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The Otago Nuggets have made a remarkable comeback to see off the Manawatu Jets in the National Basketball League (NBL). The Night 'n' Day Nuggets came from 14 points down in the fourth quarter to defeat the Property Brokers Jets in a high-emotion 108-104 Sal's NBL win that spilled over into push-and-shove after the final buzzer. LATEST HEADLINES: Red Bull drop Lawson after just two races NZ Warriors, Agar accept NRL punishment Latham out, Nicholls, Mariu into Black Caps Auckland City to earn big FIFA money in US Saints bury Sharks under a threes barrage In his final game on a short-term deal with the Nuggets, American forward Todd Withers had a monster double-double at Dunedin's Edgar Centre on Thursday night, scoring a team-high 27 points (10/12 FG, 5/7 3pt), along with 17 rebounds and three blocks. Fellow imports Jose Perez and Donald Carey Jr were also highly influential for Otago. Perez finished with 23 points (8/16 FG, 7/12 FT), five boards and four assists, while Carey Jr added 22 points (7/20 FG, 5/7 3pt), five rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. One-game Tall Blacks big Jono Janssen put up 15 points (6/12 FG, 3/5 3pt) in his NBL debut. Todd Withers starred in his last game for the Otago Nuggets on a short-term NBL deal. PHOTO: NBL/LOU EMANUEL American forward Miles Gibson played all 40 minutes for the Jets, putting up a game-high 30 points (13/16 FG, 3/3 3pt) and seven rebounds, while fellow import front-courter Kenny Goins almost matched Withers with a big double-double of 24 points (10/15 FG, 2/6 3pt), 13 boards and two blocks. Tall Blacks veteran Corey Webster managed 20 points (7/24 FG, 3/8 3pt), four boards and 11 assists, while Manawatu's third import Eric Williams Jr had 11 points and young NZ guard Dontae Russo-Nance 10 points. In a high-scoring see-saw contest, the Nuggets dominated most the first half, leading by as many as 18 points late in the first quarter before the Jets chipped away at the lead and closed within two at the main break. The visitors continued to surge in the third period, going ahead by nine entering the fourth and then stretching it to 14 with 7:10 to play. However, Otago closed the game on a 17-2 run to come from 11 points down with 4:13 left, with local guard Patrick Freeman hitting two massive threes off the bench, before Carey Jr sealed the win. The Nuggets (2-2) have some time off before facing the Indian Panthers (0-3) at Pulman Arena next Friday (tip-off 7pm), while the Jets (2-2) are back in action on Saturday (tip-off 7pm), in Invercargill against the Southland Sharks (1-2). Forward Mac Stodart put up a season-high 17 points and Freeman scored the game-winning lay-up with five seconds remaining to lead the Nuggets to a 36-35 win over the Jets in the Sky Broadband Rapid League game. Otago Nuggets 108 (Todd Withers 27, Jose Perez 23, Donald Carey Jr 22, Jono Janssen 15) Manawatu Jets 104 (Miles Gibson 30, Kenny Goins 24, Corey Webster 20, Eric Williams Jr 11, Dontae Russo-Nance 10). 1Q: 32-20, HT: 53-52, 3Q: 78-87

