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Having done their part, Otago will now have to sweat out Saturday's National Provincial Championship (NPC) matches. Otago surged in the second half to a 31-28 victory over Northland at Whangarei's Semenoff Stadium on Friday night to conclude their regular season, moving into a quarterfinal spot, perhaps, just for now. LATEST HEADLINES: Grace Steinmetz retires due to brain injury Heartland leaders rack up big scores again Hillier challenges for lead at Dunhill Links Crusaders confirm ex Wallaby O'Connor Paulsen PFA Young Footballer of the Year With 26 points, Otago moved up to seventh from 10th, but three teams - Canterbury (25), Counties Manukau (23) and North Harbour (23) - could overtake them again with victories on Saturday. The Steelers face last-placed Manawatu in Palmerston North (kick-off 2.05pm), North Harbour battle the out-of-contention Southland Stags in Invercargill (kick-off 4.35pm) and Canterbury host Waikato in Christchurch (kick-off 7.05pm). Otago, currently on a three-match winning streak, require at least two of the three to lose to remain in the top-eight. At halftime, Otago's quarterfinal hopes were dwindling, dominated in the first half away from home and down 21-10. However, first-five Cameron Millar, who finished with 16 points, sparked the comeback with a 75m intercept try in the 43rd minute. Fullback Finn Hurley sliced through the Northland defensive line in the 57th minute to put the visitors ahead for good, then reserve lock Fabian Holland shunted over after a 5m lineout drive came up just short in the 63rd minute. Northland scored their fourth try through replacement prop Remys Lemisio in the 75th minute, with Rivez Reihana's conversion getting the Taniwha within three, but Otago were able to hold on. Earlier, Northland scored tries through flanker Rob Rush, prop Allan Craig and wing Heremaia Murray to lead by 11 at the break. Flanker Christian Lio-Willie kept Otago in the contest with a 28th-minute try. Otago 31 (Christian Lio-Willie, Cameron Millar, Finn Hurley, Fabian Holland tries; Cameron Millar 4 con, pen) Northland 28 (Rob Rush, AllanCraig, Heremaia Murray, Remsy Lemisio tries; Rivez Reihana 4 con). HT: 10-21

Daniel Hillier is one of the leaders at the DP World Tour's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. His nine-under 63 in the opening round on Thursday (Friday NZ Time) was the top score of the day on the St Andrews Old Course, tied for third at the three-course event, two strokes off the lead. LATEST HEADLINES: Crusaders confirm former Wallaby O'Connor Paulsen PFA Young Footballer of Year Waikato to host Canterbury in FPC final Warriors' Laban in NSW Cup Team of Year Jahrome Hughes claims NRL Dally M Medal Hillier made eagles at both the fifth and 14th holes and birdied at the fourth, seventh and then three consecutive holes from the 10th to 13th. The bogey-free round puts him in a good position for his second round at the Carnoustie course on Friday, teeing off from the 10th hole at 11.23am local time (11.23pm NZT), as he chases a top-70 finish in the Road to Dubai Rankings. The best performer at Carnoustie in the opening round was 12th-placed Jon Rahm, with a seven-under 65. Among fellow Kiwis, Sam Jones is tied for 27th at five-under, while Kazuma Kobori is in a share of 96th after a two-under opening round. Jones made six birdies and one bogey at the St Andrew's Old Course, including four on the back-nine, while Kobori made an eagle, three birdies and three bogeys at Carnoustie, with two bogeys coming in his final four holes. Jones, who needs strong results to push into the top-115 to earn his DP World Tour card for 2025, tees off on Friday from the 10th hole at Carnoustie at 9.22am local time (9.22pm NZT), while Kobori also goes off from the 10th at Kingsbarn Links at 10.50am local time (10.50pm NZT). Meanwhile, in the US, Ryan Fox is tied for 25th after the first round of the PGA Tour's Sanderson Farms Championship in Mississippi. Looking for solid results over the next month to retain his PGA Tour card for 2025, Fox carded a five-under 67 at The Country Club of Jackson on Thursday (Friday NZT) but is still seven strokes off the lead. Fox made a birdie-birdie finish, among seven birdies and two bogeys in his round. He made birdies at the first, fifth, eighth and ninth holes to make the turn at three-under. Compatriot Tim Wilkinson is back in a share of 119th after a two-over 74, featuring a birdie and three bogeys. Both Kiwis will start second rounds on Friday from the 10th hole, with Fox teeing up at 8.05am local time (2.05am Saturday NZT) and Wilkinson getting going at 1.56pm local time (7.56am Saturday NZT).

