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A potential shortage of No 10's in Super Rugby Pacific in 2025 as the Hurricanes search for a new pivot. One-test All Black Brett Cameron is out with an ACL injury which he posted on social media picked up at Manawatu NPC practice. LATEST HEADLINES: Blow to Kiwis as Hughes ruled out Phoenix sign former A-League winner Fourteen All Blacks for NPC quarters Darts winners target place at Ally Pally Williamson worry for Black Caps in India The ACL injury will likely keep him out for nine months, meaning Cameron is set to miss the entire 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. The 28-year-old’s absence comes after a season where the Hurricanes finished top of the table with 12 wins from 14 games. Cameron played his one test for the All Blacks in 2018 as a substitute against Japan. The injury comes at a difficult time for the Canes who lost 23-year-old Aidan Morgan to Irish club Ulster. The Super Rugby Pacific squads are set to be announced in the next few weeks with limited options available. The Crusaders recently signed former Wallaby playmaker James O’Connor to help fill their experience void at No 10.

A big blow to the team and the public with Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jahrome Hughes ruled out of the Kiwis' tests against Australia and Tonga in the Pacific Championship. The 30-year-old Hughes was named in the 21-strong New Zealand squad on Tuesday around 48 hours after playing in Melbourne's 6-14 NRL grand final loss to Penrith. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix sign former A-League winner Fourteen All Blacks for NPC quarters Darts winners target place at Ally Pally Williamson worry for Black Caps in India NZ Breakers outplayed by Philadelphia But NZ Warriors legend Shaun Johnson has answered the call for the injured Hughes. Kiwis coach Stacey Jones indicated Hughes had been troubled by a neck injury, but it was hoped he would recover in time for the tests against the Kangaroos and Tonga and be at his peak on the field as well as a for promotion off the field. However, after further medical assessment Hughes has been told he will not be fit to play. "Jahrome is understandably shattered and we really feel for him," said Jones. "He has had an outstanding year and he was going to play a key role for the Kiwis again. He was desperate to play and we thought, with some time on our side, he would come right with treatment - but he has since received medical advice that he won't be ready to play." Johnson, 34, ended his 268-game NRL career with a match-winning display in the Warriors’ dramatic win over the Cronulla Sharks on August 31. He had originally made himself unavailable for the Pacific Championships but the 32-test playmaker has answered the call from coach Jones. The Kiwis’ opening test against Australia is in Christchurch on October 27.

A total of 14 players from the All Blacks squad announced this week will be available to represent their teams in the National Provinvial Championship (NPC) quarterfinals. Top qualifiers Wellington are a big winner with four All Blacks available when they host Counties Manukau on Friday night (kick-off 7.05pm). LATEST HEADLINES: Darts winners target place at Ally Pally Williamson worry for Black Caps in India NZ Breakers outplayed by Philadelphia Broughton, King named in Kiwi Ferns side All Blacks XV selected for Northern Tour Asafo Aumua, TJ Perenara, Billy Proctor and Ruben Love are all in line to play, while Cam Roigard is available for the Steelers. Pasilio Tosi will prepare to play for Bay of Plenty in Saturday afternoon’s fixture against Hawkes Bay, and three All Blacks may feature in Saturday night’s match with Stephen Perofeta available for Taranaki and both Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau ready to line up for Waikato. Sunday’s South Island quarter-final clash will have Ethan Blackadder and David Havili available for Tasman, while Canterbury can call on forwards George Bell, Fletcher Newell and Sam Darry. ALL BLACKS IN NPC The list of All Blacks available for their provincial teams: Friday, October 11 Wellington vs Counties Manukau, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 7.05pm Wellington: Billy Proctor, Ruben Love, TJ Perenara, Asafo Aumua Counties Manukau: Cam Roigard Saturday, October 12 Bay of Plenty vs Hawke’s Bay, Tauranga Domain, 2.05pm Bay of Plenty: Pasilio Tosi Taranaki vs Waikato, Yarrows Stadium, New Plymouth, 7.05pm Taranaki: Stephen Perofeta Waikato: Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau Sunday, October 13 Tasman vs Canterbury, Lansdowne Park, Blenheim, 2.05pm Tasman: Ethan Blackadder, David Havili Canterbury: George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Sam Darry

