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Local rider George Swift will be competing for the title in the NZ Enduro Championships in Nelson PHOTO: CYCLING NZ The nations leading enduro peddlers will head to the sport’s heartland of Cable Bay in Nelson for the New Zealand Enduro Championships this weekend. The championships are part of the annual Cable Bay Enduro at the renowned facilities near Nelson city. LATEST HEADLINES: Ko top 10 after first round Singapore Crowe top, Geary, Hendry best locals Can Moana, Blues win, Chiefs continue ? NBL family affair as Webster joins Jets McMillan set to depart Chiefs for Munster Organisers plan for seven to eight stages over the weekend to challenge the country’s best riders, with a mix of testing downhill sections with the endurance required to pedal the liaisons to the next downhill test. Defending elite champion, Rae Morrison is competing, although has retired as a fulltime international enduro rider as she moves to a new role as coach for the Liv Factory Racing team. Favourite will be fellow Nelson rider George Swift, who has an exciting year ahead moving to the Yeti Fox Factory team. The fastest overall last year was Christchurch teen Winni Goldsbury, 17, who won an under-21 round of the UCI World Cup last year before succumbing to a major fall and resulting injuries. She has the support from Specialized this year and will provide plenty of competition for the elite pros. Experienced Taranaki gravity rider Edward Masters will be a favourite in the elite men, with last year’s winner Shannon Hewetson and world No 3 ranked Charles Murray (Specialized) who has torn an ankle ligament, both missing from starters. Watch also for the emerging talents of Upper Hutt’s Lachie Ross, Under-19 prospect Oli Clark from Kaikoura and Rotorua’s Joe Millington, who competes across both enduro and downhill, picking up an enduro world cup under-21 podium last year. Practice is from Friday with three stages on Saturday afternoon and the balance on Sunday.

Harrison Crowe leads after the first rond of the NZ Oprn PHOTO: PGA OF AUSTRALIA/NZ OPEN/PHOTOSPORT The leading player after day one of the New Zealand Open at Millbrook is Australian Harrison Crowe, with the best of the local players Josh Geary and Michael Hendry four shots back. Sydneysider Crowe has the outright lead at nine-under after carding a 62 including nine birdies and an eagle. LATEST HEADLINES: Can Moana, Blues win, Chiefs continue ? NBL family affair as Webster joins Jets McMillan set to depart Chiefs for Munster Late Hahn goal gives Football Ferns win Campbell chases home win at NZ Open He had just one blemish on the par-4 13th hole of the Remarkables course when his shot went out of bounds for a double bogey, however he made up for it in the rest of the round. Searching for his first big win of his career his career he leads Victoria's James Marchesani by a shot who is on the Coronet course. Two other Australians, Lucas Herbert and Kevin Yuan, as well as Korean Guntaek Koh, are two strokes behind in a share of third at 7-under. Geary 40 and Hendry 45 are tied ninth after 66's at five-under with Queenstown-based Ben Campbell in a share of 23rd at 4-under. Defending champion Takahiro Hataji started with a 2-under-par 70.

