is still the club captain, with Mackenzie Barry taking the onfield captaincy duties.

International players

The Phoenix were on the back foot, when the club first entered the A-League, because they could not sign visa players for the first two seasons of their existence.

From the 2023/24 season, Football Australia relaxed the restrictions imposed on the women’s team, removing the limit on New Zealand signings and the quota of Australian players.

This season, their leading goalscorer is American Makala Woods, who signed as an injury replacement for Dutch midfielder Tessel Middag at the start of the year.

English forward Brooke Nunn has also made her mark in front of goal, being among the team’s leading scorers and the A-League leader in goal assists. Both Nunn and Woods will be back next season.

American defender Ellie Walker has been a constant in the backline this season, as has Spanish defender Lucía León, who the Phoenix picked up from Adelaide United in the off-season, as the first new signing of the season.

One Phoenix signing who made the biggest noise when she joined the squad was Nepalese international striker Sabitra ‘Samba’ Bhandari.

Before injury ended her season, the Nepalese community in New Zealand and Australia showed up in big numbers to support their national team captain in the A-League.

Locals

Defender Mackenzie Barry has seen it all with the Phoenix as a day-one player.

Barry is the team’s most-capped player and has started every game this season. She is a product of NZ Football’s Future Ferns domestic programme.

The Football Fern has said the Phoenix are the only A-League team she wanted to play for and she is signed up for next season as part of what she saw as Priestman’s two-year project.

By comparison, Football Fern Grace Jale has played for several A-League clubs, but this is the first time she is part of playoff football.

Under Priestman, Jale is having the best club season of her career and picked up several awards at the club’s awards night. She has also signed for next season.

Teenage star Pia Vlok has had a breakout season, including the club’s first hat-trick, and her success also lead to her first call-up to the Football Ferns.

Goalkeeper Vic Esson has helped the Phoenix to the best defensive record in the competition, returning to New Zealand after seven seasons overseas, where she won several trophies.

Attacker Manaia Elliott brought up her 50-game milestone for the Phoenix this season and has been a regular in the side in her third year as a professional.

Centreback Marisa van der Meer made a comeback to the Phoenix, after back-to-back anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injuries. More than 700 days after she last played for the club, she scored in their opening game and went on to play 22 games during the regular season.

Midfielder Macey Fraser rejoined Wellington Phoenix, after she was released by National Women’s Soccer League club Utah Royals, but the Football Fern took a mental health break and she returned to the team in March.

Knees

Female footballers are more at risk of knee injuries than their male counterparts, a phenomenon that is now so prolific, it is part a FIFA study.

This season, three Phoenix players suffered ACL injuries, including two in the same month (November).

The frequency of the season-ending injury at their club lead the Phoenix to investigate if something was wrong with their ACL injury prevention practices, but they found their practices were “comprehensive and aligned with industry standards”.

The team’s latest significant injury is to forward Emma Main, who has a chronic lumbar spine injury that meant she missed the playoff series and was rehabilitating for next season.

Support

The Phoenix had a record crowd of nearly 6000 at Porirua Park for Sunday’s semifinal win, but last season, the numbers were a lot lower with an average of 739 people at home games – the lowest in the league by far.

Not surprisingly, connection with the fans increased, as the Phoenix moved up the competition standings.

“We’ve always had a really good fanbase, but definitely this year, it’s grown a lot,” Barry said.

However, getting corporate buy-in was a struggle for the Phoenix early on, with general manager David Dome issuing a public plea in 2021 for commercial assistance to find a shirt sponsor for their new women’s team.

The Phoenix owners invested heavily into the women’s team and, in previous seasons, Gill highlighted that more was spent on the women’s programme than the men’s.

“We operate at a good level of budget for players and staffing, and we’ve probably got one of the biggest football departments in the league, so there is a high expectation on that programme,” he said.

Before the playoffs, Barry said the team trained at “one of the best facilities in the whole league”.

“I think, even though it’s not verbally said, there is an expectation for us to do well. I think we can see the investment that’s been put into our team and, compared to other women’s teams in the A-League, it’s miles ahead of them.”