Liam Lawson has been demoted from Red Bull to Racing Bulls after two Formula 1 grands prix. PHOTO: RED BULL RACING New Zealand's Liam Lawson has been replaced by Japan's Yuki Tsunoda at Formula 1's Red Bull Racing after just two grands prix. Lawson will drop to RBR's junior team, Racing Bulls, where he raced in 11 races over the past two seasons before being promoted to take the Red Bull seat alongside F1 champion Max Verstappen after Sergio Perez's exit. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ Warriors, Agar accept NRL punishment Latham out, Nicholls, Mariu into Black Caps Auckland City to earn big FIFA money in US Saints bury Sharks under a threes barrage Black Caps demolish Pakistan; Ferns lose Lawson will be alongside rookie Frenchman Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls for next week's Japanese Grand Prix after a difficult opening two races of the 2025 season. The 23-year-old raced alongside Tsunoda in the latter stages of 2024 after replacing Daniel Ricciardo at the then-named RB team, and his performances were enough to earn him a promotion to Red Bull. However, Lawson struggled to get to grips with the difficult RB21 race during the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix weekends, crashing out in the former amid treacherous conditions before crossing the line in 15th in Shanghai, which later became 12th following the disqualifications of three drivers ahead. Rumours quickly mounted that Lawson could be replaced at the team as early as Round 3 in Japan, which was confirmed on Thursday before F1 returns to Suzuka on April 4-6. Lawson's situation mirrors the cases of Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly, who each returned to the sister outfit from Red Bull after three races into 2016 and 12 in 2019, respectively. "It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and, as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch," said Red Bull team principal and CEO Christian Horner, who was believed to be a Lawson advocate. "We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions, to retain the world drivers' championship and to reclaim the world constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision. "We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki's experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car. We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21. "We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well." After making his debut for the then-named AlphaTauri squad back in 2021, Tsunoda has continued to develop as a driver across the years that have followed, the Japanese racer having outscored his recent teammates including Nyck de Vries and Ricciardo, scoring 30 of the team's 46 points in 2024. He went on to make his test debut for Red Bull at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi – but it was subsequently confirmed that Lawson rather than Tsunoda would replace Perez at the Milton Keynes-based outfit in 2025. Tsunoda – now in his fifth campaign in Formula 1 – went on to state that he could “understand” why the team chose Lawson, insisting that he did not feel “super angry or disappointed” upon hearing the news.

The NZ Warriors and assistant coach Richard Agar have accepted the NRL penalty PHOTO: SKY SPORT NZ Warriors CEO Cameron George says the club and assistant coach Richard Agar have accepted the penalty imposed by the NRL. The penalty comes following an investigation into an incident involving Agar during the club’s Round 1 match against Canberra in Las Vegas. LATEST HEADLINES: Latham out, Nicholls, Mariu Black Caps Auckland City to earn big FIFA money No Stokes" brotherly love in 2025 rally Saints bury Sharks with three -ponts shots Black Caps demolish Pakistan; Ferns lose “It’s in the best interests of the club, the players and the game to accept the penalty and move on,” said George. “We don’t condone Richard’s actions. While he has a different view on some elements of the breach notice he wants to put the club first and accept the decision.” The NRL’s penalty stipulates Agar be fined $10,000 (half suspended), is suspended from three NRL matches and is to undertake appropriate education and training. “I regret what happened and I know it’s not acceptable,” he said. “I accept the penalty and now want to move forward and learn from this.” The Warriors play the Wests Tigers in NRL Round 4 on Sunday in Sydney (kick-off 8.15pm NZ Time).

Robbie Stokes (pictured) will be joined by younger brother Jack in the NZ Rally Championship PHOTO: GEOFF RIDDER Brotherly love will go out the window this year with Jack Stokes joining older brother Robbie in the Open 4WD class of the New Zealand Rally Championship. In a major off-season shake-up of the Stokes Motorsport Team, the two brothers will run cars in the main class – Robbie acquiring a Skoda Fabia Rally 2 and Jack piloting the Ford Fiesta AP4 previously run by his brother. LATEST HEADLINES: Saints bury Sharks with three -ponts shots Black Caps demolish Pakistan; Ferns lose Hohepa at 10 for Canes; Crusaders poised Dylan Walker early release from Warriors Robinson crashes out of alpine title race On the surface, it appears a smart decision from the team with Robbie having a clear desire to just drive as fast as he can in a reliable car and having a genuine crack at winning a championship. Jack on the other hand will be making his first foray into the top class and has a passion for the development side of rallying. “The decision to get the Skoda Fabia Rally 2 EVO was a lengthy one,” Robbie Stokes said. “We were looking for a while after the season last year and this car came up. It was a good deal and the people we dealt with were very professional. “The Rally 2 comes with a very good track record for reliability which was a huge point for acquiring it. “Jack has been getting itchy feet to step up to the top class and knows the AP4 mechanically very well, so it made sense for him to jump into the AP4.” The older Stokes has no qualms about competing against his brother but he also knows he will get some genuine competition from him at the same time. “It will be great competing with jack he has proved his speed in the R2 so I have no doubt he will be on the pace.” The season opens next weekend with the traditional Otago Rally set to kick-off a six-round calendar.

An 12th appearance at the FIFA Club World Club will be a financial windfall for Auckland City. PHOTO: PHOTOTEK/AUCKLAND CITY Big money is coming the way of Auckland City FC from the FIFA Club World Cup later this year in the United States. The winners of this year's 32-team tournament will earn up to NZ$218 million, according to a statement from FIFA where they announced a total prize pot of NZ$1.74 billion for the June 14-July 13 event, LATEST HEADLINES: No Stokes" brotherly love in 2025 rally Saints bury Sharks with three -ponts shots Black Caps demolish Pakistan; Ferns lose Hohepa at 10 for Canes; Crusaders poised Dylan Walker early release from Warriors "FIFA will neither retain any funding for this tournament, as all revenues will be distributed to club football, nor will it touch FIFA's reserves, which are set aside for global football development through the 211 FIFA member associations," said FIFA president Gianni Infantino. About half of the NZ$1.74 billion total will be divided between all 32 clubs, with the amount per club based on sporting and commercial criteria. It means clubs such as Manchester City and Real Madrid will receive a greater percentage than smaller clubs in a model FIFA developed with the European Club Association. A further NZ$827 million will be awarded on a performance-related basis, meaning the team with the most wins over a potential seven matches will bank more cash, with a maximum pot of NZ$217 million available. Auckland City represent Oceania at the tournament and are set to receive NZ$6.25 million for participating, as well as a potential NZ$2.5 million for any win. In group C, Auckland City FC will meet Bayern Munich (June 15), Benfica (June 20) and Boca Juniors (June 24). The Navy Blues, based at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham, have played at the tournament 11 times, finishing third in the 2014 edition.

Jess Kerr is in the North team against the South with a few new faces getting an opportunity PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY A number of new names will get an opportunity to shine in the women's North-South cricket series over the next week. Selectors are resting a number of big names such as Sophie Devine, Melie Kerr, Suzie Bates, Brooke Halliday, Georgia Plimmer, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu and Molly Penfold are either injured or are required to rest. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors, Agar accept NRL penalties Latham out, Nicholls, Mariu Black Caps Auckland City to earn big FIFA money No Stokes" brotherly love in 2025 rally Saints bury Sharks with three -ponts shots However, internationals Maddy Green, Jess Kerr, Fran Jonas and Hannah Rowe will represent the North, and Polly Inglis, Hayley Jensen and Eden Carson have been named in the South. Recent White Ferns debutantes Emma McLeod, Flora Devonshire and Bree Illing will strengthen the Northern line-up while Izzy Sharp is in the South along with Bella James who is returning from injury. Northern Brave captain Jess Watkin will make her debut in the North squad along with 18-year-old rising star and recent New Zealand U19 representative Eve Wolland. Anna Browning and PJ Watkins of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield winning Otago Sparks will make their debut in the South squad, joining eight of their Otago team-mates in the squad of 14. Re-established in the 2022-23 season, the North v South series aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket. North Squad: Maddy Green (c) - Auckland Ocean Bartlett - Central Districts Flora Devonshire - Central Districts Kate Gaging - Central Districts Amie Hucker - Auckland Bree Illing - Auckland Jess Kerr - Wellington Emma McLeod - Central Districts Nensi Patel - Northern Districts Josie Penfold - Auckland Hannah Rowe - Central Districts Saachi Shahri - Auckland Jess Watkin - Northern Districts Eve Wolland - Northern Districts Head coach: Rhys Morgan Assistant coach: Justine Dunce South Squad: Hayley Jensen (c) - Otago Sarah Asmussen - Canterbury Missy Banks - Canterbury Emma Black - Otago Caitlin Blakely - Otago Anna Browning - Otago* Eden Carson - Otago Olivia Gain - Otago Polly Inglis - Otago Bella James - Otago Louisa Kotkamp - Otago* Izzy Sharp - Canterbury Jess Simmons - Canterbury PJ Watkins - Otago Head coach: Donovan Grobbelaar Assistant coach: Emily Drumm Fixtures: All games in Lincoln. Match 1: Friday 28 March 10:30am Match 2: Sunday 30 March 10:30am Match 3: Tuesday 2 April 10am

Henry Nicholls is back in the Black Caps after a training injury to Tom Latham PHOTO: MARTIN HUNTER/LINTOTT PHOGOGRAPHY ODI wicket-keeper batsman Tom Latham has been ruled out of the ODI series against Pakistan with a fractured right hand. Latham was struck on the hand by a delivery while batting in the nets during training. An X-ray revealed the fracture which will require a cast and at least four weeks rest and rehabilitation. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland City to earn big FIFA money No Stokes" brotherly love in 2025 rally Saints bury Sharks with three -ponts shots Black Caps demolish Pakistan; Ferns lose Hohepa at 10 for Canes; Crusaders poised Black Caps coach Gary Stead confirmed Henry Nicholls would replace Latham in the squad, with current T20I captain Michael Bracewell to continue to lead in the ODIs, with Mitch Hay taking the wicket-keeping gloves. Nicholls, who has 78 ODI caps to his name, has missed much of this season with a calf-strain sustained in November, but returned this month with five 50-plus scores in his six domestic innings. The selectors also confirmed opener Will Young will come out of the ODI squad for games two and three of the series to be with his wife as they await the birth of their first child. Young will play Saturday’s opening game in his hometown of Napier before being replaced in the squad by 23-year-old Canterbury batsman Rhys Mariu who’s earned his maiden call-up, as the batting cover. Stead was confident the team would adapt to the changes. “We’ve had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons,” he said. “What it does do is offer opportunities to others players and it’s nice to introduce Rhys into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry. “Henry’s been in good form since returning from his three month injury lay-off and he’ll add valuable skills and experience to the team. “It’s obviously disappointing to lose Tom as captain on the eve of the series and we wish him a speedy recovery. The side is in safe hands with Michael who’s done a great job through the T20I series. “Finally we wish Will and his wife Elise all the best next week as they await their first child which is such a special and important time for them.” With more than two years until the next ICC Cricket World Cup, ODI squad selection preference was given to players on full national and domestic contracts. The New Zealand ODI squad assembles in Napier on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s opening game at McLean Park. 1st ODI – Saturday 29 March, 11:00am - McLean Park, Napier 2nd ODI – Wednesday 2 April, 11:00am - Seddon Park, Hamilton 3rd ODI – Saturday 5 April, 11:00am - Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

The Wellington Saints have hit a league-high 20 three-pointers to make short work of the Southland Sharks. Four different players connected on at least three triples as the Mills Albert Saints pulled away in the first half for a 122-83 rout of the Southland Sharks in the National Basketball League (NBL) at TSB Arena on Wednesday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps demolish Pakistan; Ferns lose Hohepa at 10 for Canes; Crusaders poised Dylan Walker early release from Warriors Robinson crashes out of alpine title race Roger Tuivasa-Sheck out for eight weeks Australian swingman Nick Marshall hit five in his game-high 35 points (13/19 FG, 5/8 3pt) and six rebounds, while local product Rangimarie Dougall-Mita made six in his 20 points (7/12 FG, 6/11 3pt) off the bench. Veteran Australian guard Shaun Bruce also drained five threes as he put up 17 points (6/8 FG, 5/6 3pt), to go with four boards and eight assists, with Tall Blacks guard Izayah Le'afa contributing two for nine points, 10 assists and two steals. Although with no threes, Hyrum Harris posted a near triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, and American centre Nick Muszynski 10 points, five boards and three blocks. Hyrum Harris finished two assists shy of a triple-double for the Wellington Saints. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Leading the way for Southland, American forward Josiah Allick had 22 points (11/22 FG) and nine rebounds, and import guard Caleb Asberry 18 points (6/10 FG, 3/5 3pt), five assists and four steals. In his 200th Sal's NBL game, Sharks captain Alonzo Burton was held to nine points, while Southland's third American, Keylan Boone, put up 10 points, four boards and four assists, and Sione Helu eight points and seven assists. The Sharks led for much of the first period but found themselves down four points at quarter-time. That is when the game got out of hand. The Saints opened the second quarter on a 22-2 run, including seven points from Marshall, to make it a 24-point game with 5:34 remaining in the half. They eventually stretched it to 30 points in the third and 40 in the fourth. Wellington (2-1) are back in action on Sunday (tip-off 3pm) in Christchurch against the Canterbury Rams (2-1), while the Sharks (1-2) return home to host the Manawatu Jets (2-1) on Saturday (tip-off 7pm). The Saints swept the night, winning the Sky Broadband Rapid League game 34-26, behind Kazlo Evans' 10 points, three assists and two steals. Wellington Saints 122 (Nick Marshall 35, Rangimarie Dougall-Mita 20, Shaun Bruce 17, Hyrum Harris 12, Nick Muszynski 10) Southland Sharks 83 ( Josiah Allick 22, Caleb Asberry 18, Keylan Boone 10). 1Q: 29-25, HT: 61-38, 3Q: 95-58

Asafo Aumua will co-captain the Hurricanes in ther clash with the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific Round 7. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY There are more injury concerns for the Hurricanes heading into Round 7 of the Super Rugby Pacific season. Riley Hohepa will start at first-five when the Canes host the NSW Waratahs at Sky Stadium on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm), in place of Harry Godfrey, who is out for 4-6 weeks. LATEST HEADLINES: Dylan Walker early release from Warriors Robinson crashes out of alpine title race Whai edge to victory over Tuatara in NBL Roger Tuivasa-Sheck out for eight weeks Young Nix 'keeper's major shoulder issues Asafo Aumua will co-captain the home team, alongside Du’Plessis Kirifi, for the first time this season. The forward pack will be powerful, especially with Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax named in the starting XV. NPC stand-out player and North Harbour wing Kade Banks will look to impress off the bench and Sevens Fatafehi Fineanganofo will show his speed. Hurricanes vs NSW Waratahs, 7.05pm Friday, March 28, Sky Stadium, Wellington HURRICANES: Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Riley Hohepa, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, DuPlessis Kirifi (co-captain), Brayden Iose, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua (co-captain), Xavier Numia. Reserves: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Jordi Viljoen, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Kade Banks The Highlanders have All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot on a rest week, but still ahve plenty of power and flare in the backline. Caleb Tangitau has been a breath of fresh air on the win and has Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Timoci Tavatavanawai inside him. The now experienced pair of Mitch Dunshea and Fabian Holland will lock the scrum ACT Brumbies vs Highlanders, 9.35pm Friday, March 28, GIO Stadium, Canberra HIGHLANDERS: Sam Gilbert, Caleb Tangitau, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai (captain), Jona Nareki, Taine Robinson, Nathan Hastie; Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka (TK) Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma'u, Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Ajay Faleafaga, Tanielu Tele’a Meanwhile, Ardie Savea returns as captain at No 8 and wing Solomon Alaimalo has recovered from a shoulder problem to start for Moana Pasifika against a Crusaders side who could take over top spot with a win. There are five changes in their pack, with Tito Tuipulotu and Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou starting as props, Samuel Slade promoted to lock and Semisi Paea making his first start of the season at openside flanker. Tevita Ofa will also start on the right wing for the first time as Tana Umaga’s side target their first win against the Crusaders. For the home side, James O'Connor starts at first-five with Noah Hotham inside him at halfback, while Ethan Blackadder should definitely start on the side of the scrum. David Havilli captains the Crusaders, with his brother William in the Moana Pasifika backline. Crusaders vs Moana Pasifika, 7.05pm Saturday, March 29, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch MOANA PASIFIKA: William Havili, Tevita Ofa, Pepesana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Solomon Alaimalo, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine; Ardie Savea (captain), Semisi Paea, Miracle Faiilagi, Allan Craig, Samuel Slade, Feleti Sae-ta'ufo'ou, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Reserves: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Alamanda Motuga, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tuna Tuitama CRUSADERS: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Dallas McLeod, David Havili (captain), Macca Springer, James O'Connor, Noah Hotham, Fletcher Anderson, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioane Moananu, George Bower. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Xavier Saifoloi, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Levi Aumua

Tim Seifert (far left), Ish Sodhi, Jimmy Neesham and Finn Allen (far right) in the eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Wellington. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Black Caps have destroyed Pakistan in the fifth T20I in Wellington by eight wickets with 60 balls to spare. The visitors batted first and scored 128-9 in their 20 overs. Only a 51 from 39 balls bycaptain Salman Agha and 28 from Shadab Kahan saving the immings as Jimmy Neesham did the damage with the ball. LATEST HEADLINES: Crusaders ready in Super Rugby round 7 Dylan Walker early release from Warriors Robinson crashes out of alpine title race Whai edge to victory over Tuatara in NBL Roger Tuivasa-Sheck out for eight weeks Neesham took 5-22 from his fours overs as Pakistan failed to put pressure on the field. Jacob Duffy took 2-18 while Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi had a wicket each. At bat, Tim Seifert blazed away with 97 not out from 38, including 10 sixes and six fours. Fellow opener Finn Allen made 27 from 13, while the other wicket was Mark Chapman for three. Daryl Mitchell was left not out on two in the comprehensive victory. Meanwhile, dropped catches potentially cost the White Ferns a rare win over Australia. Batting first, the visitors scored 180-4 with Georgia Voll again making a decent total - 75, but being put down on four occasions. Beth Mooney (21), Phoebe Litchfield (26) and Ellyse Perry (32 not out) were the other chief scorers. Rosemary Mair, Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Melie Kerr all took a wicket each. The White Ferns at bat made 172-8 to lose by eight runs after losing three wickets in the 19th over and after being 54-4. However, Kerr tried to win the game making 66 from 47 along with Maddy Green 62 from 35 balls. The only other New Zealand player to make doubles figures was Bell James with 14. Annabel Sutherland was the best of the Aussie bowlers again with 4-35 from her four overs.

Dylan Wlaker is no longer a Warrior, returning to Sydney on compassionate grounds. PHOTO: NRL NZ Warriors utility Dylan Walker has been granted an early release on compassionate grounds to return to Australia immediately. The 30-year-old joined the club on a three-year deal at the start of the 2023 season. LATEST HEADLINES: Robinson crashes out of alpine title race Whai edge to victory over Tuatara in NBL Roger Tuivasa-Sheck out for eight weeks Young Nix 'keeper's major shoulder issues Taranaki send off Dean Robinson in style “We were keen for Dylan to stay until the end of the season but we appreciate why he needs to return to Sydney,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George. “We’ve really enjoyed having him at our club and he has given us tremendous service. He goes with our support and best wishes.” Walker, a 232-game NRL veteran, joined the Warriors after 124 appearances for the Manly Sea Eagles. His 46th and final match for the Warriors was Friday night’s 14-6 win over the Roosters at Go Media Stadium. There are strong rumours Walker has been picked up by the Parramatta Eels.

Alice Robinson crashed to end her giant slalom season title hopes. PHOTO: CHRISTOPHE PALLOT/AGENCE ZOOM New Zealand's Alice Robinson has been denied a first alpine World Cup giant slalom crown after crashing in the first run at the World Cup finals at Sun Valley, Idaho Italian Federica Brignone claimed the title after needing to finish inside the top-13 to pip the Kiwi. Brignone was second behind Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami. LATEST HEADLINES: Tuivasa-Sheck out injured for eight weeks Young Nix 'keeper major shoulder issues Taranaki send off Dean Robinson in style All Whites qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup Black Caps add Kelly, Abbas for Pakistan ODIs Robinson came into the final race of the season, with a 20-point lead over Brignone and a chance to become the first New Zealander to win a World Cup crystal globe. However, the 23-year-old from Queenstown survived an early wobble on the first run she lost her balance on a deep turn on the bottom of the course and could not recover - one of six skiers out of the 28 who started that failed to finish the first leg. That left 34-year-old Brignone, second-fastest in the first leg by 0.045 seconds. The Italian needed to finish 13th or better in the second run to seize the giant slalom season crown before Gut-Behrami secured victory on the day.