Ardie Savea is at the back of the scrum for Moana Pasifika as they host the Highlanders at Norht Harbour PHOTO: SUPER RUGBY/MOANA PASIFIKA Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific opens with Moana Pasifika playing their first game at home as they search for a win against the Highlanders, while the Blues also target their victory against a strong Hurricanes side. The Chiefs look strong again as they go for three in a row at home against the ACT Brumbies on Saturday, while the Crusaders have the bye. LATEST HEADLINES: NBL family affair as Webster joins Jets McMillan set to depart Chiefs for Munster Late Hahn goal gives Football Ferns win Campbell chases home win at NZ Open Steven Alker harbours NZ Open dreams The Highlanders will be fizzing after their win over the Blues and take on Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium as Ardie Savea moves to the back of the scrum. Tevita Ofa and Patrick Pellegrini look set to debut for Moana off the bench. The Highlanders survived penalties and a lack of numbers last week on the inspiration of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Finn Hurley. How will they go with a potentially big crowd against them? Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders, North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Friday, February 28 MOANA PASIFIKA: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Pepesana Patafilo, Danny Toala, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Miracle Faiilagi, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafile'o, Millennium Sanerivi, James Lay. Reserves: Tevita Ofa, Patrick Pellegrini, Melani Matavao, Ola Tauelangi, Samuel Slade, Chris Apoua, Tito Tuipulotu, Sama Malolo HIGHLANDERS: Finn Hurley, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Sefo Kautai, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Josh Bartlett. Reserves: Jake Te Hiwi, Cameron Millar, Nathan Hastie, TKx Howden, Will Stodart, Saula Ma'u, Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor The Chiefs are once again sgrong across the park including the reserves who served them so well last week. They're possibly a little raw at seven and eight with Jahrome Brown and Simon Parker, but have enough depth to cover if needed. Chiefs vs Brumbies, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, Saturday, March 1, 4.35pm CHIEFS: Damian McKenzie, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Manasa Mataele, Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'i (c), Josh Lord, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Gideon Wrampling, Daniel Rona, Xavier Roe, Kaylum Boshier, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Sione Ahio, Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho The Hurricanes have their strong loose forward trio starting with Peter Lakai getting his first start of the season while Cam Roigard will be looking to continue his form from the previous week against Fijian Drua. The Blues have selected a similar side to last week, but in reality some of the senior players need to step up after going missing in the loss to the Highlanders. No players should be looking tired and lacking of ideas this early in the season, but some of the Blues did. Hurricanes vs Blues, Sky Stadium, Wellington, Saturday, March 1, 7.05pm HURRICANES: Kade Banks, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), Brad Shields (cc), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Pasilio Tosi, Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Ngatungane Punivai, Riley Hohepa, Ereatara Enari, Brayden Iose, Hugo Plummer, Tevita Mafileo, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Jacob Devery BLUES: Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i, Cameron Suafoa, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: Cole Forbes, Corey Evans, Sam Nock, Anton Segner, Cam Christie, Angus Ta'avao, Joshua Fusitu'a, James Mullan

Olympian Ellesse Andrews (centre) won the Elite Sprint tite in a record time with Olivia King (left) and Sophie de Vries (right) at the national track championships PHOTO: CYCLING NZ FACEBOOK Double Olympic champion Ellesse Andrews has continued winning races, this time on the way to a national track cycling title in Invercargill Her qualifying time of 10.498 seconds is the fastest registered across the 200-metre sprint distance by a woman in New Zealand. LATEST HEADLINES: Hearts to face Sparks in HBJ Shield final Illing, McLeod, Sharp called into White Ferns Black Caps into Champions Trophy semis Black Ferns Sevens win title in Vancouver New Zealand to host Georgia in Davis Cup The world record of 10.029 seconds was set by Germany's Lea Friedrich in qualifying at the Paris Olympic Games as she finished with silver behind Andrews in the gold medal race. Fellow Olympian Sam Dakin took the men's national title over Kaio Lart with Jaxson Russell third. Waikato 18-year-old McKenzie Milne won the women's Elite Individual Pursuit while Paris silver medalist Emily Shearman took out the women's Elite Scratch Race ahead of Milne with Amelia Sykes third. New Zealand junior representative Magnus Jamieson, 18 won the men's Elite Sctach Race.