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When AI Meets Artistic Intelligence — Cross-City, Cross-Disciplinary Creative Education in Action

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence (HKACE) hosted the HKACE Customer Service Excellence Award Presentation Ceremony cum 26th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon last week at The Regent Hotel Hong Kong. Over 100 awards were presented to recognize outstanding customer service practitioners, with MTR Corporation named the Grand Award Champion as the highlight of the occasion.

Held under the theme “High Tech, High Touch – AI Empowers a New Era in Customer Service”, the event attracted more than 450 guests. The Honourable Algernon Yau, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The award presentation ceremony was also privileged to have The Hon Shiu Ka Fai, BBS, JP, Member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and Member of the Legislative Council; The Hon Perry Yiu, MH, JP, Member of the Legislative Council; together with representatives of professional associations who served as award presenters. Members of the award judging panels and customer service industry leaders also joined the celebration to recognize the outstanding achievements of the award winners.

Hon Algernon Yau: Government Injected HK$200 Million into BUD Fund to Support AI-driven Digital Transformation

In his opening address, The Honourable Algernon Yau, JP, noted that artificial intelligence was driving customer service into a new era, shifting from human-led operations to a model that integrates data analytics and intelligent systems. Mr Yau stressed that as technology advances, human warmth becomes increasingly precious. He emphasized that true excellence in customer service is built on a customer-centric foundation, requiring service professionals to integrate technology with empathy, sincere communication and personalized attention to achieve a balance of efficiency and human warmth.

“2026 marks the start of the planning and layout for the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which prioritizes high-quality development, innovation-driven growth and the deep integration of the digital economy. Hong Kong is proactively aligning itself with the country’s development strategy, contributing its unique strengths to meet national needs. The services sector, in particular, must upgrade and transform. To help, the Hong Kong SAR Government has put HK$200 million into the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund), offering targeted support for AI adoption and helping businesses transform digitally.” Mr Yau stated.

Derek Choi: 40% Surge in Applications Reflected High Competitiveness and Recognition of the Awards

Mr Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE, said “the Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 received 220 applications – a significant 40% increase from the previous year – reflecting the industry’s growing emphasis on service quality. A total of 102 awards were presented, making the competition exceptionally fierce.”

“Participants had to be nominated by the member companies and submit a written proposal in the first round to be shortlisted among the five finalists for a panel interview,” Mr Choi explained. “An independent judging panel, composed of industry elites and academics, then determined the gold, silver, bronze, and merit award winners. This rigorous assessment process upheld the award programme’s standing.” Mr Choi also extended his heartfelt gratitude to all judging panel members, noting that their selfless dedication and strong support had contributed significantly to the credibility of the awards programme.

Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 Winners Unveiled: MTR Crowned Grand Champion

The Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 featured three main categories – Individual Awards, Team Awards and Programme Awards – alongside the Grand Award. MTR Corporation scooped a total of 15 awards, standing out among a strong field of competitors to be named Grand Champion. HKT Limited and The Hong Kong Jockey Club also secured the 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up of the Grand Award respectively.

Other gold award winners included AIA International Limited, BMW (Hong Kong) Limited, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Cathay Pacific Airways, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Fire Services Department, Hongkong Post, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited.

Appendix 1: List of Winners of the HKACE Customer Service Excellent Award 2025

This press release is issued by Passion PR Limited on behalf of the Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence.

Hashtag: #HongKongAssociationForServiceExcellence #HKACE

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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The Aussies have well and truly fallen off the Super Rugby Pacific pace.

After threatening to emulate the glory days of ACT Brumbies in the early rounds, the men from Canberra have collapsed dramatically, leaving the top four firmly in Kiwi hands.

Queensland Reds appear the only other genuine contenders from across the ditch, but couldn’t cash in at home against the Chiefs last week, leaving them to round out the top six.

The Hurricanes have kicked clear at the top, five points ahead of the second-placed Chiefs. The Blues and Crusaders both appear locked for the post-season.

The Highlanders need a miracle, if they are to progress to the playoffs, needing to beat both the Chiefs and Hurricanes to give themselves any chance.