Has the procession of top-class first-five's ended at the Crusaders, after confirming former Wallaby international James O'Conner for the 2025 season. The 34-year-old is a legend of international rugby, having played 64 tests for Australia and earned more than 120 Super Rugby caps for the Western Force, Melbourne Rebels and most recently the Queensland Reds. LATEST HEADLINES: Paulsen PFA Young Footballer of Year Waikato to host Canterbury in FPC final Warriors' Laban in NSW Cup Team of Year Jahrome Hughes claims NRL Dally M Medal Fonua-Blake doubles up at Dally M Awards He’s scored nearly 250 points for his country and has long been a stand out player both with ball in hand and behind the kicking tee.   A utility back with options across the backline, he’ll join the squad at first five alongside Rivez Reihana and Taha Kemara, providing both on-field expertise and off field mentorship.   “I’m really excited to be joining the Crusaders for the 2025 season and eager to test myself in a new environment,” said O’Connor.   “My whole career I’ve heard so much about the Crusaders culture and innovation. So to experience it first hand and learn a new way of playing the game is something I’m really looking forward to.”   Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said O’Connor was a “world-class and ambitious athlete”.   “When we heard he was available we reached out as we thought we could offer him something new and challenging,” Penney said.   “We have two exciting and talented 10s in Rivez and Taha, and James brings a level of maturity that we believe will complement them exceptionally well.   “Having played internationally and in a range of overseas competitions, we’re looking forward to what James can bring to our environment from his 17 seasons of professional football.   “He’s also a competitor and ambitious, which will ensure there is weekly competition for the 10 jersey.” The Crusaders finished ninths out of 12 teams in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The Heartland Championship's Meads Cup semifinals are almost set after another round of big scores. The competition’s top-four - South Canterbury, Whanganui, Thames Valley and Mid Canterbury - all posted wins in Round 7, with three of the four teams scoring 59 points or more away from home. LATEST HEADLINES: Hillier challenges for lead at Dunhill Links Crusaders confirm ex Wallaby O'Connor Paulsen PFA Young Footballer of the Year Waikato to host Canterbury in FPC final Jahrome Hughes claims Dally M Medal Whanganui and Thames Valley confirmed their top-four spots, with wins over Horowhenua Kapiti and Poverty Bay, respectively. The Butcher Boys went to Levin Domain and ran in 12 tries in a 72-28 win. Veteran Samu Kubunavanua, centre Ethan Robinson and wing Josaia Bogileka each scored two tries, while six others also crossed, including Tyler Rogers-Holden, who also booted six conversions. The Swamp Foxes were equally ruthless in taking out Poverty Bay 71-17 in Gisborne, while Mid Canterbury were too much for Buller to handle in Westport, winning 59-14. The only top-four side not to crack a half-century was defending champions South Canterbury, who reopened their redeveloped Fraser Park in Timaru after three years with a 32-15 victory over East Coast. With their 38th straight Heartland victory, the Green and Blacks guaranteed themselves a home semifinal. Below the top-four, King Country secured at least a Lochore Cup semifinal berth with a 32-17 win over North Otago in Te Kuiti. The Rams sit just two points behind Mid Canterbury, ready to pounce should the Hammers slip up against Poverty Bay in the final round. West Coast, despite losing 38-31 to Wairarapa Bush, and Horowhenua Kapiti too are guaranteed Lochore Cup semifinal spots, with Wairarapa Bush and Buller still an outside chance. HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS - ROUND 7 Mid Canterbury 59 Buller 14 Whanganui 72 Horowhenua Kapiti 28 King Country 32 North Otago 17 Thames Valley 71 Poverty Bay 17 South Canterbury 32 East Coast 15 Wairarapa Bush 38 West Coast 31 HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES - ROUND 8 East Coast vs Wairarapa Bush, Ruatoria Mid Canterbury vs Poverty Bay, Ashburton North Otago vs Buller, Oamaru Thames Valley vs Horowhenua Kapiti, Thames West Coast vs South Canterbury, Greymouth Whanganui vs King Country, Whanganui