The Wellington Phoenix have added a previous winner to their men’s squad on the eve of the 2024-25 A-League. The Phoenix have signed Australian forward Stefan Colakovski on a one-year deal 10 days out from their season opener against Western United at Sky Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES: Fourteen All Blacks for NPC quarters Darts winners target place at Ally Pally Williamson worry for Black Caps in India NZ Breakers outplayed by Philadelphia Broughton, King named in Kiwi Ferns side Colakovski, 24, was a key member of the Melbourne City side that won the A-League championship in 2021 and he also won two premierships with City before spending the past two seasons at Perth Glory. He is the third A-League champion in the Phoenix squad alongside multiple winners Kosta Barbarouses and Paulo Retre. Head coach Giancarlo Italiano moved quickly to sign Colakovski after an opportunity for him in Europe didn’t come to fruition. “It was good timing for us that Cola came back on to the market,” Italiano said. “We’ve always liked him and thought he’d be a good addition to the squad, so we’re happy we could make it work. “Cola can do things that a lot of players can’t. He’s very effective, makes very good forward runs and gets in dangerous positions. “Our job as a coaching staff is to refine his skillset, and we think we can get more out of him as well. “We’re really looking forward to him showing us what he’s got.” Colakovski will give Italiano a ready-made replacement for decorated forward Marco Rojas, who is expected to miss the start of the season with injury. “We’re still going to build the team around Marco. We just felt it wasn’t fair to put the burden on our young guys straight away and expect them to bag a bunch of goals. We want to give them time and make these things occur naturally. “The fact that Cola has a proven goalscoring record and has experience creating goals it gives us a bit more depth and another layer that otherwise we wouldn’t have. “In saying that our pre-season friendlies have been really good for the young guys to see where they’re at. I think the mix with Cola coming in is going to give us a really interesting dynamic.” Stefan Colakovski arrived in Wellington yesterday (Wednesday, October 9) and will train with his new teammates today. “I’m keen to get started and play with some of the best players in the league like Barbarouses, Rojas, [Alex] Rufer and [Tim] Payne,” Colakovski said. “Playing and scoring in front of all the Phoenix fans is something I can’t wait to do. “It’s always tough playing for the away team coming to Wellington, but now I’m on their side it’s going to be fun. “The Yellow Fever create a top atmosphere and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone ripping their shirts off in the 80th minute. “And playing under Chiefy is something I’m very excited for. I think the way he wants the team to play suits me and I think his coaching along with the strength of the squad can lead to some really exciting things this season.” Colakovski hopes to bring energy and goals to the Phoenix. “I love to attack. I pride myself on being a creative player that has the ability to score goals. “I love to combine with teammates and get behind the opposition's defence as often as I can. “I would say I’m someone who will do whatever it takes to win, and even if I’m having a quiet game, I know I just need that one moment to make a difference. “I want to be a great teammate to everyone and be a part of a healthy culture within the club with a winning mindset. “I’ve played in grand finals and I’ve won trophies in this league, so now it’s just about adding to that success with the Phoenix.” Colakovski will wear the no. 11 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix this season and is the men’s 25th contracted player for the 2024-25 A-League.