A pair of cracking derbies headline this weekend’s round, with the Blues hosting the Hurricanes, while the Highlanders head to Hamilton to meet the Chiefs.

Both Moana Pasifika and the Crusaders have the week off.

Selection notes

Beauden Barrett returns to the Blues’ starting first-five jersey for his side’s crucial clash with the ‘Canes.

Anton Segner replaces Dalton Papali’i, who fractured his jaw against the Crusaders, while Xavi Taele also gets the start in the Blues midfield.

After mauling Moana Pasifika, the Hurricanes have made eight changes to the starting line-up, with Caleb Delany notching up his 50th game.

For the Chiefs, Damian McKenzie moves to fullback, while in-form Quinn Tupaea gets a rest, as Lalakai Foketi takes his place at second five.

The only change to the Highlanders line-up comes at centre, where Tanielu Tele’a replaces the suspended Jona Nareki.

Injury ward

Hurricanes workhorse Du’Plessis Kirifi is missing for the week with a knee injury, while Cam Roigard will remain sidelined for at least another two weeks with a calf complaint.

Chiefs lock Josh Lord is out with concussion, while the side’s back stocks are depleted, with Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Etene Nanai-Seturo all missing from action.

Props Ben Ake and Sam Matega are both out for the Blues.

Finn Hurley is still unavailable for the Highlanders, due to a hamstring.

Key stats

The Chiefs are one away from their 250th Super Rugby win, a number matched only by the Crusaders, Brumbies and Hurricanes.

Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo needs one more try to equal Ben Lam and Joe Roff’s season record of 16.

The Blues have won their last five against the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens leads the competition with 10 try assists.

The Chiefs average the most metres this season with 529 per game.

Chiefs v Highlanders

Kickoff 7.05pm, Friday, 15 May

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Live blog updates on RNZ

Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Sione Ahio, 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 15. Damian McKenzie

Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Benét Kumeroa, 18. George Dyer, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Daniel Rona, 23. Isaac Hutchinson

“It will be important this week against a very combative Highlanders defence that we can shift the point of attack quickly and effectively. We had a tough battle against them in round two and are preparing for more of the same this week at home.”

Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbes

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Tomás Lavanini, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Lucas Casey, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele’a, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Sean Withy, 21. Veveni Lasaqa, 22. Folau Fakatava, 23. Taine Robinson

“It’s hard to get wins, and so when you get those real tight ones and let them slip, it really hurts you at this end of the season.”

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph

Blues v Hurricanes

Kickoff 7.05pm, Saturday, 16 May

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Torian Barnes, 21. Che Clark, 22. Finlay Christie, 23. Stephen Perofeta

“The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us, and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Devan Flanders, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Jordie Barrett (c), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Callum Harkin

Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Bailyn Sullivan

“We’re well aware of the threat that the Blues possess. I’m sure they’re highly motivated about the opportunity to beat us and continue that fight for the top two. It’s going to be a highly physical and exciting game.”

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

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For the next 11 days, Raglan is set to shift from laid-back surf town to the centre stage of world surfing.

The World Surf League arrives at Manu Bay on Friday, marking the first time New Zealand has hosted a combined men’s and women’s Championship Tour event.

The world’s best surfers, global media crews, sponsors, influencers and fans have descended on Whāingaroa as the usually quiet coastal community takes on a festival atmosphere.

Crowds of up to 7000 are expected to gather along headlands and the shoreline to watch elite surfers tackle one of the most famous left-hand breaks in the world.

Who are the big names to look out for?

Brazil continues to dominate the men’s Championship Tour, with a core group of surfers setting the pace in recent seasons.

Gabriel Medina is an Olympic and three-time world champion known for his powerful, precise surfing and ability to deliver under pressure in high-stakes heats.

Italo Ferreira, surfing’s first Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Games, brings explosive energy and a fast, dynamic approach that can quickly swing a heat.

Yago Dora represents the progressive edge of the tour, with aerial manoeuvres and high-risk, high-reward surfing that can produce huge scores.