Former White Fern Amy Satterthwaite will be a coach for the NZ XI against Sri Lanka. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Former White Ferns captain Amy Satterthwaite will join the New Zealand Women's XI coaching staff for two 50-over warm up matches against Sri Lanka in Lincoln this week. Satterthwaite, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest female cricketers, played 256 internationals before announcing her retirement in 2022. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors named for season opener Vegas Andrews sets New Zealand sprint record Hearts to face Sparks in HBJ Shield final Illing, McLeod, Sharp called into White Ferns Black Caps into Champions Trophy semis Since then, Satterthwaite has returned to the game through various coaching roles in New Zealand and overseas. Satterthwaite has been working as a Female Pathways Coach for her former Major Association Canterbury Cricket and was an assistant coach for the tournament-winning Adelaide Strikers for two Women’s Big Bash seasons from 2022-2024. The New Zealand XI matches are an opportunity for several White Ferns squad members to get an early look at Sri Lanka before the Chemist Warehouse ODI series begins on Tuesday in Napier. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winners Georgia Plimmer and Brooke Halliday will play one warm-up each in preparation for their return to international cricket following recent injuries. Former New Zealand Under-19 representatives Emma McLeod and Izzy Sharp will get their first taste of cricket against a senior international side after receiving their maiden New Zealand call up earlier this week. Players involved in this weekend’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Grand Final between the Otago Sparks and Auckland Hearts in Dunedin were unavailable for selection. NZC High Performance coach Sara McGlashan will lead the coaching unit alongside Satterthwaite and Canterbury Magicians head coach Rhys Morgan. Satterthwaite said she is eager to get underway in the New Zealand XI set up. “I’m really looking forward to being involved with this exciting group of players,” said Satterthwaite. “I’m excited not only for my coaching development but any chance to give back and help foster players’ learning and confidence to perform against international players is extremely rewarding.” Satterthwaite said the matches will provide multiple development opportunities. “It exposes players to different challenges and provides them with invaluable learnings. “It’s a chance for these players to test their skills and see where they can keep developing to be successful at the highest level, whilst also building confidence that they have what it takes.” New Zealand XI Squad Jess Watkin (C) Northern Districts Kate Anderson Canterbury Magicians Ocean Bartlett Central Hinds Flora Devonshire Central Hinds Marama Downes Northern Districts Kate Gaging Central Hinds Claudia Green Central Hinds Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts Emma McLeod Central Hinds Nensi Patel Northern Districts Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze Izzy Sharp Canterbury Magicians Jess Simmons Canterbury Magicians Eve Wolland Northern Districts The two warm up matches are free entry on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February at Bert Sutcliffe Oval starting 10am

The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season will be Clayton McMillan's last in charge of the Chiefs. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Chiefs have confirmed head coach Clayton McMillan will depart the franchise at the conclusion of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season to pursue a head coaching opportunity overseas. McMillan’s impending departure to Irish club Munster, following five years in charge of the Chiefs, comes with the full blessing of the franchise. LATEST HEADLINES: Late Hahn goal gives Football Ferns win Campbell chases home win at NZ Open Steven Alker harbours NZ Open dreams Hillier, Voke set their signts on NZ Open Canterbury advance to Ford Trophy final “We’re incredibly grateful to Clayton for everything he has done for our club since joining in 2021 and becoming head coach of the Chiefs,” Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis said. “Under Clayton’s guidance we’ve not only enjoyed success on the field, but Clayton has also played a significant role in embedding a strong culture and values at the Chiefs Rugby Club. “We wish Clayton and his whānau all the best on their upcoming move and in the meantime look forward to having him lead us through the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season. “The club has a belief, ‘Once a Chief. Always a Chief.’ Clayton and his family will always be welcomed as part of the Chiefs environment.” McMillan, who has led the Chiefs to three Super Rugby finals since taking over the coaching role, added: “It has been an absolute privilege to work with the Chiefs and NZ Rugby. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded, and for the support of those I have worked alongside. “The decision to leave wasn’t easy – I love my job, the people we represent, and what we value as a club. But I take real comfort in knowing the team is in great hands moving forward, with a talented playing group, coaches and staff. “While I look forward to the challenge at Munster, I am solely focused on giving everything I have to the Chiefs as we build on a promising start, with the goal of being genuine contenders at the business end of the season.” The Chiefs remain focused on the 2025 season and officials do not plan on making any further comment on the head coaching position until the end of season.

LIV Golf star Ben Campbell would love nothing more than to win the NZ Open on his home course. PHOTO: NZ OPEN/PHOTOSPORT As a member at Millbrook Resort, Ben Campbell feels a great sense of pride that it has become a much-loved host of the New Zealand Open. But there is also a growing frustration that he has not managed to win his national championship at his home club despite coming very close in the past. LATEST HEADLINES: Late Hahn goal help Football Ferns win Hillier, Voke set their signts on NZ Open Canterbury advance to Ford Trophy final Black Sticks Women beaten by Ireland 1-0 NZ Warriors named for NRL opener Vegas The 33-year-old, who now plays fulltime for the Range Goats team on the LIV Golf League, gets another chance to win his first NZ Open at Millbrook Resort starting on Thursday, when he will be one of the favourites to claim the Brodie Breeze Trophy. “Yeah, definitely frustrating. I’ve had my chances,” Campbell said of his near-misses which include runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2023. “The game is in a good solid spot. They always get the greens so good out here and you’ve got to have a really hot week with the putter to be up there. I’m working on that at the moment and hopefully we’ll get a few putts to drop. “It’s always nice playing a tournament when you can sleep in your own bed and around your home golf course.” After playing at LIV Golf Adelaide earlier this month, where he finished equal 23rd, Campbell has been at home at Queenstown, not only working on his game, but also playing handyman and throwing in a weekend fishing trip with some Asian Tour player guests. “Just being able to relax a little bit before the tournament, it’s obviously a bit different to normal,” he said. “I always love playing here. It’s such a special time, obviously, I’m a member here and I play most Fridays with the members when I’m home. “I’ve been through the struggles of injuries in the past and it’s great to play in front of everyone who’s been there for you in that tough time. It would be great to put the name on the trophy.” Campbell will partner fellow New Zealander Stevem Alker in a feature group across the first two rounds, teeing off in round one from the 10th hole of the Remarkables course at 8.13am on Thursday. The 104th NZ Open begins on Thursday, with a cut for the top-60 players plus ties to compete over the final two rounds at the weekend at Millbrook Resort, chasing a total prize purse of NZ$2 million.