Auckland City have reminded Wellington Olympic they are not the only major players in New Zealand domestic football. City defeated Olympic 1-0 in Round 2 of the NZF National League Championship (NLC) at Wellington's Martin Luckie Park on Saturday, avenging losses in last year's final and last month's Chatham Cup final. LATEST HEADLINES: Breakers outplayed by Philadelphia 76ers Broughton, King named in Kiwi Ferns side All Blacks XV selected for Northern Tour Kiwis named for the Pacific Championship Fiona Xu holds on to earn her LPGA card City's 17-year-old centre-forward Stipe Ukich provided the winner in the seventh minute, scoring for the second straight match to match his goal total from the National League's regional phase. The New Zealand Under-20 rep bumped off his defender and controlled a pin-point long ball from Adam Mitchell, slotting past Olympic keeper Scott Basalaj in a one-on-one situation. Navy Blues gloveman Conor Tracey was the hero of the day, producing a series of stunning saves to keep his side in the lead, recording his 31st clean-sheet since the new National League format began in 2021. Tracey denied Edward Wilkinson with a crucial stop, and Jerson Lagos nearly doubled the advantage, only to see his shot rebound off the inside of Basalaj’s left post. Olympic’s Adam Supyk also cleared a Mario Ilich header off the line. Tracey continued his heroics, making another key save from close range to deny Isa Prins just before halftime. The second half began scrappily, but the hosts were handed a lifeline in the 64th minute with a penalty for handball against Mitchell. However, Tracey once again rose to the occasion, brilliantly saving Ben Mata’s spot-kick. The victory saw the Navy Blues reclaim the Mediterranean Cup, a trophy contested between the two clubs, which had been taken by Olympic following their penalty shootout triumph in the Chatham Cup decider. City also moved to the top of the NLC, two points ahead of Napier City Rovers and Eastern Suburbs, who drew 2-2 at Auckland's Madills Farm on Sunday. Northern League Golden Boot Jacob Mechell continued his goalscoring prowess with strikes in the 33rd and 50th minutes, giving him 22 goals in all competitions this season. Adam Hewson scored his third goal of the NLC and M Chretien also scored as Napier City twice came back from a goal down. In other Round 2 matches, Western Springs dealt Coastal Spirit a harsh reality, the Wellington Phoenix Reserves stunned Southern League champions Cashmere Technical and Birkenhead United and Western Suburbs played out an entertaining draw. Matt Ellis scored goals in the 51st and 80th minutes in Springs' 6-2 victory over Coastal at Seddon Fields, while the WeeNix scored three goals in 13 minutes midway through the second half in a 4-0 win over Technical at Christchurch's English Park. Birkenhead came from two goals down in the first half, with former All White Monty Patterson and Leon van den Hoven scoring equalising goals. In the Women's National League Championship (WNLC), Wellington's Waterside Karori and Auckland United scored their first wins, while two draws created a five-way tie at the top of the standings. Kendall Pollock and Renee Bacon each found the back of the net twice in Karori's 5-0 win over the Phoenix Women Reserves at Lower Hutt's Fraser Park, while United scored a goal in each half in a 2-0 victory over NRFL Women's Premier rivals Eastern Suburbs at Auckland's Keith Hay Park. Western Springs trailed 2-0 after 25 minutes, levelled it up at 70 minutes before each team scored in second-half stoppage-time in a 3-3 draw with West Coast Rangers at Auckland's Fred Taylor Park on Saturday. Wellington United and Canterbury United Pride played out a 1-1 draw at Wellington's Newtown Park. Both teams have four points, along with Rangers, Karori and United. NZF NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS - ROUND 2 Birkenhead United 3 Western Suburbs 3 Auckland City 1 Wellington Olympic 0 Western Springs 6 Coastal Spirit 2 Phoenix Reserves 4 Cashmere Technical 0 Eastern Suburbs 2 Napier City Rovers 2 NZF WOMEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS - ROUND 2 Waterside Karori 5 Phoenix Women Reserves 0 West Coast Rangers 3 Western Springs 3 Wellington United 1 Canterbury United Pride 1 Auckland United 2 Eastern Suburbs 0 Southern United vs Central Football postponed

Kane Williamson's participation in the Black Caps Test squad for the three-Test series against India is in doubt due to a groin strain. Williamson experienced groin discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will require a period of rehabilitation before joining the squad in India. Williamson is still set to play some part in the series, dependent on his recovery. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ Breakers outplayed by Philadelphia Broughton, King named in Kiwi Ferns side All Blacks XV selected for Northern Tour NZ's Davis Cup team draw Jamaica away Kiwis named for the Pacific Championship Uncapped Auckland Aces batter Mark Chapman will join the squad as cover for Williamson. Chapman, who has become a mainstay in the BLACKCAPS white-ball sides, averages 41.9 in first-class cricket, with six centuries, including 114 for New Zealand A against India A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in 2020. He featured in three of the Aces Plunket Shield fixtures last summer, notching 245 runs at 40, including 123 against the Otago Volts in Dunedin in February. Allrounder Michael Bracewell will travel with the squad for the first Test in Bengaluru before returning home for the birth of his second child and will be replaced by Ish Sodhi for the remainder of the series. The remainder of the squad is unchanged from the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, with Tom Latham leading the side for the first time as full-time Test captain. Black Caps squad | Test tour of India: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman*, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd & 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young *Uncapped Gary Stead will lead the Black Caps coaching staff, alongside batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Jacob Oram. Sri Lankan spin maestro Rangana Herath, who was part of the coaching staff for the recent Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, will continue his role as spin-coach for the India series. The squad departs for India on Friday, ahead of the 1st Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru starting on October 16. BLACKCAPS Test tour of India 1st Test – 16-20 October, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru 2nd Test – 24-28 October, MCA Stadium, Pune 3rd Test – 1-5 November, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