In the women’s field, Australia’s strength is clear.

Stephanie Gilmore, an eight-time world champion, remains one of the most accomplished competitors in the sport, known for her smooth, controlled and highly refined style. Alongside her, Molly Picklum has emerged as one of the tour’s rising forces, combining modern power surfing with growing competitive consistency.

What about the local hopes?

New Zealand’s challenge is led by Billy Stairmand, the country’s most experienced competitor and a proven performer in powerful left-hand waves like Manu Bay. He will carry much of the home expectation in familiar conditions.

Wildcard Tom Butland adds a free-swinging X-factor, entering the Championship Tour with local knowledge and nothing to lose.

Fifteen-year-old wildcard Alani Morse is one of the youngest surfers in the field, earning her place after winning a qualifying event in Raglan. A homegrown talent from Whāingaroa, she arrives with strong local backing and a rapid rise through the New Zealand junior ranks, now stepping onto surfing’s biggest stage.

What’s special about Raglan as a venue?

The competition will be centred on Manu Bay, one of the country’s most famous breaks and a long, perfectly formed left-hander that peels along a volcanic reef. Its combination of consistency, ride length and natural amphitheatre viewing makes it a rare venue capable of hosting Championship Tour surfing.

How does the competition work?

Competitive surfing is basically a knockout tournament held in the ocean, where athletes compete in timed “heats” and try to catch the best waves available during that window.

On the championship tour, the opening and elimination rounds typically feature heats with three surfers, the top two advancing. From then on it’s one-on-one until the trophies are given out.

Heats are around 20-30 minutes long, and during that time surfers can ride as many waves as they like, but only their best two are counted toward their score.

Each wave is scored out of 10, and the two highest-scoring waves are combined. For example, a surfer scoring 8.5 and 7.0 would have a total of 15.5. Surfers with the highest combined scores advance to the next round.

How does the judging work?

There are no goals, laps or finish lines-just waves. Judges score each ride out of 10 based on factors including speed, power, flow, difficulty, variety of manoeuvres and degree of risk.

The emphasis is on the quality and progression of performance rather than simple completion.

Why can’t I find a schedule online?

There is no fixed schedule for the event. Surfing is one of the few professional sports dictated entirely by nature and it can be a waiting game.

As a result, the event runs within a flexible window rather than on fixed competition days, with organisers choosing when to run heats based on swell, wind and tide conditions. The Raglan event is set down from 15-25 May, with the competition expected to be held over four to six days within this 11-day window. Organisers will make “daily status calls” each morning to determine if conditions are suitable to run the heats that day.

Can you talk me through some of the lingo?

Surfing comes with its own shorthand.

A “set” refers to a group of waves arriving together, often the most valuable scoring opportunities in a heat. “Priority” determines who has the right of way to choose or take the next wave.

A “barrel” or “tube” describes the hollow section of a breaking wave that surfers aim to ride inside.

“Drop-in” is when a surfer takes off on a wave already being ridden by someone else – usually a penalty-inducing mistake.

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For the first time in her career, CJ Bott has had to learn how to lead without crossing the white line.

The Wellington Phoenix captain has spent much of the club’s breakthrough A-League season watching from the sidelines, since her https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/584796/phoenix-captain-cj-bott-announces-pregnancy pregnancy announcement] i January.

There was never any chance she would miss Saturday’s grand final against Melbourne City at AAMI Park though.

“I’m definitely travelling,” Bott said. “You wouldn’t be able to hold me at home just yet.

“I’ve still got a few more weeks until I’m medically unable to travel, so I’m making the most of it. I’ll be there with bells and whistles, and I’ll lose my voice screaming on the sidelines.”

Bott played seven matches at the start of the season, before stepping away from playing duties, remaining involved with the squad in an off-field leadership role, as the Phoenix surged to the first grand final in the team’s five-year history.

She described her second season with the Phoenix was “definitely a different season”.

“It started off well, being on the field, and then having to take a step back, because of the pregnancy, it took a little bit to get used to and was a tough pill to swallow in many ways, because all I want to do is be out there and doing my part with the team.