Some tight marking from the Football Ferns on Costa Rica has helped the New Zealand side to win PHOTO: FCRF The Football Ferns have beaten Costa Rica in the second game of their two-match series, following draw on Sunday, with a 1-0 victory courtesy of a spectacular finish from Maya Hahn. Hahn only recently declared to play for Aotearoa New Zealand after discussions with interim head coach Michael Mayne, but the midfielder made a big impact in the series after debuting in the first game. LATEST HEADLINES: Steve Alker habours NZ Open dreams Hillier, Voke set their signts on NZ Open Canterbury advance to Ford Trophy final Black Sticks Women beaten by Ireland 1-0 Satterthwaite links up with NZ Women's XI Mayne made three changes to the starting XI from the first match. A fit-again Milly Clegg replaced Kelli Brown up front, Jacqui Hand came in for Macey Fraser in attack, and Grace Neville started at wingback in place of Hannah Blake. The team continued with the new formation introduced on this tour, playing with a back three instead of the back four predominantly used in the previous cycle. The first 30 minutes were a cagey affair, with the Ferns having the better of the chances but neither side able to create clear-cut opportunities. The first real chance fell to Costa Rica at the half-hour mark when a free kick from the edge of the box was brilliantly saved by Vic Esson, continuing her excellent form from the first match. The game remained tight into the second half, with Indiah-Paige Riley, goalscorer in the first match, going close from range, but her effort flew past the post in the 55th minute. Costa Rica’s best chance of the match came in the 60th minute when a shot deflected low toward the bottom left corner of the net, but Esson got down to parry it away before quickly recovering to block the follow-up in an outstanding display of goalkeeping. Ultimately, the strength of the Ferns' substitutes made the difference. With the clock ticking toward 90 minutes, Macey Fraser, who had looked dangerous since coming on in the 56th minute, picked out substitute Maya Hahn on the edge of the box with a brilliant pass from the wing. Hahn took one touch to control the ball before firing a rocket into the top right corner to win the game in the 89th minute. New Zealnad have confirmed their next international fixtures, with the team set to take on Chinese Taipei (FIFA rank 42) in Taiwan this April. The Ferns will face the Blue Magpies on Tuesday 8 April at Kaohsiung Nanzih Football Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, kicking off at 10:30pm NZT (6:30pm local time). The sides will also face-off in a behind closed doors training game three days earlier on Saturday 5 April. “These two games are a really great opportunity for us as a team to continue to build on what we started against Costa Rica” said Mayne. “For our February games we implemented a new playing style, new language, and new ideas in the way we work that we believe can help us be better in a number of ways going forward. “This Costa Rican tour has been the start of a really positive build, and I have felt the players have done an excellent job to come in and take on the challenge collectively. “Now I want to review our work, watch some club games and prepare for what I believe is another very good challenge in our new cycle. “What we need now is more time together to continue that development our way, so the prospect of having a long camp together with a training behind closed doors game, followed by a full international fixture at the end of the window, is a great solution for the team at this moment.”