New Zealand goalkeeper Alex Paulsen have been voted by their peers as the 2024 PFA Young Footballer of the Year. Paulsen is the third New Zealand international to win the accolade, following in the footsteps of Marco Rojas and Liberato Cacace. LATEST HEADLINES: Waikato to host Canterbury in FPC final Warriors' Laban in NSW Cup Team of Year Jahrome Hughes claims NRL Dally M Medal Fonua-Blake doubles up at Dally M Awards Multiple All Blacks returning to NPC action The awards consider the performances of professionals playing in the A-Leagues, as well as Australian players plying their trade overseas between June 2023 and June 2024, who are under the age of 23 at the time. Paulsen has been awarded the PFA Harry Kewell Medal after a breakout season in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix. The 22-year-old secured the No 1 spot with Wellington during the 2023-24 pre-season, before helping Giancarlo Italiano’s side secure a finals berth with a string of incredible performances in goals. Paulsen claimed several accolades last season: the A-League Goalkeeper of the Year, the competition’s Fan Player of the Year and shared the A-League Young Footballer of the Year honours with Nestory Irankunda. Paulsen’s form throughout the campaign earned him a place in the 2023-24 PFA A-League Team of the Season. He was named captain of the player-voted team, having received the most votes from his peers. “I’m proud to receive such a prestigious award,” Paulsen said. “Only two Kiwis have won this award (previously) so to be up in that bracket is amazing and I’m really proud of receiving such an accolade. “It means more to be voted by my peers and my teammates. I feel very honoured to receive this award. “Twelve months ago, I wasn’t really – with regards to Wellington Phoenix – in the picture to be considered the No 1, and to be given an opportunity by ‘Chiefy’ (Italiano) to be involved with the Wellington Phoenix and to be the No 1 was fantastic.” At the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Paulsen signed with English Premier League side Bournemouth, before returning to the A-League on loan with expansion team Auckland FC. Paulsen becomes the third New Zealander to win the Young Footballer of the Year after fellow All Whites Marco Rojas (2013) and Liberato Cacace (2020). Paulsen is also the third goalkeeper to be awarded the honour, following in the footsteps of Socceroos shot-stoppers Mat Ryan (2012, 2014, 2015) and Mitch Langerak (2010). YOUNG FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR (HARRY KEWELL MEDAL) Alex Paulsen (2024) Jordan Bos (2023) Denis Genreau (2022) Connor Metcalfe (2021) Liberato Cacace (2020) Chris Ikonomidis (2019) Daniel Arzani (2018) Alex Gersbach (2017) Jamie Maclaren (2016) Mat Ryan (2015, 2014, 2012) Marco Rojas (2013) Robbie Kruse (2011) Mitch Langerak (2010) Nikita Rukavytska (2009)

Cashmere Technical and Napier City Rovers were fastest out of the blocks in New Zealand Football's National League Championship. Last weekend's opening round saw both rack up four-goal victories, while there was also wins for Auckland City and Eastern Suburbs, while defending champions Wellington Olympic were held to a scoreless draw. LATEST HEADLINES: Waikato to host Canterbury in FPC decider Warriors' Laban in NSW Cup Team of Year Jahrome Hughes claims NRL Dally M Medal Fonua-Blake doubles up at Dally M Awards Multiple All Blacks returning to NPC action Cashmere Technical opened with a 4-0 away win over Western Suburbs in Porirua on Sunday, with the country's leading goalscorer Garbhan Coughlan finishing it off with a 66th-minute strike. Earlier, Aidan Barbour-Ryan (10th minute), Yuya Taguchi (55th) and Lyle Matthysen (64th) also scored for the Southern League champions. Adam Hewson scored twice and Central League 'Golden Boot' Oscar Faulds also found the back of the net in Napier City's 4-0 win over Western Springs at Napier's Bluewater Stadium on Sunday. Auckland City got goals from Angus Kilkolly, Ryan de Vries and Stipe Ukich in a 3-1 victory over Northern League rivals Birkenhead United at Kiwitea Street on Sunday. After Kilkolly and de Vries' goals either side of halftime, Birkenhead answered in the 57th minute through Ardri McArthur. But New Zealand age-group rep Ukich was on hand to restore the two-goal lead three minutes later. Coastal