“I think as the season’s progressed, and our new signings have stepped up and really embraced their roles, and the rest of the girls have also stepped up, they’ve done such an incredible job.

“I mean, there’s been some nailbiting moments of the season, but overall, they’ve done incredibly well and I’m just so proud of how they’ve handled the season.”

Coach Bev Priestman was determined to keep Bott closely involved this season, because of her leadership and experience within the group.

“It did take a little while to see where I best fit into that role, because I wanted to give [Mackenzie Barry] the time and the space and the energy and support to do her role as captain as well.

“It’s taken a bit of adjustment, but I think now I’ve figured out where I’m best fitted, and I really just try and support the girls in whatever way and whatever capacity they need me.”

Defender Emma Pijnenburg, who replaced Bott in the squad, said the Football Ferns international remained an influential figure within the team.

“She just has this aura and, when she speaks in the circle, everybody is hanging on to every word,” Pijnenburg said. “She has a lot of experience as well, a senior player in the team, and she brings a lot to the team, whether she is on the field or not,” .

The Phoenix finished the season in second place and came from behind to win the two-legged semifinal against Brisbane Roar to secure the grand final match-up, but Bott said it was not all plain sailing to get to the pinnacle game of the season.

“I don’t think it’s a shock, given the team we had at the start of the season, but based on all our injuries and unfortunate events that have occurred during the season, it is somewhat of a surprise that we’ve somehow managed to keep our heads above water and still perform, given all the difficulties this team’s been through.

“The season has been so important towards the development of women’s football in this country, in this city specifically, and I’m so excited to see what can happen in the weekend.”

Watching from the sidelines has not come naturally to Bott.

“I hate it,” she said. “It is so hard just sitting there and not being able to do anything, but I’ve had to embrace it.

“I’ve got no other choice in the matter and the girls need me no matter what. I’ve just had to bite my nails quietly and just be their biggest cheerleader.”

Bott arrived at her hometown club last season, after eight years playing professionally in Germany, Sweden, Norway and England, and was surprised by the level of professionalism at the Phoenix.

“I didn’t quite know what to expect coming in,” she said. “I knew they had access to world-class facilities, but I think that’s one thing, having the backing from the wider club and having the staff involved.

“Our staff are incredible, they are probably some of the most professional staff I’ve ever had.

“Besides the fact that a lot of our girls have to, unfortunately, work two jobs, it is the most professional environment I’ve probably been a part of and it’s the most enjoyable environment I’ve been a part of in a long, long time.”

Bott is off contract at the end of this season and definitely has plans to return to football in the future, and “absolutely” would like that to be with the Phoenix.

Before she can think about her playing future, she will have to handle a few more “nervewracking” moments in the stands, as the Phoenix women play for the club’s first piece of silverware.

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All Whites forward Kosta Barbarouses knows the heartbreak of missing out on a Football World Cup squad, and now the happiness and relief of finally making it 16 years later.

Barbarouses has “no regrets” about his football journey, that has wound from Wellington to Western Sydney, including stops in Greece and Russia, and five different A-League clubs.

Now, his inclusion in coach Darren Bazeley’s 26-man squad for next month’s Football World Cup is reward for that persistence.

Barbarouses came agonisingly close to selection for the All Whites’ 2010 World Cup squad – so close that his boot sponsor had already prepared personalised World Cup boots, before then-coach Ricki Herbert finalised his team.

“I’ve even got the World Cup boots from Nike, personalised as well, and I never went,” the 36-year-old said. “I’ve still got those as an heirloom.”

This year’s version of the boots will mean even more to Barbarouses, who heard about his call-up for the tournament in North America while on school pick-up duty.

“I haven’t seen them yet, but now instead of my name, I’ve got my kids’ names on them, so I’m excited for those.”

Barbarouses described his club season with A-League wooden-spooners Western Sydney Wanderers as “disappointing”, but he never doubted his value to the national team.

“I always knew I was doing well for the national team, but obviously, you want to do well week to week and, honestly, I have been very disappointed.”

