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New Zealand enduro star Charles Murray has claimed the narrowest of wins in the second round of the UCI MTB Enduro World Cup in Poland. The Specialized Enduro Team rider managed to hold on through a wet and slippery downhill final stage to claim his first UCI World Cup victory by just 0.095 seconds from local Polish rider Lukasik Slawomir at Bielsko-Biala. LATEST HEADLINES: Routliffe, Gauff reach Italian Open final Hurricanes win ugly over Moana Pasifika Phoenix semifinal second leg now a sell out Five Phoenix in PFA A-League Team of Year Teams set for Super Rugby Pacific Round 13 It follows Murray’s second placing in the opening round in France last weekend, with the massive eight-hour event incorporating five technical and twisting stages with a combined 37km of trails and over 2,000m of descents including transitions on the new course. The win has elevated Murray to the lead in the championship ahead of defending champion Rich Rude Jr (USA) and Slawomir. Rude won the opening stage but Murray claimed stage two, the longest with a 3.7km trail and in worsening wet conditions which made the trail treacherous. The stage win moved the kiwi rider into the overall lead by just 0.4s over Rude. The conditions, with were a mix of wet, icy and dry, created further crashes on stage three, with the lead of Murray and Rude threatened by Polish rider Slawomir who was fastest, moving him into third place. After a long transition, Murray managed to avoid a crash on the challenging fourth stage to maintain his 2.7s lead with Slawomir again fastest. The final stage was delayed with a red flag, before the Polish champion won his third straight stage to move into the lead. However Murray made his run, fourth fastest on the stage, which was just enough to win his first UCI Enduro World Cup by the blink of the eye. Rude finished third overall. “Last week I was a bit surprised because you never know where your form is coming into the season to them back it up with the win here was too good to be true,” said Murray ”Managing to keep it upright was the main thing and pedal where I could but just be smart because there were so many slippery roots out there. “It was hard to read. One corner was saturated and icy and the next was dry so it was impossible to read what was coming. “Last week gave me heaps of confidence which was good but kind of hard because I was so nervous this morning. I knew I could do a good result. “My mechanic told me I had two seconds which is nothing – one mistake and it is gone. I knew it was down to that last stage. I did make one small mistake but I pedalled like a madman and managed to get it home. “To beat the Polish in Poland is a bit of a dream come true.” Of the other kiwis in the field, Matthew Walker was 18th , his fellow Pivot Factory teammate Ed Masters 37th, Brady Stone 42nd  and Matthew Berry 64th. The Nelson pair of Rae Morrison and George Swift were 11th and 12th respectively in the elite women’s race won by Frenchwoman Isabeau Courdurier., with fellow kiwi Louise Kelly 25th. Outstanding Nelson prospect, Xanthe Robb scored a top-10 finish in the under-21 females, won by Simona Kuchynkova (SLO). She was seventh after the opening stage, slipped back on stages two and three, but finished strongly to be a competitive sixth place on both the fourth and final stages for her best elite finish at this level. Nelson’s Aidan Robinson was 24th in the under-21 men with Upper Hutt’s Lachie Ross 28th in the race won by Australian Bailey Christie. The third round  of the Enduro World Cup will be in Leogang, Austria in three weeks. Results Bielsko-Biala, Men Elite: Charles Murray (Specialized Enduro, NZL) 23:42.034, 1; Lukasik Slawomir (Yeti-Fox, POL) at 0.095, 2; Rich Rude (Yeti-Fox, USA) at 2.798, 3. Also NZers: Matthew Walker (Pivot Factory) at 50.584, 18; Ed Masters (Pivot Factory) at 1:37.500, 37; Brady Stone at1:50.183, 42; Matthew Berry at 2:32.515, 64.

New Zealand golfers Ryan Fox and Kazuma Kobori have plenty of work to do to make the cut at the PGA Championship. Fox managed a one-over 72 during the opening round of the year's second major at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday (Friday NZ Time), while Kobori had to settle for a two-over 73. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix semifinal second leg now a sell out Five Phoenix in PFA A-League Team of Year Teams set for Super Rugby Pacific Round 13 Coll into semis at PSA World Championships Bulls ease by Hawks; Tuatara defeat Nuggets Fox, the world No 58, is tied for 85th on a tightly-packed middle of the leaderboard, trailing 18-hole leader Xander Schauffele by 10 strokes, while Kobori, in his first major, sits in a share of 108th. Going off in the morning wave, Fox strung together seven straight pars before a birdie at the par-three eight, rolling in a 12-footer. He followed with another at the par-five 10th, almost holing his third shot from 100 yards out. However, the 37-year-old PGA Tour pro dropped four shots in the next three holes, culminating with a double-bogey at the par-four 13th after putting his approach shot in the water. He closed with a birdie at the par-five 18th. Going off the 10th, Kobori made bogeys at the 12th and 17th holes, before a birdie at the 18th, chipping his third shot to within two feet for a tap-in. Another bogey forward at the second hole before seven consecutive pars to close out his round. Kobori will be first off the first tee in the second round, at 7.15am local time on Friday (11.15pm NZT), while Fox will be in the afternoon wave, starting from the 10th tee at 1.02pm local time (5.02am Saturday NZT). Meanwhile, Lydia Ko is in a slightly better position after the first round of the LPGA Tour's Americas Open in Jersey City, New Jersey. Ko carded an even-par 72 at the Liberty National Golf Club on Thursday (Friday NZT) to be tied for 41st, six shots off the lead and just above the cut-line. The 26-year-old produced four birdies, two bogeys and a double-bogey. She birdied her opening hole, the par-five 10th, before back-to-back bogeys at the 12th and 13th. After the turn, Ko birdied the first, sixth and eight holes, with a double-bogey at the par-four fifth. Ko will tee off her second round from the first hole on Friday at 1pm local time (5am Saturday NZT). At the Ladies European Tour's German Masters, Momoka Kobori sits in a share of 44th, six strokes off the lead, after a two-over 74, featuring three birdies, three bogeys and a double-bogey.

The Franklin Bulls and Auckland Tuatara enhanced their case for National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs byes with midweek road wins. The Bulls handled a potentially tricky to Napier with ease, beating the Bay Hawks 101-79 on Wednesday night, while the Tuatara pulled away from the Otago Nuggets 87-78 in Dunedin on Thursday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Added-time goal gives Auckland City victory Black Sticks squads for Nations Cup named Cleaver, Milne, Robb set for NZ Darts Masters Makeshift Warriors face champions Penrith Wayde Egan signs extension with Warriors Former NZ Breakers development player Isaac Davidson went off, hitting seven triples for a career-high 30 points (11/15 FG, 7/9 3pt) and four rebounds. Consistent import forward Luther Muhammad put up 25 points (10/18 FG) and eight boards, while Josh Scott scored 17 points (6/11 FG), five rebounds and five assists off the bench. Tall Blacks guard Ethan Rusbatch had nine points (4/12 FG, 0/4 3pt) and six boards in his return to Hawke's Bay, where he spent five seasons before signing with the Bulls in the off-season. American guard Isaiah Moore scored a game-high 33 points (12/24 FG, 3/5 3pt, 6/8 FT), along with four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Kiwi forward Jordan Ngatai had 25 points (8/19 FG, 2/9 3pt, 7/7 FT) and five boards, Luke Sutherland 13 points (5/16 FG, 3/7 3pt) and seven boards, and Josh Roberts 16 rebounds and three blocks. The Bulls, who shot 50 percent (10-of-20) on three-point attempts, took control against the Hawks in the second period. Trailing by two, the visitors reeled off a 21-4 run, including 11 points from Davidson and eight from Muhammad, to end the period, leading 56-41 at halftime. The Hawks only got as close 14 points the rest of the way as Franklin stretched the lead to 24 points after three quarters. The lead got as high as 27 points in the fourth before head coach Sebastian Gleim emptied his bench. The Bulls (7-2) return to Pukekohe to host the Wellington Saints (6-2) in a top-four clash on Sunday (tip-off 3pm), while the Hawks (4-5) are on the road next Wednesday (tip-off 7.30pm) against the Taranaki Airs (6-3). The Tuatara won their seventh straight game, and ninth in 11 games, cementing their place at the top of the standings. Tall Blacks guard Corey Webster clearly won the battle against brother Tai, finishing with a game-high 22 points (9/24 FG) for the Tuatara, with eight rebounds and four assists. Tai Webster had just two points and three boards. Kiwi big Rob Loe put up 19 points (5/12 FG, 3/7 3pt, 6/6 FT) and 11 rebounds, while Reuben Te Rangi provided 15 points (7/12 FG), four boards and two steals, and Tom Vodanovich 15 points (6/13 FG, 3/7 3pt), 12 rebounds and two steals. In the loss, import guard Zaccheus Darko-Kelly posted 18 points (7/14 FG, 2/4 3pt), five boards and two steals and American forward Kimani Lawrence 16 points (7/14 FG) 10 rebounds. Australian Ben Henshall managed 11 points, four boards and four assists, and Kiwi big Jack Andrew 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Two stretches proved crucial for the Tuatara, who shot high percentages than the Nuggets and scored 44 points in the paint. Auckland trailed by two early in the second period when they went on a 15-2 run over four minutes to lead 36-25 with 5:08 left in the half. The Nuggets put together a 16-2 burst of their own to take a one-point lead late in the third quarter. But the Tuatara dominated from there, with a 12-1 run to take a 10-point lead entering the fourth, then a 20-10 surge to go up 82-62 with 4:21 remaining. The Tuatara (9-2) continue on to Invercargill to face the winless Southland Sharks (0-10) on Saturday (tip-off 4pm), while the Nuggets (4-6) also next play the Sharks at Stadium Southland a week later (tip-off 4pm). Franklin Bulls 101 (Isaac Davidson 30, Luther Muhammad 25, Josh Scott 17) Bay Hawks 79 (Isaiah Moore 33, Jordan Ngatai 25, Luke Sutherland 13). 1Q: 27-25, HT: 56-41, 3Q: 79-55 Auckland Tuatara 87 (Corey Webster 22, Rob Loe 19, Reuben Te Rangi 15, Tom Vodanovich 15) Otago Nuggets 78 (Zach Darko-Kelly 18, Kimani Lawrence 16, Dontae Russo-Nance 14, Ben Henshall 11, Jack Andrew 10). 1Q: 21-21, HT: 41-31, 3Q: 62-52

Five Wellington Phoenix players, plus coach Giancarlo Italiano have been named in the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) A-League Team of the Year, four in the starting lineup. The team is selected on votes from players, with Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, midfielder Alex Rufer and defenders Scott Wootten and Tim Payne all named in the starting XI, while striker Kosta Barbarouses was named in the reserves. LATEST HEADLINES: Coll into semis at PSA World Championships Routliffe, Gauff into Italian Open doubles semis Added-time goal gives Auckland City victory Cleaver, Milne, Robb to play NZ Darts Masters Makeshift Warriors face champions Penrith At the end of each season, PFA members from the A-Leagues are asked to vote with the composition of the team based on the number of votes tallied for each player in each position,. The substitutes bench comprising those players who finished below those in the starting XI positions. Paulsen received the most votes from his peers, with a stand out season which has helped the Phoenix through to the semi-finals and chasing their first grand final in the 17 years of the club. The 21-year-old kept 11 clean sheets, and registered a league-high save percentage of 80.9 percent. Paulsen has saved three of the five penalties he faced this season. "It's very humbling to receive the most votes from my peers ... there's a lot of incredible talent within the league so this is a great honour," said Paulsen. The Phoenix had the league's best defensive record during the regular season conceding only 26 goals, which resulted in defender Wooten and Payne making the PFA's Team of the Year starting lineup. Captain Rufer was included having provided a steadying presence in the middle of the park for the side all season. Striker Barbarouses is in the team for the third time, while Italiano, in his first season as head coach, was voted to manage the side. Italiano took over from Ufuk Talay in the off-season, after serving as his assistant at the Phoenix, and made an immediate impact, taking Wellington into second place on the standings. PFA A-LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR Alex Paulsen (Wellington Phoenix) Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Scott Wootton (Wellington Phoenix) Brian Kaltak (Central Coast Mariners) Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix) Josh Nisbet (Central Coast Mariners) Tolgay Arslan (Melbourne City) Joe Lolley (Sydney FC) Adam Taggart (Perth Glory) Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory) Substitutes: Jake Girdwood-Reich (Sydney FC), Damien Da Silva (Melbourne Victory), Marcelo (Western Sydney Wanderers), Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC), Kosta Barbarouses (Wellington Phoenix), Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Newcastle Jets), Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners) Coach: Giancarlo Italiano (Wellington Phoenix)

New Zealand's Erin Routliffe and American Coco Gauff have reached the semifinals of the Italian Open in Rome. They won their doubles quarter-final in straight sets 6-3 7-6(3) against Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, although it wasn't always easy. LATEST HEADLINES: Late goal gives Auckland City FC victory Cleaver, Milne, Robb to play NZ Darts Masters Makeshift Warriors face champions Penrith Wayde Egan signs extension with Warriors NZ Warriors move into top-six in NSW Cup Mystics win cross-city ANZ Premiership clash Gauff was powerful during the match, while Routliffe had some serving issues, including losing all of her second serves, but held her nerve when needed. However their opponents were up and down at times too. Czech Siniakova and American Townsend also made errors at vital times. The match lasted an hour and 39 minutes. and now the third seeded Routliffe and Gauf will face the Chinese pair of Wang Xinyu and Zheng Saisai on Friday. Routliffe has a current world ranking of six in doubles but will likely move up a place as a result of making the semis in Rome. Gauff is also in the singles semifinals where she'll face Iga Swiatek.

New Zealand’s Paul Coll has eased his way into the semifinals of the 2023-24 PSA World Tour Championships, beating former, Egyptian, now English player Mohamed ElShorbagy. Coll has never won the World Championship having finished as runner-up in 2019-2020 in Doha, Qatar. LATEST HEADLINES: Routliffe, Gauff into Italian Open semis Late goal gives Auckland City FC victory Cleaver, Milne, Robb to play NZ Darts Masters Makeshift Warriors face champions Penrith Wayde Egan signs extension with Warriors However, the two-time British Open winner was in top form against ElShorbagy winning in just 28 minutes making the rallies physical in a tight opening set where the Englishman saved two match balls before the match became more straightforward. ElShorbagy appeared to tire in the second, making more errors as Coll took the game. The third game followed quickly as ElShorbagy went for winners, frequently finding the tin. That handed Coll a 14-12, 11-6, 11-2 win. “I didn’t want to get tied down on the backhand, he’s so accurate there and hard to compete with,” said 32-year-old Coll. “I had to shift it at the right times and attack him when I could. At 10-8 up [in the first game], he came at me like a rocket, so it put me on the back foot, which I knew he was going to do at some stage because he’s so good at changing styles and aggression. I managed to sneak that game, which I think was pretty crucial. “I was never easing up, I wanted to keep it quite open and physical. I’m very happy with how I handled the conditions and he’s always made me a bit nervous playing him, so I’m happy with that win.” World No 2 ranked Coll now takes on third ranked Mostafa Asal in what is always a challenging match in Egypt.

Round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific is a great chance for the Hurricanes to get back to winning, and the Highlanders to prove they can do it again. The Chiefs featuring a returning Shaun Stevenson at fullback will try to beat the Rebels away and the Crusaders to do something with their season. LATEST HEADLINES: Coll into semis at PSA World Championships Routliffe, Gauff into Italian Open doubles semis Added-time goal gives Auckland City victory Cleaver, Milne, Robb to play NZ Darts Masters Makeshift Warriors face champions Penrith The Blues lead the competition, by just two points from the Canes after a lack of bonus points, but all they will care about is fending off the charged up Highlanders at Eden Park Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika Friday, May 17, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 7.05pm The Hurricanes will be aiming to prove they are a contender again after their loss the Blues last week. There's 11 changes to the starting line-up with All Blacks Jordie Barrett, TJ Perenara and Tyrel Lomax all rested. Hooker James O’Reilly is back from his concussion symptoms and is in the reserves as Raymond Tuputupu gets his first Hurricanes start. HURRICANES: Harry Godfrey, Daniel Sinkinson, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Aidan Morgan, Richard Judd, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields (c), Ben Grant, Justin Sangster, Siale Lauaki, Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Reserves: James O'Reilly, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Peter Lakai, Jordi Viljoen, Riley Higgins, Salesi Rayasi MOANA PASIFIKA: Danny Toala, Fine Inisi, Henry Faefu, Julian Savea, Neria Fomai, William Havili, Jonathan Taumateine, Lotu Inisi, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Jacob Norris, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafileo, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Sama Malolo, Tevita Langi, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Alamanda Motuga, Aisea Halo, Christian Lealiifano, Anzelo Tuitavuki Melbourne Rebels vs Chiefs Friday, May 10, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 9.35pm NZT Damian McKenzie is back from injury and so is Stevenson (hamstring) and Emoni Narawa from AB's rest in what is a big game for both teams. It gives the Chiefs backline a great boost of extra talent. The Chiefs are fourth, while the Rebels keep surprising and showing at times stoic form. Kaylum Boshier is in for Wallace Sititi in their starting loose forward trio and props Aidan Ross and George Dyer come into the front row while Cortez Ratima also returns at halfback. CHIEFS: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Luke Jacobson (c), Kaylum Boshier, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa'i, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi ACT Brumbies vs Crusaders Saturday, May 18, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 4.35pm NZT Is this the last chance for the Crusaders to make something of their season? They've lost Scott Barrett to injury but still have plenty of talent across the pitch, but just haven't clicked and Canberra is a pretty tough place to do so. Fergus Burke is at first-five for the Crusaders as they continue the trend of trying to find a new player in that position each week. CRUSADERS: Johnny McNicholl, Chay Fihaki, Jone Rova, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Fergus Burke, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Quinten Strange, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (c), Joe Moody. Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer Blues vs Highlanders Saturday, May 18, Eden Park, Auckland, 7.05pm The Blues have rested big names Hoskins Sotutu and Patrick Tuipulotu as well as Mark Telea. However their replacements are pretty good and the Highlanders would have to find something pretty special to score another upset after their win over the Crusaders last week. Folau Fakatava starts at halfback with the rapidly improving Cameron Millar at first-five. Ethan de Groot captains the side and should have a good battle up front against the Blues. BLUES: Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Corey Evans, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Sam Nock, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali'i (c), Adrian Choat, Sam Darry, Laghlan McWhannell, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Taufa Funaki, Stephen Perofeta, Kade Banks HIGHLANDERS: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele'a, Jake Te Hiwi, Martin Bogado, Cam Millar, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Jermaine Ainsley, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot (c). Reserves: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Ma'u, Will Tucker, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley

An extra-time goal by Liam Gillion has given Auckland City FC a win over Hekari United in the OFC Champions League in Tahiti. Needing to put goals on the score sheet after an opening day draw to Rewa FC of Fiji, the New Zealand side had the possession, but not score they wanted against the Papau New Guinea club on Tuesday (Wednesday NZ Time). LATEST HEADLINES: Cleaver, Milne, Robb to play NZ Darts Masters Makeshift Warriors face champions Penrith Wayde Egan signs extension with Warriors NZ Warriors move into top-six in NSW Cup Mystics win cross-city ANZ Premiership clash Hekari United were impressive in the second-half of their 2-0 win over Solomon Warriors last week and again looked threatening, especially on the break, as they sought a second win to all but ensure semi-final qualification. Ati Kepo looked most likely for David Muta’s team in the first period but rather selfishly fired over the bar from wide on the right with team mates waiting in the penalty area. The second-half followed a similar pattern to the first, with the pace of the match slowing slightly due to the hot and humid conditions. Albert Riera’s side came closest through Gerard Garriga on two occasions, first hooking an effort wide from a tight angle, before lifting an attempted lob over the bar when well positioned. Gillion was again the main source of threat for Auckland City FC, producing a great turn and shot on the 56th minute, palmed away well by Dave Tomare in the Hekari United goal. The pacey winger went close again, flashing a free-kick over the bar from the right-hand side after he had been fouled inches outside the area. Moments later, substitute Stipe Ukich shot narrowly wide of Tomare’s right-hand post as the defending champions desperately looked for a way through. Tomare was called into action as the 90 minutes elapsed, athletically tipping over a curled effort from Gerard Garriga to keep the scores level. The winner would eventually come and it was little surprise that Gillion took it. Tapping in from a couple of yards out after Garriga latched on to a brilliant through ball before squaring it across the face of goal. Auckland City 1 (Liam Gillion 90+3′) Hekari United 0. HT: 0-0

The Black Sticks Men's and Women's squads have been confirmed for the FIH Nations Cup in Poland and Spain. Taking place in Gniezno, Poland from May 31 May-June 9 (men) and Terrassa, Spain from June 3-9 (women), the Nations Cup is the perfect opportunity for the Black Sticks Men (BSM) to continue their Olympic preparation and for the Black Sticks Women (BSW) to build upon their strong performances against Japan as they look to the future. LATEST HEADLINES: Makeshift Warriors face champions Penrith Wayde Egan signs extension with Warriors NZ Warriors move into top-six in NSW Cup Mystics win cross-city ANZ Premiership clash Japan Tour victory for Kiwi Michael Hendry The BSM head to Poland fresh off the back of a successful Sultan Azlan Shah Cup campaign in Malaysia, where they finished third despite battling illness within the team and missing key players. Injuries are still impacting the current selection, with Sam Lane, Simon Yorston and Charlie Morrison unavailable due to injury, a large contingent of European based players return from club duty, as well as Simon Child lining up for a return. Star player Kane Russell is looking forward to linking back up with the national side once the German Bundesliga wraps up. His team Hamburger Polo is currently in the semifinals, with Russell the lead scorer for the side. “It’s been a great season here in Germany but my eyes are now firmly turned towards Paris and helping get the team in the best place possible to be competitive at the Olympics. “We’ve got a great mix of youth and experience but everyone is contributing at a high level and we’re heading to Poland with every intention of winning the tournament.” The BSW continue their focus on the future with all players available for selection. Building on a strong test series against Japan one debutant has been retained in a still relatively young squad, while veteran players like Megan Hull, Liz Thompson, and Sam Child return to the group. Hull said the upcoming Nations Cup is the perfect opportunity to respond to the disappointment of missing out on Olympic Qualification and she is excited about this next phase. “It’s always an honour to pull on the black singlet especially with this group of girls. “The future is bright and we’re setting out to prove that we are a top level team that can go toe-to-toe with the world’s best.” The BSW face Japan, Chile and Canada in pool play, with Ireland, Italy, South Korea and Spain competing in the other pool. The BSM are in Pool A up against Austria, South Korea, Poland and South Africa, with Canada, France, Malaysia and Pakistan in pool B. The top-two teams in each pool advance to the semifinals. The BSM open up their tournament against Poland on June 1 at 5am NZT, the BSW start off June 3 against Chile at 8.30pm NZT. BLACK STICKS MEN SQUAD Dom Dixon, Leon Hayward, Blair Tarrant, Dane Lett, Kane Russell, Scott Cosslett, Brad Read, Nic Woods, Joe Morrison, Malachi Buschl, Hayden Phillips, Isaac Houlbrooke, Sean Findlay, Aidan Sarikaya, Sam Hiha, Simon Child, Hugo Inglis, Jake Smith, Scott Boyde, Jonty Elmes BLACK STICKS WOMEN SQUAD Brooke Roberts, Kirsty Nation, Megan Hull, Steph Dickins, Frances Davies, Liz Thompson, Kaitlin Cotter, Casey Crowley, Sam Child, Katie Doar, Hannah Gravenall, Emma Rainey, Emma Findlay, Rose Tynan, Olivia Shannon, Jessie Anderson, Anna Willocks, Hannah Cotter

Major injury problems for the Warriors as they get set to face defending champs Penrith Panthers on Sunday in the NRL's Magic Round. Half Shaun Johnson has been diagnosed with a minor pectoral strain, which he sustained during the loss to the Roosters. He'll be out of action for the next two weeks, with a likely return after the Warriors' bye week. LATEST HEADLINES: Wayde Egan signs NZ Warriors extension NZ Warriors move into top-six in NSW Cup Mystics win cross-city ANZ Premiership clash Japan Tour victory for Kiwi Michael Hendry Sam Cane to call time on All Blacks career Without Johnson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad moving to the halves to partner with Te Maire Martin. Taine Tuaupiki has been promoted to the first-grade side to start in the No 1 jersey. Centre Rocco Berry is another recent addition to the Warriors injury list due to a fractured hand, joining fellow midfielder Rogert Tuivasa-Sheck on the sidelines. He's also expected to return after the bye. Ali Leiataua earns a start with Adam Pompey in the centres. Hooker Freddy Lussick is also unavailable (concussion protocols), alongside Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore, Kurt Capewell, and Chanel Harris-Tavita, who are all injured. Returning on the left wing is Marcelo Montoya for an occasion which coincides with the 200th career appearance for his established wing partner Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. The starting forward pack is the same as the combination originally selected for last week’s contest with the Roosters. Dylan Walker, Tom Ale and Jazz Tevaga are again on the interchange with rookie Jacob Laban joining them. The 14th-placed Warriors have had four consecutive losses and have a four-game losing streak against the three-time Premiership winners, who sit in second. NZ WARRIORS: Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Marcelo Montoya, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Te Maire Martin, Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Egan, Bunty Afoa, Jackson Ford, Mitch Barnett, Tohu Harris. Interchange: Dylan Walker, Tom Ale, Jazz Tevaga, Jacob Laban, Zyon Maiu'u, Ed Kosi, Paul Roache, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Ben Farr

Mark Cleaver, Kayden Milne and Ben Robb will all feature in August’s New Zealand Darts Masters, after sealing their qualification in Hamilton last weekend. Cleaver and John Hurring shared the spoils in last weekend's DartPlayers New Zealand ProTour double-header, with Cleaver, Milne and Robb finishing in the top three of the DPNZ NZ Darts Masters rankings. LATEST HEADLINES:  Makeshift Warriors face champions Penrith Wayde Egan signs extension with Warriors NZ Warriors move into top-six in NSW Cup Mystics win cross-city ANZ Premiership clash  Japan Tour victory for Kiwi Michael Hendry Hurring defeated Cleaver in Saturday’s Event Seven showpiece, conceding just three legs in eight matches before prevailing in a last-leg decider to secure his third title of 2024. Cleaver whitewashed Darren Herewini and swept aside Milne in the semi-finals, although he surrendered a 4-2 advantage in the Event Seven decider, with Hurring running out a 7-6 winner. However, Cleaver captured his second title of the campaign in Sunday’s Event Eight, dispatching Hipirini Tewhakaara 7-1 to secure top spot on the DPNZ NZ Darts Masters rankings. The 56-year-old also overcame Frank Bush and Alan Skayman in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively to confirm his big stage return in August’s World Series of Darts event. Milne - a quarterfinalist at the 2022 NZ Darts Masters - will also star after finishing second on the rankings above Ben Robb, who will partner Haupai Puha at next month’s World Cup of Darts. Puha, currently playing on the will also headline the NZ Darts Masters on home soil alongside Australian stalwart Simon Whitlock, with a further three Oceania representatives to be confirmed in July. World No 1 Luke Humphries and teenage superstar Luke Littler will both make their debuts Down Under, with reigning NZ Darts Masters champion Rob Cross set to defend his title. Former world champions Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright have also been included, as have UK Open champion Dimitri Van den Bergh and Australian No 1 Damon Heta. The 2024 New Zealand Darts Masters will take place at Hamilton's Globox Arena on August 16-17, as the 16-player field compete for the coveted title across two days of action. DARTPLAYERS NEW ZEALAND PROTOUR RESULTS Event Seven Saturday, May 11, Hamilton Quarterfinals Wayne McRae 5-3 Ben Robb John Hurring 5-1 David Adams Kayden Milne 5-1 Jaymie Hilton-Jones Mark Cleaver 5-0 Darren Herewini Semifinals John Hurring 6-1 Wayne McRae Mark Cleaver 6-2 Kayden Milne Final John Hurring 7-6 Mark Cleaver Event Eight Sunday May 12, Hamilton Quarterfinals Ben Robb 5-3 David Adams Hipirini Tewhakaara 5-4 John Hurring Alan Skayman 5-1 Kayden Milne Mark Cleaver 5-3 Frank Bush Semifinals Hipirini Tewhakaara 6-4 Ben Robb Mark Cleaver 6-4 Alan Skayman Final Mark Cleaver 7-1 Hipirini Tewhakaara NZ DARTS MASTERS QUALIFIERS PDC Players Luke Humphries (ENG) Michael Smith (ENG) Gerwyn Price (WAL) Rob Cross (ENG) Peter Wright (SCO) Luke Littler (ENG) Dimitri Van den Bergh (BEL) Damon Heta (AUS) Oceania Players Haupai Puha (NZL) Simon Whitlock (AUS) Mark Cleaver (NZL) Kayden Milne (NZL) Ben Robb (NZL) DPNZ Q1 (July 6) DPNZ Q2 (July 7) DPA OOM leader (July 14);

Hooker Wayde Egan will remain at the NZ Warriors until the end of the 2027 NRL season after signing a two-year contract extension. The club has moved early to secure the 27-year-old who had been extended to the end of 2025 only last July. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ Warriors move into top-six in NSW Cup Mystics win cross-city ANZ Premiership clash Japan Tour victory for Kiwi Michael Hendry Sam Cane to call time on All Blacks career Alker, Fox make big charges in final round The Lithgow-born Egan was a standout in 2023, earning a nomination as one of the three finalists for the Dally M hooker of the year award alongside Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers) and Harry Grant (Melbourne). He started this season in similar vein with a series of performances which saw him singled out as a contender for this year’s New South Wales State of Origin side. “Wayde has shown his class consistently as one of the best hookers in the game,” said Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden. “He is thriving in the environment we have here and he’s passionate about the club. We’re thrilled to have him with us long term.” Egan is in line to play his 100th match for the Warriors this season, boosting his tally to 88 in Sunday’s loss to the Sydney Roosters. “Wayde is vital to us as an elite hooker – one of the smartest around – and as a leader on and off the field,” said Warriors head coach Andrew Webster. “He loves it here and we love having him. We’ve got a style of play we put around him so he can show his talent. He’s exceptional and a player I’d like to see at our club for many years to come.” Egan, who now has a total of 117 NRL appearances, joined the Warriors for the 2020 season after 29 appearances for the Penrith Panthers in 2018 and 2019. His first 50 games for the Warriors were all played in Australia while the team was based there during the Covid-19 pandemic. His first experience playing at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart was the 2022 clash against the Wests Tigers. As well as showcasing his deft skills around the ruck, Egan is a defensive workhorse in the middle of the field, averaging more than 40 tackles a game so far this season, including 50 against both the Titans and Knights, while he made 58 in the golden-point draw with Manly.