Spirit were surprise qualifiers from the Southern League and continued to surprise in the opening round, holding high-powered Olympic without a goal in a 0-0 draw at Christchurch's Ferrymead Park. City will be looking to avenge last month's Chatham Cup final loss and last season's NLC final defeat when they meet Olympic at Wellington's Martin Luckie Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) in a Round 2 blockbuster. Eastern Suburbs left it late but got the job done in a 2-0 victory over the Wellington Phoenix Reserves on the turf at Lower Hutt's Fraser Park on Saturday. Thomas Golding gave the Lily Whites the lead in the 81st minute with a one-touch volley just outside the six-yard box, his first goal of the season, before Dejaun Naidoo finished it off in the 90th minute, with his second of the year. Suburbs face Napier City in a potentially entertaining clash of first-round winners at Auckland's Madills Farm on Sunday (kick-off 2pm). In the NZF Women's National League Championship, West Coast Rangers and Canterbury United Pride were the most impressive in Round 1. Defender Nicole Stratford slotted the last two goals in a 5-0 victory over Central Football at Massey University in Palmerston North on Saturday. Rangers led 4-0 at halftime after earlier goals from Emily Lyon, Bree Johnson and Shannon Henson. Having conceded the opening goal, Canterbury United had four different goalscorers in a 4-1 victory over the Wellington Phoenix Women Reserves at Christchurch's English Park, with three goals coming in the second half. Wellington United were the other Round 1 winners, 3-2 over Western Springs at Auckland's Seddon Fields on Natalie Olson's 88th-minute goal, while NRFL Women's Premier champions Auckland United were held to a 1-1 draw by Waterside Karori in the Capital, and Eastern Suburbs and Southern United were scoreless at Madills Farm. NZF NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS - ROUND 1 Eastern Suburbs 2 Phoenix Reserves 0 Coastal Spirit 0 Wellington Olympic 0 Cashmere Technical 4 Western Suburbs 0 Auckland City 3 Birkenhead United 1 Napier City Rovers 4 Western Springs 0 NZF WOMEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS - ROUND 1 West Coast Rangers 5 Central Football 0 Canterbury United Pride 4 Phoenix Reserves 1 Wellington United 3 Western Springs 2 Waterside Karori 1 Auckland United 1 Eastern Suburbs 0 Southern United 0

Waikato will host Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup's Premiership final at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday. The two teams had contrasting victories in last weekend's semifinals, with top qualifiers Waikato romping to a 69-12 win over Auckland in Hamilton, while Canterbury overcame Counties Manukau 36-31 in Pukekohe. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors' Laban in NSW Cup Team of Year Jahrome Hughes claims NRL Dally M Medal Fonua-Blake doubles up at Dally M Awards Multiple All Blacks returning to NPC action Tasman dispatch Auckland to keep Shield Canterbury reached the FPC Premiership final for the eighth consecutive year with a heart-stopping victory over the Heat. Down 31-24 with three minutes remaining in Pukekohe, Canterbury’s perennial reign as finalists appeared dead in the water, but hat-trick fullback Winnie Palamo scored twice to engineer a miracle. Laura Bayfield sparked the resurgence when she gathered an awkward kick inside her 22. Canterbury rapidly built phases before wing Emma Whinney busted to halfway, linking with Terauoriwa Gapper and Stacey Niao, who offloaded to Palamo to dot down out wide. Reserve Alex Williamson exploded into a hole at the restart, before prop Philomena Petaia charged into the Counties half. The home side was scrambling on defence, and Palamo was unmarked three slick passes later. Canterbury led 24-12 at halftime but Counties made a handful of replacements at halftime, with the ‘bomb squad’ taking immediate effect as starting prop Leilani Perese powered over after 55 seconds.  Counties lost Ariana Marino-Tauhinu to the sin-bin for a high tackle in the 55th minute but Gapper followed five minutes later for cynical play.  Counties claimed the lead for the first time in the 65th minute when wing Shyanne Thompson scored her second try. It came after a determined surge by Faimasui-Brown and a long pass by Hazel Tubic, who added a sideline conversion. Kilisitina Vea became the second Canterbury player yellow-carded as the Heat hammered away inside the Canterbury 22.  