Barbarouses said the March window, when the All Whites played Finland and Chile in the FIA Series in Auckland, was crucial to pushing his case for a place in the World Cup squad. That period co-incided with him losing his starting role at club level.

“I’ll give myself a little bit of credit that I was able to stay professional and stay fit, and perform like I did in the March window,” he said. “I think that helped give [Bazeley] and probably the staff a lot of trust in me.”

After the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the All Whites fell short of qualification three straight times – with Barbarouses part of each failed campaign. The forward has played 31 World Cup qualifiers dating back to 2008.

“Being selected in the final squad feels great, to be honest, and it’s been a long and exciting four years full of ups and downs, and almost there now.”

Having booked his ticket, Barbarouses wants to get on the park, when the All Whites play Iran, Egypt and Belgium during the group stage.

With an injury to captain and leading goalscorer Chris Wood this year, Barbarouses has shared a role up front with Ben Waine.

“I would like to think I’m ready to play and I want as much of a playing role as possible, as I think everyone would.

“I think, even the past couple of windows, it’s clear to see that I’m well and truly up to it, and up for it as well.

“I’d love to see – like everyone in our country would – Chris Wood be there and scoring the goals for us, and I’ll be ready to support him and the team, whether that’s starting, coming on for 45 minutes, 10 minutes, five minutes.

“I’ll be ready and I’ll be ready to perform.”

For the 26 players selected, there has been celebrations.

Barbarouses’ family at the Strathmore fish and chip shop in Wellington were the first people he called with the news.

“Obviously, mum, dad, brothers, aunties, uncles, everyone’s just ecstatic.

“They know how hard I work, as do all of the boys, but they’ve seen my journey firsthand, so they’re very proud and excited for what’s to come in the next six weeks.”

While some players celebrated, others were left devastated.

Like Barbarouses in 2010, former Wellington Phoenix teammate Bill Tuiloma narrowly missed out on selection.

Tuiloma returned to New Zealand from US Major League Soccer in an attempt to secure more playing time and impress Bazeley, but ultimately fell short.

When Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh and Tim Payne had finished their face-to-face conversations with Bazeley on Wednesday, they knew they were capping off a tough club season with the Phoenix with something bigger to look forward to, but they were also “hurting” for Tuiloma.

“Unfortunately, Bill was left out,” Rufer said. “Bill is a very, very good player and an extremely strong person.

“We spent some time with him and it’s normal you’re going to be hurting when you don’t make the team, but I think he’s in a good headspace, and he’s still going to train and keep ticking over, because anything can happen.

“He’ll most likely be over in America, back home with his family and who knows? He’s still got that mentality to keep ticking over, and make sure that he’s ready and available, if need be.”

The All Whites can make changes to their squad before the tournament, should any injuries occur.

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The Aussies have well and truly fallen off the Super Rugby Pacific pace.

After threatening to emulate the glory days of ACT Brumbies in the early rounds, the men from Canberra have collapsed dramatically, leaving the top four firmly in Kiwi hands.

Queensland Reds appear the only other genuine contenders from across the ditch, but couldn’t cash in at home against the Chiefs last week, leaving them to round out the top six.

The Hurricanes have kicked clear at the top, five points ahead of the second-placed Chiefs. The Blues and Crusaders both appear locked for the post-season.

The Highlanders need a miracle, if they are to progress to the playoffs, needing to beat both the Chiefs and Hurricanes to give themselves any chance.

A pair of cracking derbies headline this weekend’s round, with the Blues hosting the Hurricanes, while the Highlanders head to Hamilton to meet the Chiefs.

Both Moana Pasifika and the Crusaders have the week off.

Selection notes

Beauden Barrett returns to the Blues’ starting first-five jersey for his side’s crucial clash with the ‘Canes.

Anton Segner replaces Dalton Papali’i, who fractured his jaw against the Crusaders, while Xavi Taele also gets the start in the Blues midfield.

After mauling Moana Pasifika, the Hurricanes have made eight changes to the starting line-up, with Caleb Delany notching up his 50th game.