Daniel Hillier (left) and Nick Voke are two of the leading Kiwis at this week's NZ Open. PHOTO: NZ OPEN/PHOTOSPORT A breakthrough victory at the Players Series Sydney on the PGA Tour of Australasia on Sunday has set off a torrent of congratulations in person, over the phone and online for NZ golfer Nick Voke. Voke’s popularity, which has included an estimated “300 to 500 messages in the inbox”, would soar even higher if he was the one to break an eight-year drought for home players at the New Zealand Open on Sunday. LATEST HEADLINES: Canterbury advance to Ford Trophy final Black Sticks Women beaten by Ireland 1-0 Satterthwaite links up with NZ Women's XI NZ Warriors named for NRL opener Vegas Andrews sets New Zealand sprint record “Growing up, this was the one that we watched,” Voke said on Wednesday after completing his final practice round at Millbrook Resort. “We know the history, we know the winners, and I mean to be part of that, with your name on the trophy, would be pretty wicked. “You have to play pretty well, though. There's a lot of good golfers here.” Among those very happy to see Voke hold on to win by a shot from Australian Jake McLeod on Sunday – his first success in an Official World Golf Ranking event since 2018 - was former British Masters champion Daniel Hillier, who is the No 1 ranked New Zealander in the field this week. “I’ve been a big fan of Vokey for a long time. I remember actually back when I was younger, we used to play a Wellington versus Auckland game in Taupo, and he wasn't there. He was playing for New Zealand at the time, and they were all talking about him,” Hillier said, “I was just young but coming through the ranks, and I thought ‘God, actually I'd love to be like Vokey. That'd be pretty cool. I've looked up to the man for a long time.” Like Voke and the other 23 home players this week, Hillier would love to be the next New Zealander to have their name on the Brodie Breeze Trophy. He’s in good early season form, already banking a second at this year’s Dubai Desert Classic and two other top-25 finishes on the DP World Tour to sit in fourth place on the Race to Dubai standings. “I think it's every professional golfer's dream to win their national open, myself included,” Hillier said. “I feel like I've got the game to do it now. “It's just not putting too much pressure on myself and going out, playing the game, staying patient with it.” And maybe holing plenty of putts like Voke did over 72 holes at Castle Hill. “Having some confidence is really nice,” last Sunday’s champion said. “You see some putts go in then all of a sudden the hole gets bigger. We've all felt it and the hole felt pretty big to me last week. Hopefully, it remains the same size this week.” The 104th NZ Open begins on Thursday, with a cut for the top-60 players plus ties to compete over the final two rounds at the weekend at Millbrook Resort, chasing a total prize purse of NZ$2 million.

The NZ Open title has proved elusive for 30-year pro and PGA Tour Champions winner Steven Alker. PHOTO: NZ OPEN/PHOTOSPORT Kiwi Steven Alker is feeling “some good vibes” as he tries to capture a title he craves but has so far proved to be elusive – the New Zealand Open. One of the most successful players on the PGA Tour Champions across the past four seasons, with a total of eight victories, including one in 2024, to help him become the Charles Schwab Cup champion, the 53-year-old has arrived at Millbrook Resort for what he thinks may be one of his final chances to win his national open. LATEST HEADLINES: Hillier, Voke set their signts on NZ Open Canterbury advance to Ford Trophy final Black Sticks Women beaten by Ireland 1-0 Satterthwaite links up with NZ Women's XI NZ Warriors named for NRL opener Vegas It was his third start of the year, heading back home after finishing equal fifth in Hawaii and second in Morocco to kick off his 2025 PGA Tour Champions campaign. “So I've got some good vibes and a game not quite where I want it, but it's early season,” Alker said ahead of a Tuesday afternoon practice round with former NZ Open champion Brendan Jones. “Early season, you're trying to feel out where you're at and get into some form. I'm just happy to be back in New Zealand and give it another crack. I don't know how many I've got left in me, so I'm just happy to be down here and play.” One significant difference for Alker at Millbrook Resort this year is that not only would a win gain him what he so dearly wants – his name on the Brodie Breeze Trophy – but also a spot in this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush. For the first time, the NZ Open is part of the Open Qualifying Series, offering Sunday’s winner a much sought-after direct path into the year’s third major championship. Alker’s last appearance at The Open came in 2007 at Carnoustie, one of two starts over a professional career that began in 1995. “The Open's the greatest tournament in the world, I think,” Alker said.“It's a credit to the tournament too, to get that spot. It doesn't just happen every day and they don't just give them out to anybody. “It just shows the quality of the tournament, how much it's grown and they recognise that we get an international field and it's special.” Alker’s 2025 NZ Open campaign will start at 8.02am on Thursday on the Remarkables course, one of two par-71 layouts in use for the opening two rounds. The 104th NZ Open begins on Thursday, with a cut for the top-60 players plus ties to compete over the final two rounds at the weekend at Millbrook Resort, chasing a total prize purse of NZ$2 million.

Early NBL import signings (from left) Keylan Boone (Southland Sharks), Kenny Goins (Manawatu Jets) and Charles Pride (Auckland Tuatara). With just under three weeks until the 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) season tips-off, some teams are still getting their rosters together. While most franchises were locking in their local development talent and other New Zealand player signings pre- and post-Christmas, three teams - the Auckland Tuatara, Manawatu Jets and Southland Sharks - have also filled their import quotas. LATEST HEADLINES: Tall Blacks rout Hong Kong on the road Defender Sakai remains at Auckland FC Losses for New Zealand tennis quartet White Ferns bowler Penfold out injured Black Caps blast Pakistanis in opener The Tuatara, three-time beaten finalists, have complemented their 'Kiwi core' of Rob Loe, Tom Vodanovich and Dan Fotu with restricted players across their guard-line, Americans Charles Pride and Buay Tuach, and Australian Will 'Davo' Hickey. Coming off a 1-19 season, the Jets have added Americans Kenny Goins, Makhel Mitchell and Miles Gibson, to join young Kiwi guard Dontae Russo-Nance, and New Zealanders playing abroad Isaac Miller-Jose and Dion Collins. The Sharks, after a 4-16 season, will bring back guard Caleb Asberry, as well as fellow Americans, forwards Keylan Boone and Josiah Allick, while retaining captain Alonzo Burton and luring Tall Blacks big Sam Timmins to the Deep South. The Otago Nuggets, Hawke's Bay Hawks, Franklin Bulls and Indian Panthers have yet to announce any import signings. Tall Blacks guard Izayah Le'afa (left) and Shea Ili have both signed with the Wellington Saints. PHOTOS: SAINTS Making a splash with the signing of the all-Tall Blacks backcourt of Shea Ili and Izayah Le'afa were the Wellington Saints, the 12-time NBL champions but not since 2021. The pair join fellow national team forward Hyrum Harris and Australian forward Nick Marshall, currently with the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian NBL. The Bulls also have put together a strong Kiwi foundation, retaining Ethan Rusbatch and enticing the Cameron brothers, Flynn and Tobias, sons of Tall Blacks legend Pero Cameron, from the Taranaki Airs. The two-time defending champion Canterbury Rams have held onto their local core of Taylor Britt, Max Darling, Walter Brown and Kaia Isaac, while inking Australian guard Sean MacDonald, currently with the Tasmania JackJumpers. The Tauranga Whai, who just missed the playoffs in their inauguaral season in 2024, and the Nelson Giants have done likewise. The Whai have brought back Jayden Bezzant, Kruz Perrott-Hunt and Te Tuhi Lewis, and added veteran American guard Chris Jones and NZ Breakers depth forward Sean Bairstow, while the G-Men have kept Alex McNaught, Hayden Jones and Sam Dempster, while bringing in Kiwi bigs Callum McRae and Liam Judd, former NBA forward Brice Johnson and Australian big Callum Dalton. Despite defections, the Airs have signed 3x3 Tall Blacks forward Dom Kelman-Poto and Australian guard Owen Foxwell, currently with the South East Melbourne Phoenix. The NBL's newest team, the India-owned Panthers, who will play out of South Auckland, have yet to confirm a head coach or any players, while the Nuggets have made just two local signings. The NBL's 43rd season in the league's 44th year tips-off on Wednesday, March 12, with the Hawks hosting the Panthers in Napier. The season opens with games on 12 straight nights, until March 23. NBL FREE AGENT TRACKER Auckland Tuatara Rob Loe, Tom Vodanovich, Dan Fotu, Dylan Wilkie, Josh Wyllie, Charles Pride*, Will 'Davo' Hickey*, Buay Tuach* Indian Panthers No player announcements Franklin Bulls Ethan Rusbatch, Halasiale Maile, Tobias Cameron, KC Nwafor, Corey Perry, Harrison Coker-Grey, Brody Perry, Payton Hughes, Harrison Kelso, Zion Anderson, Flynn Cameron Tauranga Whai Jayden Bezzant, Sean Bairstow*, Te Tuhi Lewis, Jett Thompson, Chris Jones*, Kruz Perrott-Hunt, Denhym Brooke, Carter Hopoi Taranaki Airs Dom Kelman-Poto, Scott Telfer, Jack Exeter, Owen Foxwell* Manawatu Jets Dontae Russo-Nance, Kenny Goins*, Isaac Miller-Jose, Dion Collins, Makhel Mitchell*, Miles Gibson*, Zavier Pearn, Tinashe Matambanadzo, Hikaia Lambert Hawke's Bay Hawks Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Clifton Bush II, Ezrah Eagle, Harry Keighley, Kobe Kara Wellington Saints Hyrum Harris, Troy Plumtree, Izayah Le'afa, Shea Ili, Rangimarie Dougall-Mita, Nick Marshall*, Kazlo Evans Jr, Lukah Richards Nelson Giants Alex McNaught, Liam Judd, Aston Inwood, Hayden Jones, Lachlan Crate, Sam Dempster, Brice Johnson*, Callum McRae, Callum Dalton* Canterbury Rams Taylor Britt, Kaia Isaac, Max Darling, Walter Brown, Sean Macdonald*, Tama Isaac, Mana Martin, Jake Holmes, Ihaka Cate, Tawhiri Cate Otago Nuggets Matthew Bardsley, Darcy Knox Southland Sharks Alonzo Burton, Johnny Helu, Sam Timmins, Keylan Boone*, Tukaha Cooper, Caleb Asberry*, Hayden Collier, Dane Bertinshaw, Josiah Allick*, Quake Webster, Riley Snow

Canterbury's Rhy Mariu (left), Auckland's Cam Fletcher and Central Districts' Tom Bruce (right). Canterbury will have a chance to defend their Ford Trophy title after earning a direct path to Sunday's final. Canterbury defeated the Auckland Aces in a one-run thriller in the final round at Rangiora's Mainpower Oval on Sunday to confirm themselves as top qualifiers for the second straight season. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Sticks Women beaten by Ireland 1-0 Satterthwaite links up with NZ Women's XI NZ Warriors named for NRL opener Vegas Andrews sets New Zealand sprint record Hearts to face Sparks in HBJ Shield final Auckland will face Central Districts at Dunedin's University of Otago Oval on Friday in the elimination match (10.30am start), with a place in the decider two days later at the same venue at stake. CD beat the Wellington Firebirds by two runs at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park on Sunday to hold off the Otago Volts, who overpowered Northern Districts by seven wickets at Invercargill's Queens Park, for the third spot. Canterbury, Auckland and Central Districts have combined to win the last five 50-over championships, and 12 of the last 14, dating back to 2010-11. Opener Rhys Mariu top-scored with a quick-fire 63 from 42 balls, including five fours and three sixes, as Canterbury posted 207-6 in 24 overs in the rain-affected match. Needing more than eight runs an over, Auckland made a strong start thanks to Sean Solia (39) and Finn Allen (48) but economic spells from Michael Rae and Ish Sodhi saw them requiring 47 runs from the last four overs. With nine needed from the last over, former Black Cap Jimmy Neesham and Cam Fletcher (43 not out) came up just short. Tom Bruce (73 from 54) led Central to 253 from 48.3 overs, with Liam Dudding taking 3-55 from nine overs for Wellington. After some early troubles, the Firebirds looked headed for victory when Muhammad Abbas (104 from 120) and Nick Kelly (86 from 67) put on 159 for the fourth wicket, needing just 54 runs, with 19 overs and six wickets in hand. Abbas continued to push Wellington to victory but the Firebirds lost wickets in five consecutive overs, leaving Dudding and Adam Milne as the last chance, but Dudding became Jayden Lennox's fourth victim. In another rain-affected match, Otago's run-chase against Northern Districts came down to the penultimate over, but unlike Auckland and Wellington, were able to complete the job. Joe Carter (48 from 48) and Brett Hampton (56 not out from 30) pushed ND to 226-6 from 31 overs. The Volts started strongly before losing three wickets for five runs in less than two overs, going from 73 without loss to 78-3. But Leo Carter (67 not out from 56) and Llew Johnson (85 not out from 62) dug in and then hit out, guiding Otago home with nine balls to spare.