New Zealand's top darts players will go head-to-head with their Australian counterparts at the Oceanic Masters darts tournament at Auckland's Howick Club. It is expected that more than 120 darts players from both sides of the Tasman will converge in Auckland over three days from October 18-20. LATEST HEADLINES: Williamson worry for Black Caps in India NZ Breakers outplayed by Philadelphia Broughton, King named in Kiwi Ferns side All Blacks XV selected for Northern Tour NZ's Davis Cup team draw Jamaica away The best in doubles and individual events will clash in this epic battle to find who will represent Australasia at the prestigious PDC World Darts Championship held at the 'Ally Pally' in London in December. "This is the first time the Oceanic Masters tournament has been held in New Zealand since 2009 and we are delighted to be hosting this calibre of tournament and enthusiastic spectators, over the three events at the Howick Club," said club vice P president Geoff Pike. "We won't know exactly how many players will face off until they formally register on or before Friday, October 18. “However, we are expecting a huge number of spectators over the three-day clash, as darts worldwide has become a phenomenal sport to participate and watch. "This is a real coup that the Howick Club has been tasked with hosting the events and our 5000-strong membership, not to mention our darts fraternity is right behind this. We are gearing up and privileged to be showcasing darts at its very best," said Pike. “There is a strong line up of top Kiwi players we know will be participating will include current captain of the New Zealand darts team and Howick club's Ben Robb, known in darts circles as "Big Rig." After competing in the Dart Players NZ (DPNZ) top-16 tournament in Hamilton, Robb has already qualified for the World Championship. However, he will be playing in the doubles in Howick, representing New Zealand. The 35-year-old is a New Zealand semi-professional darts player who currently plays in some of the events of Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), including the World Championship and World Cup of Darts and also ranked No 4 in the world in the World Darts Federation (WDF). "We are really excited to be competing with our Australian counterparts and also facing off with our very own darts fraternity in New Zealand," said Robb. "I'm stoked to have already qualified for a spot at Ally Pally, however I am keen to support our Kiwi team mates at my home club in Howick, and will be playing in the doubles.” Other notable New Zealand players expected to participate are Kayden Milne, Mark Cleaver, Haupai Puha, Johnny Tata, Josh Walters, Wayne McCrae, Daniel Snooks and Deon Toki. Puha is a big addition. He is New Zealand’s first professional darts player and currently on the pro-circuit in the UK. Australia has confirmed the following players: Jeremy Fagg, Brandon Weening, Tim Pusey, Brenton Lloyd, James Bailey, GG Mathers, Harley Kemp and Rob Modra.

An away draw for the New Zealand Davis Cup team in the 2025 World Group II Play-offs as they aim to get back to winning. New Zealand will face Jamaica on the dates 31 January-1 February or 1-2 February 2025. The choice of dates is determined by the home nation. LATEST HEADLINES: Kiwis named for Pacific Championship Fiona Xu holds on to earn LPGA card Warriors' Barnett called-up for Kangaroos Predictable All Blacks squad for EOY tour Black Ferns well-beaten by England again The tie is scheduled in the week directly after the Australia Open and will men plenty of travel for the New Zealand players. The New Zealand team of Rubin Statham, KP Pannu, Ajeet Rai, Finn Reynolds, Jack Loutit and Marcus Daniell were beaten at home in September by Luxembourg 2-3 in Palmerston North. Jamaica has two ranked players in singles, Blaise Bricknell at 479 and John Chin at 1608. Dustin Brown is a former top 100 doubles player, but is currently 225, while Chin is below 2000. New Zealand has never played Jamaica before, however it did defeat a Caribbean combined team in the early 1970's.

The NZ Breakers were given an NBA lesson in the first half of their second US Tour game in The City of Brotherly Love. The Auckland franchise was outscored 82-45 in the first two quarters, going on to lose 139-84 to the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on Monday night (Tuesday NZ Time) in their NBA preseason clash. LATEST HEADLINES: Broughton, King named in Kiwi Ferns side All Blacks XV selected for Northern Tour NZ's Davis Cup team draw Jamaica away Kiwis named for the Pacific Championship Fiona Xu holds on to earn her LPGA card The Sixers' proved too strong with superior shooting efficiency and physicality. Philadelphia shot 58 percent from the field and 46 percent from three, with Tyrese Maxey leading the way with 15 points. Reggie Jackson added 15 of his own, while Andre Drummond controlled the boards, helping the 76ers out-rebound the Breakers 59-39. For the Breakers, Parker Jackson-Cartwright was a shining light with 26 points (9/18 FG, 8/8 FT) and two steals, while Mojave King added 15 points (4/8 FG, 3/7 3pt, 4/5 FT) off the bench and Sam Mennenga 14 points (2/8 FG, 10/14 FT). American import Freddie Gillespie had seven points, six rebounds and two steals off the bench, while a calf injury kept short-term signing, former NBA centre Tacko Fall out of the Breakers' lineup again. The Sixers' All-Stars Joel Embiid and Paul George did not take the court, while Kyle Lowry played only 10 minutes. The Breakers now head to Tulsa, Oklahoma to play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday (tip-off 2pm Friday NZT). Philadelphia 76ers 139 (Tyrone Maxey 15, Guerschon Yabusele 15, Jared McCain 15, Reggie Jackson 15, Ricky Council IV 13, Andre Drummond 11) NZ Breakers 84 (Parker Jackson-Cartwright 26, Mojave King 15, Sam Mennenga 14). 1Q: 40-19, HT: 82-45, 3Q: 113-68

Former Black Ferns Sevens stars Gayle Broughton and Tyla King have been included in the Kiwi Ferns squad for the Pacific Championships. Broughton is one of four rookies in the 21-player squad named on Tuesday set to pull on the Kiwi Ferns jersey for the first time, alongside Alexis Tauaneai, Mackenzie Wiki and Brooke Talataina. LATEST HEADLINES: All Blacks XV selected for Northern Tour NZ's Davis Cup team draw Jamaica away Kiwis named for the Pacific Championship Fiona Xu holds on to earn her LPGA card Warriors' Barnett called-up for Kangaroos Another NZ Sevens standout, Stacey Waaka, missed selection after her season was ended last month by a fractured fibula in her right leg while playing for the Brisbane Broncos. “We are excited about the squad we have assembled. The depth of talented Kiwi players across the NRLW this year has been outstanding to watch and made our selection process more difficult than ever," Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry said. “We are looking forward to seeing the rookies take their opportunity. They have been impressive to follow throughout the season and we have no doubt they will proudly represent the jersey. It is also a great pleasure to name Georgia in her 10th Kiwi Ferns squad.” IRL Golden Boot winner Georgia Hale debuted for the Kiwi Ferns in 2014 and has been a mainstay for the team since then. Last season she was named co-captain alongside Raecene McGregor, acknowledging her influence within the team. However, Hale will captain the side alone in 2024 as McGregor has chosen to withdraw from selection this season due to family commitments. Last season, the Kiwi Ferns defeated the Jillaroos in the final round to break a seven-year streak of losses to their trans-Tasman rivals. They will be looking to maintain that winning form when they meet again on October 27 in Christchurch. The match, a double-header with the Kiwis, will kick off the Kiwi Ferns' Pacific Championship campaign and celebrate the teams return to the South Island for the first time since 1998. “To bring test level women’s rugby league back to Christchurch is exciting. It’s great to be giving young wāhine down south the opportunity to see that there is a pathway in the game that leads to representing your country. "We hope to continue to inspire that next generation of Kiwi Ferns with more games played across Aotearoa in future,” said Henry.   KIWI FERNS SQUAD Abigail Roache, Knights, Alexis Tauaneai, Dragons*, Amber Hall, Roosters, Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa, Dragons, Annessa Biddle, Sharks, Apii Nicholls, Raiders, Ashleigh Quinlan, Raiders, Brianna Clark, Broncos, Brooke Anderson, Sharks, Brooke Talataina, Tigers*, Gayle Broughton, Broncos*, Georgia Hale, Titans, Leianne Tufuga, Tigers, Mackenzie Wiki, Raiders*, Mele Hufanga, Broncos, Mya Hill Moana, Roosters, Najvada George, Tigers, Otesa Pule, Roosters, Shanice Parker, Knights, Tiana Davison, Knights, Tyla King, Dragons   * Denotes potential debut   Wider squad: Amelia Pasikala, Cheyelle Robins Reti, Jasmine Fogavini, Laishon Albert Jones, Rosie Kelly Unavailable due to injury; Stacey Waaka, Tafito Lafaele KIWI FERNS FIXTURES   Sunday, October 27: New Zealand vs Australia, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Sunday, November 3: New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea, Santos Stadium, Port Moresby Sunday, November 10: Pacific Championship final, Sydney

The White Ferns have lost to Australia by 60 runs in game two of their T20 World Cup in the UAE. Keeping Australia to 148-8, the New Zealand team was then dismissed for 88 in the final over. LATEST HEADLINES: Molloy leaves Sharks, Rams promote Clinton Chris Wood scores again for Notts Forest Fiona Xu holds on to earn LPGA Tour card Warriors' Barnett called-up for Kangaroos Predictable All Blacks squad for EOY tour Australia's early batters gathered some runs with Aylyssa Healey 26, Beth Mooney 40 and Elyse Perry 30 but it was Amelia Kerr who slowed them down and then took wickets. Kerr ended up with figures of 26-4 from her four overs while Rosemary Mair and Brooke Haliday took two each. In reply the White Ferns batting effort stuttered from the top and continued through the order Suzie Bates made 20 opening the innings but wickets fell around her with Georgia Plimmer making four, Sophie Devine seven, while Kerr looked good with 29 from 31 before Megan Schutt took her wicket and two others. Lea Tahuhu was the only other player to make double figures. She managed 11 runs, but no other player could get anything more than five. The next game for the White Ferns is Saturday against Sri Lanka.

The Southland Sharks have started the search for a new head coach after Guy Molloy informed them he will not return to Invercargill. In two disappointing National Basketball League (NBL) seasons in the Deep South, Molloy guided the Sharks to a 10-28 record, finishing eighth (of 10) in 2023 and 10th (of 11) last season. LATEST HEADLINES: Chris Wood scores again for Notts Forest Fiona Xu holds on to earn LPGA Tour card Warriors' Barnett called-up for Kangaroos Predictable All Blacks squad for EOY tour Black Ferns well-beaten by England again The experienced Australian coach finished his NBL commitments in July, returning home to pick up his role in charge of the Sydney Flames in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). With the NBL’s 2025 start date likely to be brought forward to mid-March, Molloy’s availability for the Sharks’ preseason and early-season was put into question, meaning he made the difficult decision not to return. “When I sat down with the club to work through our off-season plans and looked at the timing, we knew it would be tight," Molloy said. "If the Flames go through to the Finals, there’s potential that I could be turning up the day before our season opener and that’s not fair on anyone, most especially the Sharks players." “I care too much about the organisation and our fans to do that and if there’s one thing that was obvious from the first half of last year’s campaign, it is that making a strong start and preparing well through the preseason is vital. The dates for next year just don’t allow for that to happen. “It’s a call I didn’t want to make but it’s the only one that is fair for all parties." After an 11-game losing streak to start last year’s campaign, Molloy rallied the Sharks to four wins over the final nine games. Meanwhile, the two-time defending champion Canterbury Rams have quickly filled their head coach vacancy after Judd Flavell was appointed to lead the Tall Blacks, with assistant Quinn Clinton being promoted. The 25-year-old, who was part of the Rams roster when the franchise ended a 31-year NBL title drought in 2023, coached Christchurch's Christ's College to the AA national secondary schools crown last week. Flavell will continue to be involved with the Rams coaching staff and will assume a hands-on role with the players, continuing as the high performance director for the Rams, Tauihi league's Mainland Pouākai and Mainland Eagles Academy for the next two years. Liam Connelly will continue on as an assistant coach. “We have worked hard together with Judd the past three seasons in preparing both Quinn and Liam, and we believe they are both ready for bigger roles," said Rams general manager Caleb Harrison. "With Judd working alongside them the entire way, it gives our organisation the unique opportunity of building long-term sustainable success." At least four NBL teams will have new head coaches in 2025, with Cam Gliddon at the Auckland Tuatara, Aaron Young with the Wellington Saints, Clinton at the Rams and the yet-to-be-confirmed Sharks leader.