For the Chiefs, Damian McKenzie moves to fullback, while in-form Quinn Tupaea gets a rest, as Lalakai Foketi takes his place at second five.

The only change to the Highlanders line-up comes at centre, where Tanielu Tele’a replaces the suspended Jona Nareki.

Injury ward

Hurricanes workhorse Du’Plessis Kirifi is missing for the week with a knee injury, while Cam Roigard will remain sidelined for at least another two weeks with a calf complaint.

Chiefs lock Josh Lord is out with concussion, while the side’s back stocks are depleted, with Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Etene Nanai-Seturo all missing from action.

Props Ben Ake and Sam Matega are both out for the Blues.

Finn Hurley is still unavailable for the Highlanders, due to a hamstring.

Key stats

The Chiefs are one away from their 250th Super Rugby win, a number matched only by the Crusaders, Brumbies and Hurricanes.

Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo needs one more try to equal Ben Lam and Joe Roff’s season record of 16.

The Blues have won their last five against the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens leads the competition with 10 try assists.

The Chiefs average the most metres this season with 529 per game.

Chiefs v Highlanders

Kickoff 7.05pm, Friday, 15 May

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Live blog updates on RNZ

Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Sione Ahio, 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 15. Damian McKenzie

Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Benét Kumeroa, 18. George Dyer, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Daniel Rona, 23. Isaac Hutchinson

“It will be important this week against a very combative Highlanders defence that we can shift the point of attack quickly and effectively. We had a tough battle against them in round two and are preparing for more of the same this week at home.”

Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbes

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Tomás Lavanini, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Lucas Casey, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele’a, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Sean Withy, 21. Veveni Lasaqa, 22. Folau Fakatava, 23. Taine Robinson

“It’s hard to get wins, and so when you get those real tight ones and let them slip, it really hurts you at this end of the season.”

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph

Blues v Hurricanes

Kickoff 7.05pm, Saturday, 16 May

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Torian Barnes, 21. Che Clark, 22. Finlay Christie, 23. Stephen Perofeta

“The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us, and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Devan Flanders, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Jordie Barrett (c), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Callum Harkin

Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Bailyn Sullivan

“We’re well aware of the threat that the Blues possess. I’m sure they’re highly motivated about the opportunity to beat us and continue that fight for the top two. It’s going to be a highly physical and exciting game.”

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

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Teenage surfer Alani Morse is dreaming of taking on the best as she prepares for the biggest competition of her young career.

The 15-year-old won a wildcard qualifying event in April to compete in the World Surf League round at Raglan over the next week, lining up against the sport’s elite.

The field includes Australian legend Stephanie Gilmour, who underlined her GOAT status with a victory at the most recent Championship Tour stop at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast.

Gilmour, American Caitlin Simmers and Vahine Fierro of Tahiti are the three Morse would most love to share a wave with.

To make that happen, Morse must first progress through the preliminary round to make the main bracket and potentially take to the water alongside one of her heroes.

At the top of that list is 20-year-old Simmers, the 2024 world champion.

“I’ve met her and she’s just a nice normal person and she just wants to have fun. You could be super-serious and it’s her job but she just wants to surf well and have fun,” Morse told RNZ.

The pair have been messaging ahead of the event, with the American excited to be surfing in New Zealand.

“I’d love to end up in a heat with her because I think she would push me a lot.”

Still, Morse said she draws inspiration from the entire Championship Tour field.

“What they have done is insane, I’m just at the start but they’ve done it their whole life and I respect that.”

Over the past year, Morse has competed in several Qualifying Series events and hopes one day to follow fellow New Zealander Paige Hareb onto surfing’s top-tier Championship Tour.

Competing against the world’s best had always been part of the dream – she just did not expect it to happen this early in her career.

Now, with the event fast approaching, Morse said she has started to realise just how significant it is for both herself and New Zealand surfing.

“Seeing how much this inspires the younger generation is really cool and I’m excited to be competing against the world’s best including some who are my heroes.”

Morse also has one advantage over much of the field: local knowledge.

Having lived in Raglan for the past five years, she knows Manu Bay better than most. While the break can take time to understand, Morse feels she has now mastered many of its intricacies.