Jaymie Kolose caught a dropout, spun through three defenders, and muscled the hosts to within 10m of the line. A thunderous charge by Perese followed before Harono Te Iringa clattered over in the 71st minute for a seven-point lead. Waikato walloped Auckland by a record score a month ago and were even better on Sunday in avenging their 2023 semifinal loss to the Storm, cracking a half-century by halftime. Waikato bullied the significantly younger Auckland from the outset, with prop Veisinia Fakalelu dummying, sprinting, and scoring after six minutes.  First-five Kaea Nepia collected a Waikato semifinal record haul of 24 points, with the best of her two tries a 55m break in the opening quarter.  The Waikato forwards went to work with ruthlessness, urgency, and precision. Hooker Grace Houpapa-Barrett has scored 10 tries in 2024 and was an imposing presence. Blindside Mia Anderson played a blinder and Fakalelu might be attracting wider interest with her blockbusting form.  All three scored joined Nepia in scoring two tries, while Emma-Lee Heta and Lela Ieremia also crossed in a dominant first half, which saw them up 50-7 at the break. In midfield, Chelsea Semple and Rina Parone enjoyed a combined 35 touches and offered ample punch and variety. Daynahh Nanvivell, Eloise Blackwell, Elizabeth Moimoi and Braxton Sorenson-McGee were among the Storm’s best in 2024.  FARAH PALMER CUP RESULTS PREMIERSHIP SEMIFINALS Canterbury 36 (Fia Laikong, Riko Yoshida, Winnie Palamo 3, Stacey Niao tries; Abigail Paton 3 con) Counties Manukau 31 (Misaki Suzuki, Shyanne Thompson 2, Leilani Perese, Harono Te Iringa tries; Hazel Tubic 3 con). HT: 24-12 Waikato 69 (Veisinia Fakalelu, Mia Anderson 2, Kaea Nepia 2, Grace Houpapa-Barrett 2, Reese Anderson 2, Emma-Lee Heta, Lela Ieremia tries; Kaea Nepia 7 con) Auckland 12 (Danii Mafoe, Simina Lokotui tries; Braxton Sorenson-McGee con). HT: 50-7

Melbourne Storm and Kiwis halfback Jahrome Hughes will head into Sunday's NRL decider on a massive high after taking home the Dally M Medal as the game's best player in 2024. Hughes becomes the third Kiwi after Gary Freeman (1992) and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (2018) to claim the coveted award. LATEST HEADLINES: Fonua-Blake doubles up at Dally M Awards Multiple All Blacks returning to NPC action Tasman dispatch Auckland to keep Shield Silver Ferns beaten again by England Roses Black Sticks Men decline spot in Pro League The halfback's fellow New Zealanders paid tribute to his achievement with a stirring haka after the presentation.  He finished with 62 points, just one point clear of runner-up, Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco. Hughes was stunned to be named the winner, capping a remarkable rise from a Queensland Cup fullback to the best halfback in the game. "I never thought I'd be a halfback in the NRL," Hughes said. "I thought I was a fullback until a guy called Papenhuyzen took my spot. I had to find a spot somewhere else in the team and Craig [Bellamy] made it halfback.  "It was a bit of a different transition, I'd never really played in the halves too much. Craig told me not to change my game too much, stick to my strengths and I'd have to learn a few different things.  "I've done that and I've got some help from a few people. [Cooper Cronk] was there helping me out ever since I've become a halfback. A lot of coaching staff there as well, I'm super grateful for those guys." In 22 games for the Storm in 2024, Hughes came up with 26 try assists, 12 tries, and 26 line break assists, guiding his team to a fifth minor premiership in nine seasons. Remarkably when voting went behind closed doors after Round 12, Hughes was sitting 15 points behind leader Dylan Edwards. The Panthers fullback had polled 31 votes on the back of a blistering start to the season, with Nicho Hynes second on 30, Daly Cherry-Evans third on 27 and Hughes on 16. From there the Storm won 11 of their final 13 matches and Hughes was instrumental in a number of impressive victories. He did not, however, run away with the result and needed the full six votes in the final round of the season to hold off a fast-finishing Tedesco, who also polled six votes in Round 27 in a thrilling finish.

NZ Warriors second rower Jacob Laban has capped a momentous season by being named in the New South Wales Cup Team of the Year. The imposing 20-year-old Wellingtonian’s season was highlighted by his NRL debut for the club against South Sydney in round five. LATEST HEADLINES: Jahrome Hughes claims NRL Dally M Medal Fonua-Blake doubles up at Dally M Awards Multiple All Blacks returning to NPC action Tasman dispatch Auckland to keep Shield Silver Ferns beaten again by England Roses As Warrior No 286, he made seven first-grade appearances, culminating in him being named the club’s NRL rookie of the year. After breaking into the NSW Cup when he was still 18 last season, Laban played 17 times for the Warriors in 2023 and this year made 15 appearances, playing the full 80 minutes in all but two of them. Averaging 107 metres and 29 tackles a game, he scored eight tries, made six line breaks and 71 tackle breaks.  NSW CUP TEAM OF THE YEAR 1 Jake Toby (North Sydney Bears) 2 Savelio Tamale (St George Illawarra Dragons) 3 James Schiller (Canberra Raiders) 4 Tyrone Peachey (Penrith Panthers) 5 Watson Heleta (Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles) 6 Will Pryce (Newcastle Knights) 7 Adam Cook (Canberra Raiders) 8 Kurt De Luis (North Sydney Bears) 9 Jayden Berrell (Newtown Jets) 10 Jordan Grant (Penrith Panthers) 11 Jacob Laban (NZ Warriors) 12 Billy Burns (Newtown Jets) 13 Hohepa Puru (Canberra Raiders)

New Zealand’s longest-running road cycling event will be linked with the newest of the national road cycling titles in Southland in January. Cycling Southland will host its traditional ILT Carnival in January with a new twist, combining two nights of the Summer Track Carnival before hosting the New Zealand Criterium Championships for the first time. LATEST HEADLINES: Multiple All Blacks return to NPC action Tasman dispatch Auckland to keep Shield Silver Ferns beaten again by steady England Black Sticks Men decline place in Pro League Clayton McMillan new All Blacks XV coach The Carnival will be completed with the staging of New Zealand’s longest-running road classic, the Gore to Invercargill road race. The evening track programme will run at the ILT Velodrome on Thursday 16 January and Friday 17 January, with the National Criterium Championships set for an inner-city circuit on Saturday 18 January. The carnival concludes with the 70km road race from Gore to Invercargill. It was first staged in 1930 and is still an annual part of cycling calendar in Southland. Cycling Southland General Manager, Nic Keast said the cycling fraternity are excited at hosting the Criterium Nationals. “The ILT Summer Track Carnival remains a popular and important part of our cycling development programme and of course we are proud to continue the legacy of staging the longest-running road event in New Zealand with the Gore to Invercargill Road Classic,” said Keast. “The winners are a who’s who of New Zealand and Southland cycling over many decades and we are proud to continue to stage this event. “To now add the Criterium Nationals is wonderful. The fit is ideal. The event is always popular and is exceptionally exciting, not just for cycling fans, but the wider sporting public. “It fits ideally into our Carnival programme and we look forward to hosting some of the leading riders in the country, not just for the Criterium, but also the Track Carnival for our younger riders and the Gore to Invercargill Classic.” The Gore to Invercargill Classic has been historically run on a handicap basis which makes for an exciting outcome, and while it was originally staged along SH1, more recently is has been modified to travel through Seaward Downs and Mokotua to Invercargill. Famous names on the trophy include Travor McLeay, who won the title three times, and is son of Commonwealth Gold medallist Glenn McLeay. Other family connections include Vicki Giles, who was the first female winner in 1986, while her father Ron took out the race in 1967. Well-known riders who have won the race include Commonwealth Games gold medallist Craig Adair, who won in 1981, former track world champion and road professional Greg Henderson, along with Olympic track medallist Marc Ryan and Commonwealth medallist Dylan Kennett. Course details and entry information will be announced as soon as possible.

A large group of the All Blacks squad are returning to NPC action in the Bunnings NPC this weekend. Sixteen All Blacks in total will be suited up for a sometimes rare appearance for the provincial unions. A number of players such as Jordie Barrett and others are injured or have niggling injuries preventing them from taking part. LATEST HEADLINES: Tasman dispatch Auckland to keep Shield Silver Ferns beaten again by steady England Black Sticks Men decline place in Pro League Clayton McMillan new All Blacks XV coach Southee no longer Black Caps test captain George Bower will be available for Otago when they travel to Semenoff Stadium to face Northland on Friday. Saturday's four NPC matches will also each feature at least one of the Rugby Championship squad, with Dalton Papali’i and Cam Roigard making returns from injury for Counties Manukau when they are hosted by Manawatū at Massey University. Southland and North Harbour having Ethan de Groot and Mark Tele’a at their service when they meet in Invercargill. At Sky Stadium Billy Proctor is set to bolster Wellington when they take on Hawkes Bay and Samipeni Finau available for Waikato to face All Blacks teammates George Bell and Sam Darry in the Canterbury team. A further seven players are available for Sunday’s two matches as Tasman host Taranaki for the Ranfurly Shield for the last time this season and Auckland try to make something of their season against Bay of Plenty. Tasman will have Ethan Blackadder, Noah Hotham and David Havili while Stephen Perofeta is eyeing a return from his calf injury for Taranaki. Pasilio Tosi will anchor a powerful scrum for the Bay of Plenty and both Harry Plummer and Patrick Tuipulotu are available for Auckland who are hosting the game at Auckland Grammar School. ALL BLACKS IN NPC FRIDAY Northland vs Otago, Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei, 7.05pm Otago: George Bower SATURDAY Manawatū vS Counties Manukau, Massey University, Palmerston North, 2.05pm Counties Manukau: Dalton Papali’i, Cam Roigard Southland vs North Harbour, Rugby Park, Invercargill, 4.35pm Southland: Ethan de Groot North Harbour: Mark Tele’a Wellington vs Hawkes Bay, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 4.35pm Wellington: Billy Proctor Canterbury vs Waikato, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch 7.05pm Canterbury: George Bell, Sam Darry Waikato: Samipeni Finau SUNDAY Tasman vsTaranaki, Trafalgar Park, Nelson, 2.05pm Tasman: Ethan Blackadder, Noah Hotham, David Havili Taranaki: Stephen Perofeta Auckland vs Bay of Plenty, Auckland Grammar School, Auckland 4.35pm Auckland: Harry Plummer, Patrick Tuipulotu Bay of Plenty: Pasilio Tosi

NZ Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake was named in the Dally M Team of the Year for the second season running on Wednesday night. The 28-year-old Mate Ma’a Tonga captain capped his fourth and final campaign at the club with another outstanding season. LATEST HEADLINES: Multiple All Blacks returning to NPC action Tasman dispatch Auckland to keep Shield Silver Ferns beaten again by England Roses Black Sticks Men decline spot in Pro League Clayton McMillan new All Blacks XV coach Canberra’s Joseph Tapine was named as the other prop ahead of Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris of the Penrith Panthers and Moses Leota, along with Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins. Named the players’ player of the year at the Warriors’ annual awards last month, Fonua-Blake and Warriors teammate Mitchell Barnett were both selected as the props in the RLPA’s Players’ Dream Team as voted by players from across the NRL. Just days out from the NRL grand final, Melbourne's Kiwi halfback Jahrome Hughes was crowned the 2024 Dally M Medallist, winning by a solitary point over Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco. 2024 DALLY M TEAM OF THE YEAR Fullback: James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters) Wing: Zac Lomax (St George Illawarra Dragons) Centre: Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs) Centre: Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins) Wing: Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers) Standoff: Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys) Halfback: Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm) Prop: Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders) Hooker: Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm) Prop: Addin Fonua-Blake (NZ Warriors) Second row: Angus Crichton (Sydney Rooster) Second row: Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm) Loose forward: Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)