She said several competitors in the New Zealand Pro had already reached out for local insight and, while she had shared a few tips, she was keeping most of Manu Bay’s secrets to herself.

More than $100,000 is up for grabs for winners on the WSL with a total prize pool of more than $15 million available over the Championship season.

While her goal is to progress through at least one heat and perhaps collect a pay cheque, Morse admits what she will take most from the event is the experience.

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A West Auckland rugby league club says one of its players has died after he was injured in his team’s first game of the season.

In a Facebook post, chair of Glenora Rugby League Football Club in Glen Eden, Jane Hunt, confirmed Eugene Hanna, a player in its Premier Reserves squad, passed away on Tuesday after he was injured during a game against the Te Atatū Roosters on 2 May.

“Eugene sustained an injury … which was tragically unsurvivable.

“Glenora Bears would like to extend its gratitude to the Te Atatu Roosters members who helped at the scene, the attending paramedics and Auckland Hospital for their care these last two weeks.

“Eugene was a valued player in our Premier Reserves squad, and although a new Bears member had good friends within the club.

“To his family, friends and teammates, we extend our sincere condolences. There are not enough words to express the unimaginable loss and grief you are feeling at this time.”

West Auckland football club Lynn-Avon United AFC shared on Facebook that the 30-year-old previously played for them.

“Sadly, we advise the passing of Eugene, a former player of the Lynn-Avon Men’s Reserves team in 2022.

“He was known by many club members and will be remembered as a genuine all-round good bloke.

“The Committee and club extend our sincere condolences to Eugene’s family and friends.”

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The Wellington Phoenix women’s team have been recognised by their peers as a result of the team’s record-breaking A-League football season.

Six Phoenix players have been named in the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) team of the season ahead of Saturday’s grand final against Melbourne City, while Bev Priestman has been voted coach of the year by PFA members.

Phoenix centre back and stand-in captain Mackenzie Barry, midfielders Grace Jale and Pia Vlok and winger Brooke Nunn have been named in the starting XI, while goalkeeper Victoria Esson and defender Marisa van der Meer are two of seven substitutes in the 18-strong squad.

Last year when the Phoenix women finished in ninth place, the club only had one player voted into the PFA team of the season as a substitute.

Before this season, the Wellington Phoenix women’s best-ever finish in the A-League was seventh place. The team joined the league in the 2021/22 season and finished with the wooden spoon in their first two campaigns.

“I’m super proud of all of the players that have been named,” Priestman said. “They’re well deserved and maybe there could have been a few more.

“It speaks volumes to the commitment of, not only the players named but, the players around those players to help them get there.

“For the Wellington Phoenix to have that many players in is probably a first and super proud of the players that are there.”

Priestman was also honoured to be recognised by the players in her first year in the A-league.

“That means the team you’re coaching and playing against have seen value in what you’ve done this year, which is awesome.

“But at the end of the day I’m one person of many. The staff that I work with are immense, the club that I work for is immense and that’s the reason I’m in this position.

“So I’d like to thank the club, the players I work with and the staff that I work with, who work tirelessly.

The PFA’s A-League team of the season:

Goalkeeper: Teresa Morrissey (Perth Glory)

Defenders: Aimee Medwin (Brisbane Roar), Mackenzie Barry (Wellington Phoenix), Rebekah Stott (Melbourne City) (c), Ella Tonkin (Adelaide United)

Midfielders: Pia Vlok (Wellington Phoenix), Isabel Gomez (Central Coast Mariners), Grace Jale (Wellington Phoenix)

Forwards: Holly McNamara (Melbourne City), Annalise Rasmussen (Central Coast Mariners), Brooke Nunn (Wellington Phoenix)

Substitutes: Victoria Esson (Wellington Phoenix), Claudia Bunge (Melbourne Victory), Marisa van der Meer (Wellington Phoenix), Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City), Rhianna Pollicina (Melbourne Victory), Aideen Keane (Melbourne City), Daisy Brown (Brisbane Roar)

Coach: Bev Priestman (Wellington Phoenix)

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand