The Niche Cast

(00:00) NZ Warriors vs Knights

(49:47) Mindfulness

(53:46) NZ Breakers

(01:06:08) Stipe Ukich and All Whites

(01:14:41) - Wellington Phoenix

(01:26:07) White Ferns

(01:40:42) Rachin Ravindra

NZ Warriors finished their 2026 season with lots of bad vibes after the NRL team matched the NRLW team's late season slump. Warriors lost their second NRL Finals game in Auckland in a row with the Eden Park defeat to Knights and left a pretty stink taste heading into the summer. Knights had Kalyn Ponga, Phoenix Crossland and Francis Manuleleua showing out on their returns to Aotearoa. NZ Breakers won their first game of the NBL season led by kiwi big man Sam Mennenga and Stipe Ukich is a player to watch out for with All Whites as the prepare for an international football window. Wellington Phoenix made a flurry of signings last week with Milly Clegg the most notable of them, while Chris Greenacre continues to build a solid men's squad. White Ferns need a new coach and Rachin Ravindra got injured, both of which involve some goofy NZ Cricket antics.

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(00:00) NZ Warriors

(28:08) Mindfulness

(31:35) NZ Breakers

(47:02) Wellington Phoenix

(01:10:09) Age grade NZ football

(01:21:02) Tim Robinson & kiwi cricket

This week in the Niche Cache we chat through the NZ Warriors losing streak in NRLW and their move to Eden Park in NRL Finals vs Knights. Then we preview the NZ Breakers NBL season by chatting through their most important players, style changes under a new coach and players who have surprised in the preseason. Wellington Phoenix added Max Anderson to their squad and we dive deep into the Phoenix men's team to embrace a positive outlook, then we finish with a discussion about Tim Robinson snapping up a BBL opportunity.

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(00:00) NZ Warriors

(43:09) Mindfulness

(49:35) NZ Breakers

(01:07:27) NZ U20 Women's Football

(01:15:22) A-Leagues

(01:40:09) Domestic football Cup finals

This week in the Niche Cache we learn about the strange feeling of NZ Warriors confidence as they prepare for finals footy. We chat through their recent wins, depth and versatility as well as comparing them to their Mt Smart homies Auckland FC. Then we check in with NZ Breakers who played NBL preseason basketball over the weekend and zone in on three kiwis in Reuben Te Rangi, Carlin Davison and Anzac Rissetto. The NZ U20 women's football team are busy at their World Cup and we roll through each Aotearoa A-League team to sum up how they're sitting, before finishing with some observations from Chatham Cup and Kate Sheppard Cup finals.

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(00:00) Ranfurly Shield

(08:42) Tauihi, Phoenix, Warriors women

(31:36) Mindfulness

(36:17) NZ Warriors

(01:06:55) Tall Blacks

(01:12:33) Riley Bidois & Phoenix strikers

(01:28:37) Tim Payne, Kate Taylor, Jesse Randall

(01:38:11) NZ-A cricket

This week in the Niche Cache we check in with Northland's first Ranfurly Shield defence, then how Wellington Phoenix and Tauihi basketball could do what NZ Warriors women couldn't do in commanding New Zealand's sporting attention. The Warriors men had a win at Mt Smart vs Knights and the Cleary whanau were on show as Warriors keep pushing their case as the best organisation in the NRL. We roll through the latest Tall Blacks action, Phoenix men striker depth, Jesse Randall's form at Dundee United and finish with a few key takeaways from NZ-A's Top End adventure.

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(00:00) Intro/"Greatest Rivalry"

(14:18) Chris Wood & Callum McCowatt

(30:37) Mindfulness

(36:15) NZ Warriors

(01:17:50) Tall Ferns & NZ U18 basketball

(01:33:34) National League football

(01:39:46) Blackcaps overseas & NZ-A Cricket

This week in the Niche Cache we check in with Chris Wood and Callum McCowatt before chatting plenty of NZ Warriors after their win vs Rabbitohs. Tall Ferns and the NZ U18 men basketball teams have been in action, plus we dip into local football and finish with a New Zealand cricket round up of County Championship and NZ-A at the Top End T20 tournament.

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(00:00) Intro

(09:05) NZ Warriors

(42:02) Mindfulness

(46:17) NZ Breakers

(59:30) NZ U18 basketball

(01:05:34) Cashmere Tech & local football

(01:14:18) Flying Kiwis

(01:33:00) NZ-A Cricket

This week in the Niche Cache we start with a few musical memories before embracing the present moment with NZ Warriors, who continue their reliable consistency through the 2026 NRL season. We weave in a few Dragons thoughts, kiwi coaches losing and a Warriors women update before checking in with how the NZ Breakers squad is looking. The NZ U18 basketball team has won their first three games at the Asia Cup and Cashmere Technical is in both the Chatham Cup and Kate Sheppard Cup finals to be played in Christchurch. Chris Wood was joined by Tyler Bindon in a preseason friendly for Nottingham Forest, Alex Paulsen's piling up pressure on Max Crocombe in the Aotearoa goalkeeping ranks and Finn McKenlay's got a new opportunity in Ireland. We finish with some NZ-A squad battles ahead of the Top End T20 tournament.

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(00:00) Southland Sharks/NBL

(35:40) Mindfulness

(39:53) NZ Warriors

(01:15:31) Abby Erceg

(01:23:58) Callum McCowatt & Other NZ Footballers

(01:34:17) NZ-A Cricket & Domestic Movers

This week in the Niche Cache we celebrate Southland Sharks winning the NBL championship with excellent coaching, strong imports and a few impressive kiwis in Sam Timmins, Tobias Cameron and Tukaha Cooper. Then we roll through a Dragons NRL win vs Sharks and NZ Warriors defence that has seen them restrict lots of opponents to less than 20 points including Panthers on Friday night. We react to the news that Abby Erceg will join Wellington Phoenix Women this season and chat about a bunch of New Zealand footballers performing well in Europe with Zac Jones and Callum McCowatt leading the way. The NZ-A cricket squad was announced for their Aussie adventure and it features three guys yet to play for Blackcaps in Matt Boyle, Max Chu and Zak Gibson. Nick Kelly's strong form continues and Rishika Jaswal leads the women's movers in domestic cricket.

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(02:01) Steven Adams

(06:15) Super Smash rant

(12:46) Tim Payne

(19:37) Top Shelf/Caru & Brandn Shiraz

(27:24) Mindfulness

(30:54) NZ Warriors

(01:00:17) NBL

(01:15:39) Auckland FC Women

(01:27:09) Callum McCowatt, Tyler Bindon, Matt Dibley-Dias, Luke Brooke-Smith

(01:47:04) Cricket

This week in the Niche Cache we quickly roll through some Steven Adams, Tim Payne and Super Smash stuff as well as celebrating some awesome New Zealand music from Top Shelf and Caru/Brandn Shiraz. New Zealand Warriors had a win in the NRL and loss in NRLW vs Gold Coast Titans, both of which highlighted fundamental aspects of their footy. Warriors have individual brilliance in NRLW but are struggling to keep up with the speed of the league while Warriors are scoring points all across the park in NRL, can bounce back from losses and had excellent contributions from local juniors vs Titans. Kayliss Fatialofa is also departing Warriors to join Sea Eagles and that leads into an edge forward depth check at Mt Smart. Southland Sharks host Wellington Saints in the NBL final and we chat through some kiwi footballers to watch out for in the Auckland FC Invitational squad, before checking in with Callum McCowatt's situation at Silkeborg and Luke Brooke-Smith at Portsmouth. We finish with a few quick kiwi cricket topics featuring young batters in T20 leagues and Cameron Paul's winter development.

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(00:00) Commonwealth Games

(07:18) NZ Warriors

(43:52) Mindfulness

(47:16) NBL

(56:28) Auckland FC

(01:02:15) Wellington Phoenix

(01:17:30) Elijah Just & Marko Stamenic

(01:26:21) Helena Errington

(01:34:45) Future Blackcaps

This week in the Niche Cache we start with a quick look at the Commonwealth Games before sliding into NZ Warriors matters. We ponder how the NZ Warriors loss vs Bulldogs fits into their NRL season and how the NSW Cup team is just as good with Jett Cleary at halfback as it is with Luke Metcalf there. NBL finals are here and we chat through some of the match ups as well as the best kiwis around the league, then we have plenty of football to discuss. Marley Leuluai popped up for Auckland FC, Alex Rufer is staying with Wellington Phoenix and Luke Brooke-Smith is departing for Portsmouth and we have Elijah Just building a funky combination with Marko Stamenic for Swansea. Helena Errington has been in great form over the last few months as well, then we finish with a round up of the best emerging cricketers in the Blackcaps pipeline.

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(00:00) Warriors vs Dragons NRL

(28:14) Mindfulness

(31:06) Charlisse Leger-Walker WNBA

(36:04) Flynn Cameron in Summer League

(37:46) NBL & Breakers

(47:56) NZ Women's U17 Basketball

(53:27) Blackcaps in West Indies

(01:09:00) Elijah Just to Swansea

(01:27:51) Henry Gray to Wellington Phoenix

This week in the Niche Cache we start by breaking down the NZ Warriors vs Dragons Niche Cache derby, then we roll through plenty of kiwi basketball. Charlisse Leger-Walker stays in her WNBA groove, Flynn Cameron is making waves in NBA Summer League, NBL Finals are approaching and the NZ U17 Women's team finished their World Cup with impressive wins. Blackcaps have another ODI series win and their win in West Indies adds to their slick performances overseas this year. Elijah Just is making a move to Swansea City and Henry Gray has returned to Aotearoa with Wellington Phoenix as part of our weekly check in with New Zealand football news.

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(00:00) Blackcaps

(07:30) Mindfulness

(13:07) NZ Warriors

(31:54) Flynn Cameron

(35:53) Charlisse Leger-Walker

(43:00) NBL

(51:21) Alex Paulsen

(01:00:55) Luke Brooke-Smith

(01:09:44) Auckland FC

This week in the Niche Cache we start with a quick check in of the Blackcaps ODI series vs West Indies where Jayden Lennox continues his slick form. We roll through a few NZ Warriors things ahead of their game vs Dragons this weekend and then update how Flynn Cameron and Charlisse Leger-Walker are going in the NBA Summer League and WNBA respectively. The NBL season is heading towards finals with youngsters like Jake Holmes making key contributions, then we hit up some football news led by Alex Paulsen joining Mortherwell and Luke Brooke-Smith being on the radar for Portsmouth. We finish with how Auckland FC's squad is looking this winter and how they are using their lower grades.

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(00:00) Warriors & NRLW

(27:27) Mindfulness

(31:38) NRL & Kiwis Halves

(46:05) Tall Blacks

(52:10) NZ U17s Basketball/Jayden Cecil

(01:01:30) Blackcaps ODI squad

(01:16:18) Domestic cricket contracts

(01:22:42) Wellington Phoenix & Auckland FC

This week in the Niche Cache we start with the New Zealand Warriors win vs Bulldogs in NRLW and the opportunity for them to shake up the sporting scene in Aotearoa. Then we chat through Dylan Brown's performances at halfback for Knights and John Fineanganofo's debut for Dolphins. The Tall Blacks had two wins vs Philippines and Guam over the week, plus Jayden Cecil continues to make waves as one of the best Under 17 basketball players in the world. We touch of the Blackcaps ODI squad to tour West Indies and the movements of Nick Kelly, Jake Gibson and Henry Shipley in domestic cricket. Then we finish with squad updates for Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC, specifically how their young talent is progressing through each squad.

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(00:00) Blackcaps

(01:06:52) All Whites

(01:40:02) Tall Blacks & NZ U17s

This week in the Niche Cache we react to the Blackcaps Test series win and attack it from all angles like a Mitchell Santner run out. Then we debrief New Zealand's FIFA World Cup campaign and finish with a few Aotearoa basketball hot pockets with Tall Blacks in action this weekend, as well as the NZ U17 team.

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(00:00) All Whites

(18:04) Mindfulness

(21:40) Blackcaps

(01:02:14) NZ Warriors

(01:15:12) Auckland FC

(01:31:23) White Ferns

(01:38:42) NBL

This week in the Niche Cache we chat through New Zealand's first two games at the FIFA World Cup and then compare similar playing styles for Blackcaps and NZ Warriors. Blackcaps won their second Test vs England with Matt Henry leading an exciting quartet of seamers and NZ Warriors had a win vs Cowboys in Christchurch in which their young forwards churned out lots of hard mahi. Auckland FC have an exodus, White Ferns are in a T20 World Cup pickle and we finish with an NBL update.

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(00:00) Blackcaps

(38:55) White Ferns

(42:34) Mindfulness

(45:02) All Whites

(01:13:19) Football Ferns

(01:19:33) NBL

(01:26:26) NZ Warriors/NRL

This week in the Niche Cache we break down a tough weekend for New Zealand vs England in sports. Blackcaps lost their first Test vs England and All Whites lost their World Cup warm up game against England, leaving plenty for us to discuss for both teams. White Ferns are also preparing for their T20 World Cup and we check in with Football Ferns who are on tour, then be update the latest NBL action and finish with a round up of NZ Warriors and Aotearoa rugby league matters.

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(00:00) Dragons/NZ Warriors

(27:20) Mindfulness

(31:04) Ben Gold

(36:30) NZ NBL

(40:00) Charlisse Leger-Walker

(47:35) All Whites

(01:05:25) Blackcaps

This week in the Niche Cache we check in with a Dragons fan after their first win of the NRL season and reflect on an epic loss for NZ Warriors vs Penrith Panthers. Then we update a bunch of basketball things with Ben Gold joining Tasmania in the Aussie NBL, Reuben Te Rangi in fine form for Tauranga Whai and Charlisse Leger-Walker grinding through the opening phase of the WNBA season. Then we dive into All Whites World Cup matters with Tim Payne stumbling on a groove, friendly previews and Elijah Just's form heading into the tournament. Blackcaps are about to start their Test series vs England as well so we attack that from all angles talking through Nathan Smith's role, Rachin Ravindra's excellence and a wee dip in form for Daryl Mitchell.

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(00:00) Auckland FC

(36:02) Mindfulness

(38:16) All Whites

(49:09) NZ Warriors

(01:07:54) NBL

(01:14:35) White Ferns

(01:25:47) Blackcaps

This week in the Niche Cache we celebrate Auckland FC's A-League championship and weave in a few World Cup wrinkles, as well as chatting through the left back role for All Whites ahead of the World Cup. Then we discuss the NZ Warriors win vs Dragons and update the week's NBL action in which Southland Sharks added another win to their streak. We finish with White Ferns preparing for the T20 World Cup and Blackcaps who are about to play a Test vs Ireland.

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(00:00) NZ Warriors

(44:47) Mindfulness

(50:37) NBL/NZ Breakers

(01:03:13) All Whites

(01:12:51) Wellington Phoenix Women & Auckland FC Men

(01:47:01) White Ferns/NZ-A

This week in the Niche Cache we roll through lots of New Zealand Warriors topics after their Magic Round win vs Brisbane Broncos, the mayhem of the halfback and the ruthless playing style. Then we check in with how Southland Sharks have worked up the NBL ladder and another signing for NZ Breakers in Kouat Noi, before starting our All Whites World Cup coverage with a few notes about the squad announced last week. Wellington Phoenix Women couldn't win their A-League Grand Final but Rebekah Stott keeps winning and Aotearoa has another chance this week with Auckland FC hosting Sydney FC. We finish with how White Ferns and NZ-A Women are tracking in England and Sri Lanka.

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(00:00) Wellington Phoenix Women

(38:36) Mindfulness

(45:40) Auckland FC

(01:12:52) Charlisse Leger-Walker

(01:17:14) NBL

(01:34:05) White Ferns

(01:40:53) Blackcaps

This week in the Niche Cache we celebrate Wellington Phoenix Women making the A-League Grand Final by chatting through their win vs Brisbane Roar, previewing the match up vs Melbourne City and highlighting Wellington as New Zealand's hub for women's sport. Auckland FC are also in A-League finals with an away leg to Adelaide coming up after their draw at Mt Smart and continue to battle injuries as well as somehow getting players back from injuries quicker than expected. Charlisse Leger-Walker scored her first WNBA points, Carlin Davison's back with NZ Breakers and Auckland Tuatara are leading the NBL. White Ferns lost their first ODI vs England and have low hanging fruit to improve, while the Blackcaps Test squad to tour Ireland and England was announced last week so we finish with a few thoughts on Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy.

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(00:00) NZ Warriors

(36:49) Mindfulness

(41:19) Charlisse Leger-Walker

(50:20) NBL/Breakers

(01:06:16) Elijah Just & Chris Wood

(01:12:47) Auckland FC

(01:32:39) Wellington Phoenix Women

(01:38:56) Blackcaps & White Ferns

This week in the Niche Cache we discuss the current NZ Warriors vibe and their standing among the NRL's biggest franchises. Then we get a Charlisse Leger-Walker update in WNBA preseason and roll through some of the best NZ NBL performances from the last week, weaving in NZ Breakers perspectives. Elijah Just continues to shine in Scotland and Chris Wood's awesome at penalties, so are Auckland FC who defeated Melbourne City on penalties in the A-League. Wellington Phoenix Women lost their A-League finals came but are back in Porirua for the second leg this weekend. Blackcaps won in Bangladesh with Ben Sears and Bevon Jacobs leading the way, while White Ferns spark up a fun few months of New Zealand cricket in England.

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(00:00) NZ Warriors & NZ rugby league

(37:00) Mindfulness

(43:05) Charlisse Leger-Walker

(49:38) NBL

(56:01) Chris Wood & Callum McCowatt

(01:10:42) Phoenix Women

(01:17:49) Auckland FC

(01:31:04) White Ferns

(01:36:20) Blackcaps/NZ-A

This week in the Niche Cache we reflect on an amazing Anzac Day game in Wellington for NZ Warriors and how it fits in with the other impressive notes for rugby league in New Zealand. Then we check in with how Charlisse Leger-Walker is tracking ahead of the WNBA season and the latest from the NBL where Otago Nuggets lead the competition and a bunch of kiwis are in sizzling scoring form. Chris Wood's back scoring goals for Nottingham Forest along with a few other All Whites in Europe, then we chat through A-League finals football for Wellington Phoenix Women and Auckland FC. We finish with the White Ferns ODI squad, Blackcaps development in Bangladesh and the end of the NZ-A tour in Sri Lanka.

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(00:00) NZ Warriors

(35:11) Mindfulness

(36:44) Lani Daniels

(40:43) Charlisse Leger-Walker

(53:45) NBL

(01:03:33) Wellington Phoenix

(01:08:02) Auckland FC

(01:25:49) Blackcaps/NZ-A

This week in the Niche Cache we start with some NZ Warriors gratitude after a couple wins, no dramas and lots of competitive depth across the grades. We check in with Lani Daniels' boxing championship win and Charlisse Leger-Walker being drafted to Connecticut Sun, then we roll through the latest basketball action in the NBL. Wellington Phoenix can't crack A-League finals but they have had a winning end to the season under Chris Greenacre while Auckland FC lost against Central Coast Mariners at Mt Smart in a thunderstorm. We finish with Blackcaps and NZ-A cricket as Blackcaps are chasing an ODI series in in Bangladesh and NZ-A continued their unbeaten streak in FC games with a draw in Sri Lanka.

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(00:00) Warriors vs Storm

(34:09) Mindfulness

(38:27) Charlisse Leger-Walker

(47:32) NBL

(01:01:38) Football Ferns

(01:04:26) Chris Wood

(01:10:34) Phoenix men

(01:21:09) Auckland FC

(01:38:48) Blackcaps/NZ-A

This week in the Niche Cache we start with NZ Warriors who had a win in Melbourne will be eager to repeat the brutality at Mt Smart vs Gold Coast Titans this weekend. Wests Tigers are doing well under kiwi coach Benji Marshall and Charlisse Leger-Walker is also doing rather well, having won an NCAA championship and joining a small list of New Zealand basketballers getting drafted into the WNBA/NBA. NBL basketball just started so we check in with that highlighting kiwis to watch out for before rolling into some football chat with Football Ferns chasing World Cup qualification and Chris Wood's return to Nottingham Forest. We also discuss Chris Greenacre as Wellington Phoenix coach and Auckland FC's fun draw vs Melbourne Victory in which they showed how impressive their development system already is. We finish with Blackcaps and NZ-A cricket updates where we focus on Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok and Ben Lister.

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(00:00) All Whites vs Chile

(24:56) Mindfulness

(29:38) Phoenix women

(49:33) NZ Warriors/Tigers

(01:16:22) White Ferns

(01:23:32) Blackcaps/NZ-A

This week in the Niche Cache we start with the All Whites win over Chile and chat through Ben Old's mahi at left back, Kosta Barbarouses, Jesse Randell and the goal-keeping situation with Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen. Then we check in with Wellington Phoenix women who have had two losses over the past week as the prepare for A-League finals and NZ Warriors also had a loss in the NRL as Wests Tigers won four of their five games in Auckland over the weekend. We also check in with the offloading Keano Kini before going deep into New Zealand cricket matters with White Ferns losing their first ODI vs South Africa, Canterbury winning the Plunket Shield championship and Blackcaps depth laid out across their squads to tour Bangladesh as well as NZ-A squads to tour Sri Lanka.

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(00:00) NZ Warriors

(37:10) Mindfulness

(46:50) Francis Manuleleua

(54:01) Charlisse Leger-Walker

(59:23) White Ferns

(01:08:59) Blackcaps/Plunket Shield

(01:26:16) Phoenix men

(01:35:54) Auckland FC

(01:40:35) Phoenix women

(01:45:55) All Whites

This week in the Niche Cache we start with NZ Warriors after their win vs Knights and looking forward to their cultural extravaganza vs Tigers on Friday night. There was also a Kiwi-NRL debut for Francis Manuleleua for Knights vs NZ Warriors. We chat about Charlisse Leger-Walker and kiwis in NCAA March Madness before rolling through the White Ferns and Blackcaps doube header where the women are on track as an impressive T20I outfit. Blackcaps continue to balance older players and youngsters, all of whom deserve opportunities to represent New Zealand and there are even more exciting young talents in Plunket Shield such as Lachlan Stackpole and Thomas O'Connor. Then we check in with the Aotearoa A-League teams before finishing with some quick All Whites things that we'll chat more about in our Bonus Pod on Thursday.

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(00:00) White Ferns & Blackcaps

(18:55) Mindfulness

(22:42) Plunket Shield

(28:27) Judd Flavell

(32:50) Tall Ferns

(40:23) NZ Warriors

(01:13:46) All Whites

(01:44:11) A-Leagues

This week in the Niche Cache we update Blackcaps and White Ferns as they roll through their T20I double-headers with South Africa, as well as highlighting the excellent all-rounders on the rise in the Blackcaps system and all things Plunket Shield. Then we check in with Judd Flavell and his new coaching role, before breaking down the Tall Ferns World Cup qualifying campaign. NZ Warriors are winning across their top three grades and that gives us lots to chat about, from Brandon Norris to Tanah Boyd and all the kiwis in between. Lachlan Bayliss is the freshest All Whites selection and despite a bunch of absences, New Zealand's football depth is evident in the latest squad. We dive deep into the All Whites squad and then roll through all three A-League teams with a few key points.

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(02:20) Blackcaps

(23:10) Mindfulness/Herbs

(32:12) White Ferns

(36:27) Plunket Shield

(44:44) NZ Warriors/NRL

(01:08:56) Auckland FC

(01:24:54) Phoenix men

(01:41:10) Phoenix women & Football Ferns

(01:47:11) Ben Waine

This week in the Niche Cache we reflect on the Blackcaps T20 World Cup final loss and flush the dunny to move forward ... with a T20I series vs South Africa right around the corner. White Ferns have named their T20I squad to play South Africa as well and Brett Randell wasn't the only Plunket Shield bowler to take 7 wickets with Otago's Thomas O'Connor showing New Zealand's depth with delightful left-arm swing. NZ Warriors dished out plenty of offloads against Sydney Roosters and we'll have to wait to see if this is a new addition to their footy, while the Jersey Flegg Cup Warriors played their first game of the season so we offer some deep cuts there. Siale Faeamani made his NRL debut for Titans which means two Kiwi-NRL players made debuts in the first round along with Setu Tu. Both Aotearoa A-League men's teams had draws although the vibes are completely different as Auckland FC prepare for a monster battle vs Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix aren't changing much. Phoenix women return to action after an international break and there are plenty of funky Football Ferns angles to discuss, plus Ben Waine is commanding a World Cup spot with his form for Port Vale.

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(00:00) Blackcaps

(23:07) Mindfulness

(29:28) White Ferns

(38:10) Football Ferns

(49:50) Plunket Shield

(55:40) Tall Blacks

(01:08:44) NRL

(01:25:22) Auckland FC

(01:48:26) Wellington Phoenix

This week in the Niche Cache we start with Blackcaps making the T20 World Cup semi-finals and New Zealand returning to top-four status as a cricket nation. We break down some key points for their semi-final vs South Africa and then highlight Izzy Gaze as the most impressive White Fern after the T20I series win vs Zimbabwe. White Ferns and Football Ferns are both playing against weaker nations so we compare the two teams, also chatting through some of the emerging Footy Ferns who took their opportunities in Oceania qualification. Plunket Shield rolls along with Northern Districts defeating Auckland and we discuss Simon Keene's sneaky batting ability as well as Zak Gibson's efficient seam bowling for ND this season. Tall Blacks had two wins in Asia over the weekend with New Zealand's basketball depth on show. NRL started over the weekend with the Otahuhu wing combo for Dragons coming close to a win vs Bulldogs and Dylan Brown showing his growth in the halves for Knights. We finish with a trip into the A-League where Auckland FC are still one of the best teams and Wellington Phoenix are the worst team.

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(00:00) Wellington Phoenix

(53:24) Mindfulness

(56:19) Ben Old & Elijah Just

(01:02:20) NZ Warriors

(01:23:41) NZ Breakers

(01:34:12) HBJ Shield

(01:41:53) Ford Trophy

This week in the Niche Cache we go deep into the Wellington Phoenix rivers to discuss their loss to Auckland FC and the coaching situation. We weave in Auckland FC and Phoenix women stuff for a comprehensive check in with the kiwi A-League systems. Ben Old's a left back now and Elijah Just is still scoring goals in the Flying Kiwis department, then we roll through news that Mitchell Barnett will depart NZ Warriors after this season. NZ Breakers won the Ignite Cup and we prepare for their offseason. Finishing with a wrap of Northern Districts winning the HBJ Shield and Central Districts winning Ford Trophy with Nensi Patel, Kayley Knight, Holly Topp and Curtis Heaphy in the spotlight.

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(00:00) NRL Māori v Indigenous

(11:30) Melie Kerr & HBJ Shield

(30:50) Mindfulness

(34:28) Blackcaps

(44:27) Ford Trophy

(49:35) NZ Breakers

(55:18) NZ Warriors

(01:11:44) Penrith Panthers

(01:17:18) Phoenix Women

(01:43:00) Phoenix Men vs Auckland FC

This week in the Niche Cache we enter the Melie Kerr era. She was announced as White Ferns captain and we chat through Kerr's leadership ability, as well as previewing the HBJ Shield final between Wellington and Northern Districts. Then we check in with the Blackcaps at the T20 World Cup and how Rachin Ravindra's bowling has been better than his batting, plus a dip for Jacob Duffy. NZ Breakers missed the NBL finals but still have the glorious Ignite Cup to look forward to. NZ Warriors lost their NRL preseason game vs Sea Eagles and didn't show any funky additions to their mediocre attacking movements, while a bunch of Kiwi-NRL juniors caught the eye for Penrith Panthers as they build out their Aotearoa flavour. Then we finish with a stinky loss for Wellington Phoenix women and Aotearoa A-League derby prep for the men.

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(00:00) Blackcaps

(36:30) Mindfulness

(40:21) Ford Trophy

(51:39) HBJ Shield

(56:12) NZ Breakers/NBL

(01:02:52) Mason Barber, Setu Tu, NZ Warriors

(01:13:13) A-Leagues

This week in the Niche Cache we chat through the Blackcaps win vs Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup and set up their next game vs UAE. We also discuss Ford Trophy and HBJ Shield cricket on the domestic circuit before checking with NZ Breakers as they chase NBL finals, while kiwis like Flynn Cameron are already comfortably in the finals mix. Mason Barber showed his potential in NRL preseason footy for Cowboys and NZ Warriors started their U17/U19 season with a couple of losses. We finish with lots of A-League football starting with Sarpreet Singh returning to Wellington Phoenix before diving deep into defensive styles, Auckland FC's win and Phoenix women being the most entertaining kiwi team in A-League.

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(00:00) Sam Ruthe & Pia Vlok

(18:39) Jess Kerr & Wellington Blaze

(33:29) Mindfulness

(35:59) NZ Breakers

(38:10) Dragons/NZ Warriors

(01:01:10) Blackcaps

(01:17:55)- Northern Brave & Domestic cricket

(01:30:33) A-Leagues

(01:50:42) Flying Kiwis

This week in the Niche Cache we update the crazy mahi of Sam Ruthe and Pia Vlok, as well as celebrating Wellington Blaze legend Jess Kerr. Then we check in with NZ Breakers and Bailey Carmichael who is the latest Kiwi-NRL signing for St George Illawarra Dragons, which leads into some basic NZ Warriors ideas to warm up the NRL muscles. Blackcaps are about to start their T20 World Cup campaign so we break down all the key pockets like Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner's batting and Jacob Duffy's undercover excellence. We swing back around to Northern Brave's Super Smash championship and roll through the New Zealand A-League action, before finishing with a quick round up of Nik Tzanev, Elijah Just and Marko Stamenic.

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(00:00) Porirua

(04:31) Blackcaps

(41:30) Mindfulness

(45:55) Super Smash

(01:02:27) Elijah Just

(01:08:51) Wellington Phoenix women

(01:26:02) Auckland FC

(01:44:50) Phoenix, Newcastle Jets, Storm Roux

(01:55:44) Sam Ruthe

(01:58:00) NZ Breakers, Flynn Cameron

(02:02:32) Tall Ferns

This week in the Niche Cache we start by breaking down New Zealand's warm up series for the T20 World Cup and a few different hot pockets like Rachin Ravindra's 1st 11 role. We check in with the Super Smash ahead of the finals weekend and dive deep into Elijah Just's form for Motherwell, then we discuss another impressive win for Wellington Phoenix Women in Porirua. Auckland FC had a draw and are still top of the A-League ladder while Phoenix men continue their up and down season with a loss. We update the Sam Ruthe tracker, check in with NZ Breakers and finish with some Tall Ferns yarns as they assembled for a training camp.

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(00:00) Daryl Mitchell

(14:42) Wellington Phoenix

(23:03) Sam Ruthe

(30:30) NZ Breakers

(35:26) Steven Adams

(37:49) Mindfulness

(43:09) Blackcaps bowling & T20s

(01:13:51) Auckland FC

(1:32:25) More Phoenix

This week in the Niche Cache we update Daryl Mitchell's legendary ODI batting for New Zealand and touch on a few more Blackcaps nuggets from their ODI series win in India, then we reflect on a winning weekend for both Wellington Phoenix teams. Sam Ruthe keeps doing crazy running stuff so we update his recent activities and check in with NZ Breakers, as well as an injury for Steven Adams. Then we swing back around to dive deeper into the Blackcaps bowling performance in India and Bevon Jacobs intrigue for the upcoming T20 series. Auckland FC appear to be stumbling but are still top of the A-League ladder after their cluster of away games in Australia and we finish with more Phoenix chat about the Eze/Piper combo and Bev Priestman's style as the women's coach.

(00:00) Bevon Jacobs & Super Smash

(42:59) Mindfulness

(46:36) Blackcaps

(01:02:01) Auckland FC

(01:18:24) Wellington Phoenix

This week in the Niche Cache we start by celebrating Bevon Jacob's fabulous summer and dive deeper into all Super Smash action, as well as touching on the Blackcaps ODI series in India. Then we break down a few deep cut details for Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix men, plus Emma Pijnenburg's impact for the Phoenix women.

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by celebrating the Wellington Phoenix women's vibe led by Nepal's Sabitra Bhandari aka Samba which flows into more striker discussion featuring Ifeanyi Eze and Sam Cosgrove. Then we touch on NZ Warriors depth and dive deep into all things cricket in New Zealand, followed by more in depth A-League yarns for both Wellington Phoenix teams and Auckland FC.

(00:00) Samba, Eze & Cosgrove

(20:45) Mindfulness

(23:48) NZ Warriors Depth

(38:08) Aotearoa Cricket

(01:27:11) A-Leagues

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This week in the Niche Cache we start with quick notes about players who have departed NZ Warriors before diving into a big debrief the Blackcaps Test series win vs West Indies and reacting to the ODI/T20I squads to tour India. We also chat through some domestic cricket matters ahead of the Super Smash and then break down a fabulous round of A-League footy for both Wellington Phoenix teams and Auckland FC. The Phoenix women combined physical defence with sharp goal-scoring, Phoenix men have solid pros filling their team now and Auckland FC keep on grinding opposition teams down. We also touch on New Zealand's goalkeeping depth and a losing streak for NZ Breakers in the NBL.

(00:00) NZ Warriors departures

(08:20) Blackcaps

(51:47) A-Leagues

(01:43:26) NZ Breakers

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This week in the Niche Cache we reflect on an impressive Blackcaps win vs West Indies in Wellington and preview the third Test. The we tap into domestic cricket with a quick round up of Canterbury's big win vs Auckland and some key points from the latest weekend of HBJ Shield. Then we chat through another National League championship for Auckland City before weaving between Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix results in the A-League. Wellington Phoenix women had another close loss in Australia and Tauranga Whai are Tauihi champions, then we finish with the Kiwi-NRL players who have train/trial contracts this summer.

(00:00) Blackcaps

(21:05) Mindfulness

(23:04) Plunket Shield

(34:38) HBJ Shield

(41:52) National League

(50:29) Auckland FC & Wellington Phoenix

(01:06:21) Wellington Phoenix women

(01:14:45) Tauihi

(01:21:20) Kiwi-NRL train/trial

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This week in the Niche Cache we dive deep into Blackcaps Test matters as New Zealand showcases it's cricketing depth during the Test series vs West Indies. We the update some of the best young batters in Plunket Shield and salute Auckland FC for another A-League derby win vs Wellington Phoenix. Michaela Foster, Marko Stamenic and Ben Waine lead our Flying Kiwis coverage and NZ Breakers are on the up with a few wins in a row and much improved mahi. We finish with a few Kiwi-NRL recruitment trends such as NZ Warriors departures, Rabbitohs increasing their Aotearoa flavour and Broncos filling their stash.

(00:00) Blackcaps

(37:29) Mindfulness

(40:56) Plunket Shield

(46:43) Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix

(01:14:58) Wellington Phoenix Women/Michaela Foster

(01:20:10) Marko Stamenic and Ben Waine

(01:26:40) NZ Breakers

(01:34:18) Kiwi-NRL movements

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This week on The Niche Cast, we spend a whole chunk on the upcoming NZ Derby in the A-League, first chatting Auckland FC's lack of goal-scorers, then moving into Wellington Phoenix tactical tweaks. The Tall Blacks and Football Ferns have had series against Australia so we compare the vibes. Then a bit of Joe Bell x Flying Kiwis footy... before strutting through the domestic cricket scene and looking at some Kiwi-NRL emerging players in Queensland and a bit of Warriors young depth.

(03:32) Auckland FC

(36:14) Mindfulness

(40:00) Wellington Phoenix

(01:06:28) Tall Blacks & Football Ferns vs Oz

(01:19:56) Joe Bell/Flying Kiwis

(01:23:24) Domestic Cricket

(01:43:43) Kiwi-NRL Juniors + Warriors Depth

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This week in the Niche Cache we gather excitement for calm, relaxed, mellow Test cricket between New Zealand and West Indies. We dive deep into Blackcaps Test and ODI stuff as well as checking in with the Plunket Shield where a cluster of emerging batters scored runs in the first round. Then we debate about how effective Wellington Phoenix men have been to start the season, Auckland FC's positive results despite being far from their best and how Pia Vlok has emerged with Wellington Phoenix women. Joe Bell is on the cusp of a rare Flying Kiwis achievement, NZ Breakers can't win back to back games but they are winning a few games now and then we finish with a look at the new signings for NZ Warriors for the 2026 NRL season.

(00:00) Blackcaps

(46:42) Plunket Shield

(01:01:12) Mindfulness

(01:02:59) Wellington Phoenix men

(01:33:01) Auckland FC

(01:47:01) Wellington Phoenix women

(01:55:40) Joe Bell

(02:00:51) NZ Breakers

(02:04:44) NZ Warriors

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by celebrating Daryl Mitchell's mahi and break down a few more Blackcaps things from their ongoing series vs West Indies such as Kyle Jamieson stacking up game time as part of the swinging bowling attack. We also touch on the start of HBJ Shield and Ford Trophy morphing into Plunket Shield as New Zealand's domestic cricket season is in motion. Then we check in with Wellington Phoenix Women who have had two draws to start the season, while All Whites have made improvements in their goal-scoring and Auckland FC's development system continues to impress. NZ Breakers are repeating weekly cycles, while Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs are increasing their recruitment of Aotearoa rugby league talent.

(00:00) Blackcaps

(28:16) Mindfulness

(34:07) Plunket Shield

(36:21) Auckland cricket, HBJ Shield & Ford Trophy

(45:20) Wellington Phoenix Women

(01:00:40) All Whites

(01:12:35) Auckland FC Reserves

(01:30:20) NZ Breakers

(01:33:36) NZ Warriors/Panthers/Rabbitohs

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by celebrating Jacob Duffy's T20 bowling excellence for Blackcaps, Steven Adams' role in Houston Rockets highlights, react to the Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix derby and check in with Joe Bell's recent mahi. Then we discuss the Pacific Championships final and all angles of the Kiwis success. NZ Breakers had another loss and the bad vibes are stacking up, while All Whites are preparing for another wave of games with a weakened squad. Wellington Phoenix women had a draw to start their season and we finish with a crossover between Blackcaps T20 cricket and Ford Trophy.

(00:00) Jacob Duffy

(05:37) Steven Adams

(13:00) Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix

(28:51) Joe Bell

(37:16) Mindfulness

(40:36) Kiwis Pacific Championships

(01:21:30) NZ Breakers

(01:38:15) More Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix

(01:56:02) All Whites

(02:03:08) Phoenix women

(02:14:28) Blackcaps and Ford Trophy

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This week in the Niche Cache we celebrate NZ Kiwis, Blackcaps, Steven Adams and prepare for the Aotearoa A-League Derby. We chat through some Pacific Championships stuff, compare Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix coaching, update how Steven Adams is tracking in the NBA and check in with the NZ Breakers chaos after a big win. Then we dive deeper into Blackcaps who swept aside England in the ODI series and now prepare for a T20 series against West Indies. That means talking through two different squads, players out of form like Will Young and the depth in both formats with some Ford Trophy weaved in for more context. Before we hit up the kiwi derby, an All Whites squad was announced which included Sarpreet Singh after his goal on the weekend and we offer some background information for Kees Sims. We also update the New Zealand flavour for Newcastle Jets women and how Lara Colpi is tracking.

(00:00) NZ Kiwis vs Tonga

(15:04) Aotearoa derby coaches

(24:10) Steven Adams

(36:06) NZ Breakers

(38:28) Mindfulness

(41:36) Blackcaps

(01:16:45) - Sarpreet Singh & Flying Kiwis

(01:27:48) All Whites squad

(01:35:15) Newcastle Jets Women

(01:38:24) Wellington Phoenix vs Auckland FC

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This week in the Niche Cache we start with a few rugby league notes with signing news and Pacific Championship stuff before celebrating Jackson Ball's rise to a starting role with Illawarra in the NBL. We break down another NZ Breakers loss and updated Steven Adams' start to the NBA season before going into the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC estuaries. Both teams had home wins over the weekend with kiwis like Corban Piper, Xuan Loke and Jesse Randell impressing. Football Ferns have been in action as well and Macey Fraser popped up in the Women's National League. The cool cats lead our Flying Kiwis round up this week with Marko Stamenic, Elijah Just and Matthew Garbett. Then we wrap up a stinky ODI World Cup for White Ferns, before talking through the best Blackcaps performers vs England in Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry and Zak Foulkes. Ford Trophy started last weekend so we finish with plenty of domestic cricket including Henry Nicholls' centuries, seaming all-rounders and the best emerging talent for each team.

(00:30) NRL/Pacific Championships

(14:45) Mindfulness

(17:25) NBL/NBA

(33:35) A-League

(59:52) Football Ferns

(01:11:19) Flying Kiwis

(01:18:40) White Ferns

(01:24:27) Blackcaps

(01:39:17) Ford Trophy

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This week in the Niche Cache we celebrate a tremendous start to the Pacific Championships and how New Zealand's teams respond to the unique atmosphere on offer. Then we touch on a Blackcaps spin issue in T20Is and the White Ferns top order struggling for runs at the World Cup, before breaking down two draws for Aotearoa's A-League teams in Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix. NZ Breakers are repeating a win-loss cycle in the NBL with Carlin Davison emerging as an exciting kiwi athlete and Steven Adams is about to start his NBA season. We swing back around to digest some Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Samoa details before chatting through some young players to watch out for in Ford Trophy as the cricket season starts in New Zealand. Chris Wood has a new manager at Nottingham Forest, Kosta Barbarouses scored in his first game for Western Sydney and Callum McCowatt scored another goal for Silkeborg which gives us three funky All Whites attackers to compare and contrast.

(00:00) Pacific Championships

(16:14) Blackcaps & White Ferns

(25:50) A-League

(39:02) NZ Breakers

(51:33) Steven Adams

(59:10) Mindfulness

(01:01:36) More Kiwis & Kiwi Ferns

(01:23:00) Ford Trophy

(01:36:17) Chris Wood/Kosta Barbarouses/Callum McCowatt

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by breaking down Blackcaps T20 matters ahead of the series vs England and chuckle at the Kane Williamson situation. Then we update the White Ferns ODI World Cup campaign and how NZ Breakers slipped up with another loss early in their NBL season. We chat through lots of football led by All Whites who had another solid performance in losing to Poland and Football Ferns are preparing for their international window coming up. Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix start their A-League season with away trips this weekend, plus Luke Flowerdew is shining for Phoenix Reserves in the National League. We finish with some NZ Warriors news as they signed Alofiana Khan-Pereira and have had some headline buzz about junior signings.

(00:00) Blackcaps

(41:36) Mindfulness

(45:33) White Ferns

(52:40) NZ Breakers

(01:15:10) All Whites

(01:35:26) Football Ferns

(01:52:10) A-League/National League

(02:09:44) NZ Warriors

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by celebrating Brisbane Broncos, Callum McCowatt, Jacob Duffy and Jimmy Neesham for their sneaky Aotearoa excellence. Then we check in with the 0-4 NZ Breakers and a cluster of New Zealand guards doing well in the NBL like Flynn Cameron and Taine Murray. We react to NZ Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns squads for the Pacific Championship, reflect on two losses for White Ferns at the ODI World Cup and break down Blackcaps T20 depth after the series against Australia. Chris Wood is struggling with Nottingham Forest, Football Ferns have named a squad and we put the National League spotlight on Kaelin Nguyen and Aston Burns.

(01:31) Brisbane Broncos

(14:37) Callum McCowatt

(21:22) Jacob Duffy/Jimmy Neesham

(25:50) Mindfulness

(32:20) NBL & Breakers

(49:31) NZ Kiwis/Kiwi Ferns

(01:07:23) White Ferns

(01:09:45) Blackcaps

(01:30:01) Chris Wood

(01:36:55) Football Ferns

(01:46:45) National League

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This week in the Niche Cache we celebrate Steven Adams going barefoot and his NBA media day antics before diving into a 0-3 start to the NBL season for NZ Breakers. We have an All Whites squad to break down with George Stanger and Owen Parker-Price earning call ups, while the NZ National League has started closer to home. We roll through the rise of Isa Prins, Noah Karunaratne's impact and a few more National League points. Then we finish the podcast with all the New Zealand flavour in NRL and NRLW Grand Finals as well as NZ Warriors in the State Championship.

(00:00) Steven Adams

(11:23) Mindfulness

(15:50) NZ Breakers

(32:54) All Whites

(53:08) National League

(01:10:28) NRL/NRLW

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by celebrating Callum McCowatt's perfect footballing hat-trick for Silkeborg IF in Denmark and Otago winning the Ranfurly Shield. Then we chat through a tough start to the NBL season for NZ Breakers who had two heavy losses and break down Isaiah Papali'i's NRL Finals form as well as all New Zealand angles in NRL/NRLW Finals. Chris Wood has a new coach at Nottingham Forest and we discuss some National League key points ahead of the new season, then we finish with White Ferns form and Blackcaps T20 strike-rates.

(00:00) Callum McCowatt

(14:03) Ranfurly Shield

(18:22) Mindfulness

(24:38) NZ Breakers

(41:51) NRL/NRLW

(01:12:26) Chris Wood

(01:16:21) Wellington Phoenix

(01:23:28) National League

(01:34:59) White Ferns/Blackcaps

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by comparing New Zealand Warriors and All Whites. Both have laid strong foundations despite recent losses and have plenty of room for growth moving forward. Then we chat through the latest Kane Williamson news and discuss where he sits in the Blackcaps T20I mix, before highlighting Geordie Beamish's mahi at the Athletics World Championships. NZ Breakers are preparing for the Australian NBL season and while some Aussies don't like the Breakers' depth, we do and we think they can shake up the NBL this season. NRL finals roll along and NRLW finals are about to start with lots of Aotearoa estuaries to explore, plus there a few NZ Warriors things to chat through like Ivana Lauitiiti being awesome and Warriors junior signings. We finish by putting the football spotlight on Matthew Garbett and then Wellington Phoenix who have added Macey Fraser to their women's team as well as Dan Edwards and Ramy Najjarine to their men's team.

(01:53) NZ Warriors & All Whites

(24:25) Kane Williamson

(46:17) Geordie Beamish

(53:52) Mindfulness

(59:22) NZ Breakers

(01:13:36) NRL/NRLW

(01:42:23) Matthew Garbett

(01:50:07) Wellington Phoenix

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This week in the Niche Cache we conjure divine intervention for NZ Warriors vs Penrith Panthers and All Whites vs Socceroos. We check in with some of the leading storylines for both games at Mt Smart before rolling through Chatham Cup/Kate Sheppard Cup streaks, NZ-A cricket, NZ U16 men's basketball team and a giggle about Steven Adams. Then we update the latest NRLW angles from Aotearoa and dive deeper into NRL finals including how NZ Warriors and Panthers share junior talent, plus some notable Kiwi-NRL juniors to watch out for in finals footy like Alec MacDonald, Benaiah Ioelu, Jordan Riki and Matthew Timoko. Ryan Thomas was the best player for All Whites in their loss vs Australia so we chat through his style of play and background with some breaking news for Chris Wood, then we check in with Football Ferns around the world. Michaela Foster, Hannah Blake, Jacqui Hand and Macey Fraser feature there before we finish with a brainstorming exercise for Blackcaps depth.

(00:00) NZ Warriors & All Whites at Mt Smart

(11:40) Mindfulness

(18:05) Paul Ifill/Auckland United Women

(26:56) NZ-A cricket

(37:52) NZ U16 basketball

(46:08) NRLW

(52:16) NRL

(01:24:27) All Whites: Ryan Thomas/Chris Wood

(01:42:07) Flying Kiwis: Michaela Foster, Jacqui Hand, Macey Fraser

(01:52:54) Blackcaps

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by checking in with the battle of kiwi football captains (Finn Surman vs Michael Boxall) which leads into some of the youngsters who are loved by their fanbases around the world. We ponder the curse of Mt Smart and salute Southland for their sporting excellence, then we break down NZ Breakers at the NBL Blitz. Canberra Raiders are NRL minor premiers led by Wellington's Joseph Tapine, Broncos bring their NRLWahine back to Aotearoa to play against NZ Warriors women and the Warriors men need to find their groove against Manly Sea Eagles. Auckland FC were knocked out of the Aussie Cup and we roll through lots of All Whites stuff ahead of their Ashes games vs Australia next week. We finish with NZ-A cricket as they have started their tour of South Africa with two losses and lots of runs from Zak Foulkes.

(00:00) Finn Surman vs Michael Boxall

(17:35) Tim Seifert in CPL

(19:29) Mt Smart curse

(28:26) Southland wins Ranfurly Shield

(32:36) Aotearoa music

(34:50) Mindfulness

(41:10) NZ Breakers

(52:11) NRL/NZ Warriors

(01:18:06) Auckland FC

(01:22:47) All Whites

(01:42:44) NZ-A cricket

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by saluting the Naram Rhythm Section and then map out expectations/hopes for NZ Warriors, NZ Breakers, White Ferns, Auckland FC and both Wellington Phoenix teams. Then we dive deeper into all things NZ Warriors ahead of an NRL game vs Parramatta Eels and NRLW game vs St George Illawara Dragons, with some NZ Kiwis stuff sprinkled in after the news around Brandon Smith. Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix have been in Aussie Cup mode so we compare their campaigns and how they have used the tournament to build towards the A-League season. Then we check in with Alex Paulsen, Marko Stamenic, Elijah Just and Finn Surman who have all had funky football weeks. We finish with some Blackcaps news and some notes about the NZ-A cricket squad to tour South Africa.

(00:00) Naram Rhythm Section

(07:41) Mindfulness

(09:48) Setting expectations

(42:32) NZ Warriors

(01:21:42) Auckland FC & Wellington Phoenix in Aussie Cup

(01:30:49) Flying Kiwis

(01:45:31) Blackcaps

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This week in the Niche Cache we start with a bit of Chris Wood, Wellington Phoenix reserves, NZ Warriors women showcasing their mana and NZ Warriors vs Dragons. Then we debrief the Tall Blacks' Asia Cup campaign and update the NZ Breakers squad after Kaia Isaac moved to NCAA hoops. We dive deeper into all NZ Warriors led by the importance of Taine Tuaupiki at fullback for their push into finals footy. We preview the weekend's NRL and NRLW games for NZ Warriors, as well as sprinkling in a few NZ Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns updates. We react to the All Whites squad named to take on Australia with Ryan Thomas returning to the New Zealand team and we roll through a few impressive pockets of All Whites depth. We finish with a quick round up of Blackcaps T20 seamers as they prepare for a steady flow of T20Is over the next few months.

(00:00) Chris Wood and local football

(11:35) NZ Warriors vs Dragons and NRLW mana

(27:04) Mindfulness

(31:11) Geneva AM and Soft Bait

(36:37) Tall Blacks

(58:08) NZ Warriors

(01:35:04) Jordan Riki and NZ Kiwis

(01:40:40) All Whites

(02:14:43) Blackcaps T20 seamers

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This week in the Niche Cache we roll through some quick nuggets for NZ Warriors, Blackcaps, NZ basketball and Gabi Rennie. Then we check in with the Tall Blacks at the Asia Cup where they have won their first three games, followed by a deep dive into Blackcaps who just finished up their tour of Zimbabwe. NZ Warriors had another NRL loss and a strong NRLW win, setting up a curious weekend of rugby league coming up against Dragons and Raiders in Aotearoa. We have three funky things about domestic football in New Zealand and recap another win for Wellington Phoenix in the Aussie Cup. We finish with updates for Ben Old, Liberato Cacace, Tyler Bindon, Marko Stamenic and Alex Paulsen.

(00:00) Intro

(23:30) Mindfulness

(27:33) Tall Blacks

(39:26) Blackcaps

(01:13:22) NZ Warriors

(01:35:57) Local football

(01:43:55) Wellington Phoenix

(01:50:33) Flying Kiwis

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This week in the Niche Cache we announce the Drone Lady becoming Bev Priestman - Wellington Phoenix women's coach. Then we preview the Asia Cup where Tall Blacks will be aiming to keep a hot run for New Zealand basketball going, before diving into a bunch of rugby league matters. NZ Kiwis middle forwards are playing more minutes, Gayle Broughton and Rosie Kelly are doing more kicking, Aublix Tawha is shining for Dolphins, Ed Kosi is off to Rabbitohs, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava is the latest Kiwi-NRL debutant and the NZ Warriors women had a hearty win with a quartet of youngsters stepping up. NZ Warriors lost to Dolphins in the NRL and we preview four Warriors vs Bulldogs games coming this weekend. Then we check in with Blackcaps who had a Test win vs Zimbabwe and update Wellington Phoenix/Auckland FC off-season antics.

(00:00) Bev Priestman

(07:34) Mindfulness

(09:57) Tall Blacks

(20:27) NZ Kiwis/Kiwi Ferns & NZ Warriors

(01:16:27) Blackcaps vs Zimbabwe

(01:45:20) Wellington Phoenix/Auckland FC

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by chatting through NZ Warriors losing at Mt Smart with big crowds and then roll through the development strategies of Warriors, Phoenix, Auckland FC and NZ Breakers. Jackson Ball has joined Illawarra Hawks in the Australian NBL and Tall Blacks are on their journey to the Asia Cup, so we weave in some Breakers angles before chatting Warriors. We start with the NRLW team, then ponder the impact of Wade Egan and the possibility of Sam Healey coming into the NRL team as well as updating the NSW Cup team who winning. There are potential Kiwi Ferns in Tenika Willison, Rosie Kelly and Kerri Johnson to chat through, plus a Kiwis squad update. Blackcaps are in Zimbabwe preparing for a Test series, after winning the T20 tri-series. We have a quick MLS check in featuring Michael Boxall, Finn Surman, Bill Tuiloma and finish with a deeper dive into Wellington Phoenix in the Aussie Cup.

(00:00) NZ Warriors at Mt Smart

(16:03) Development strategies

(30:29) Mindfulness

(37:33) Jackson Ball/NBL

(52:22) Tall Blacks

(01:01:31) NRLW/Kiwi Ferns

(01:07:47) NRL/Kiwis

(01:28:19) Blackcaps

(01:55:11) MLS

(02:05:15) Wellington Phoenix

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This week in the Niche Cache we start with a bit of Tanah Boyd's football skills and a dose of mindfulness before previewing the Southland Sharks vs Wellington Saints NBL final. Tyrell Harrison is impressing with Denver Nuggets in NBA Summer League and Tall Ferns are at the Asia Cup as well, then we chat through all things New Zealand Warriors. They had wins in NRL, NRLW, NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup so there is plenty to discuss before a quick check in with Dylan Brown's Kiwi-NRL situation, then a celebration of Alexis Tauaneai who has quickly settled as the best NRLW player from Aotearoa. Marko Stamenic got some action for Nottingham Forest vs Matt Dibley-Dias, Michael Boxall is the long throw in king and Wellington Phoenix have signed striker Ifeanyi Eze as we roll through a few kiwi football topics before finishing with a NZ-A women's cricket wrap and Blackcaps T20 tri-series preview.

(00:00) Tanah Boyd's kicks

(11:26) Mindfulness

(18:45) NBL Final

(29:56) Tyrell Harrison in NBA Summer League

(36:19) Tall Ferns

(43:14) NZ Warriors

(01:26:19) Dylan Brown, Alexis Tauaneai

(01:35:28) Marko Stamenic, Michael Boxall

(01:49:23) Wellington Phoenix

(01:57:15) NZ-A Women

(02:01:01) Blackcaps

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by previewing a massive weekend for New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart and reacting to the Blackcaps Test squad to tour Zimbabwe. Then we discuss the NZ Under 19 basketball team's World Cup campaign and NBL finals, plus a wee check in with Sam Mennenga's NBA Summer League mahi. We chat through lots of NRL/NRLW notes such as the Bulldogs first NRLW win with lots of wahine from Aotearoa, Broncos having strong NZ flavour in both teams, Temple Kalepo's debut for Cowboys and more NZ Warriors stuff. It's a busy period for Flying Kiwis transfers so we break down moves for Tyler Bindon, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Bill Tuiloma and the latest for Auckland FC/Wellington Phoenix in A-Leagues. We finish with Blackcaps T20 notes about Rachin Ravindra and more ahead of their T20 tri-series in Africa.

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(00:00) NZ Warriors

(17:26) Blackcaps Test squad

(48:19) Mindfulness

(55:33) Sean Marks

(01:00:24) U19 basketball

(01:08:08) NBL finals

(01:13:00) NBA summer league

(01:18:05) NRL/NRLW

(01:48:12) Flying Kiwis transfers

(02:09:31) Blackcaps T20

This week in the Niche Cache we start with some quick hitters about NZ Warriors wrestling, Club World Cup and Wrexham's tour, the future of Kane Williamson and Steven Adams vs Sean Marks. Then we take a musical interlude and a dose of mindfulness before breaking down the NZ U19 basketball team's first two wins of their World Cup campaign. We roll through the latest NBL action with a spotlight on Southland and Taranaki, then we discuss how NZ Warriors can freshen up their NRL footy now that they are battling injuries. Jordan Riki, Xavier Willison and Josiah Karapani led the Kiwi-NRL Broncos in their win vs Warriors, plus we have a few quick notes ahead of NRLW's team list Tuesday. We break down the Blackcaps T20 squad for a tri-series in Africa and round up some quick domestic cricket notes for each association, then we finish with Ben Waine and Michael Boxall in the Flying Kiwis football department.

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(00:00) Intro

(21:53) Mindfulness

(34:34) NZ U19 Basketball

(45:40) NBL

(52:22) NZ Warriors/Kiwi-NRL

(01:36:06) NRLW

(01:46:12) Blackcaps/Domestic Cricket

(02:17:19) Flying Kiwis football

This week at the Niche Cache we update Aotearoa dynasties then have a cricketing giggle at Tim Robinson's bowling and Will O'Rourke's batting before entering the basketball realms. We chat through Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones entering the NBA draft, Steven Adams/Kevin Durant, Parker Jackson-Cartwright staying with NZ Breakers, the latest NBL action and New Zealand U19s/Tall Ferns preparing for international tournaments. Then we chat through the NZ Warriors loss vs Penrith Panthers and set up their next game vs Brisbane Broncos, as well as covering Aublix Tawha's debut for Dolphins and NRLWahine in the trials. Wellington Phoenix have signed Vic Esson and goalkeepers lead the Flying Kiwis farmer's market, before we finish with some cricket as NZ-A women started their tour of England and Logan van Beek is in fabulous form.

(00:00) NZ sports dynasties

(12:05) Tim Robinson/Will O'Rourke

(27:15) Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones

(32:45) NZ Breakers

(35:04) Steven Adams/Kevin Durant

(44:22) NBL

(51:59) NZ U19/Tall Ferns

(01:04:01) Mindfulness

(01:07:00) NZ Warriors

(01:47:36) Aublix Tawha debut

(01:53:43) NRLW

(01:57:12) Vic Esson joins Phoenix

(02:02:32) Flying Kiwis transfers

(02:09:06) NZ-A Women/County Championship

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This week in the Niche Cache we start by celebrating the World Test Championship and debriefing Auckland City's first game at the Club World Cup. We compare Major League Cricket to Banana Ball and break down Steven Adams extending his time with Houston Rockets. Then we roll through the best performances from the NBL before going deep into NZ Warriors and Kiwi-NRL junior matters. There were wins vs Eels in NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup, a massive Kiwi-NRL junior crew for Knights U21s, Marley Igasan in NRLQ and an introduction to a possible NRLW cult-hero in Emily Curtain. Wellington Phoenix women made a few signings and we reflect on a funky phase for All Whites and NZ U20s. As usual we finish with kiwi cricket notes such as NZ-A women, Dean Foxcroft returning to Central Districts and Blackcaps T20 seamers/hitters.

(00:00) World Test Championship

(15:03) Auckland City at Club World Cup

(38:24) Mindfulness

(43:10) Steven Adams

(57:05) NBL

(01:06:29) NZ Warriors/Kiwi-NRL

(01:50:34) Wellington Phoenix

(01:56:01) All Whites/NZ U20s

(02:05:06) NZ-A Women/Dean Foxcroft/Blackcaps T20

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This week in the Niche Cache we start with the All Whites watching Ryan Fox in Canada and then salute Gary Stead for his mahi as Blackcaps coach. We swing back around to the All Whites win vs Ivory Coast and roll through a bunch of observations including Max Crocombe's time wasting excellence. Then we recap the NZ U20s losses vs Chile and discuss the funky situations for a bunch of kiwi goalkeepers. We finally get to the NZ Warriors win vs Cronulla Sharks and chat through how Warriors are falling in line with James Fisher-Harris' leadership. The NSW Cup team also had a win in Australia and there are a few Warriors pipeline notes thrown into the mix before breaking down the Kiwi-NRL Sharks, plus a debut for Mangere East junior Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana for Knights. We finish with some more Blackcaps yarns zoning in on new coach Rob Walter and intrigue for their tour of Africa.

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(00:00) All Whites watching Ryan Fox

(13:20) Gary Stead

(28:00) Mindfulness

(30:29) All Whites vs Ivory Coast

(58:32) NZ U20s vs Chile

(01:05:44) NZ goalkeeper market

(01:17:49) NZ Warriors vs Sharks

(02:01:39) Kiwi-NRL Sharks

(02:05:35) Simi Sasagi, Starford To'a, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana

(02:10:51) Rob Walter & Blackcaps

This week in the Niche Cache we check in with the latest NBL action before going deep into the New Zealand Warriors win vs Rabbitohs. We cover how Warriors absorbed injuries to Mitchell Barnett and Rocco Berry, the Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad clinic and Demitric Vaimauga's impact as well as many more wrinkles. NZ Warriors also had another win in NSW Cup and a Jersey Flegg Cup win to make it three wins vs Rabbitohs last weekend. Then we roll through some New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga players to watch out for. Football Ferns and All Whites are in action, plus the NZ U20 team so there is lots of kiwi football to discuss. We also chat through Alyssa Whinham's mahi for Sydney Olympic and the latest news for Auckland FC/Wellington Phoenix. We finish with a spotlight on Zak Foulkes and a young Blackcaps T20 team brainstorm.

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(00:00) Mindfulness

(15:34) NBL

(24:56) NZ Warriors

(01:19:51) Football Ferns

(01:27:57) All Whites/U20s

(01:37:13) Alyssa Whinham/Auckland FC/Wellington Phoenix

(01:52:12) Zak Foulkes & Young Blackcaps T20

This week in the Niche Cache we reflect on Auckland FC and NZ Warriors losses at Mt Smart. We discuss Auckland FC's loss to Melbourne Victory in the A-League finals before reacting to news that Kosta Barbarouses will leave Wellington Phoenix, as well as a few notes about the NZ Under 20s squad and Chris Wood's season with Nottingham Forest. Then we dive into the NZ Warriors loss vs Canberra Raiders with the Kiwi-NRL Raiders, Moala Graham-Taufa's move to Rabbitohs and Benaiah Ioelu's debut for Roosters sprinkled in, before exploring NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup wins for NZ Warriors vs Bulldogs. We update Jackson Ball's crazy NBL season and finish with a chat about the NZ-A cricket tour of Bangladesh, plus some updates for kiwis in County Championship.

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(00:00) Intro

(03:33) Mindfulness

(05:48) Mt Smart voodoo

(11:15) Auckland FC

(38:12) Kosta Barbarouses/NZ U20s/Chris Wood

(54:53) NZ Warriors

(01:17:05) Jackson Ball in NBL

(01:26:07) Cricket

This week in the Niche Cache we reflect on a fun weekend of New Zealand sports that featured a bunch of away wins. After a quick hot take about Ardie Savea we ponder Steven Adams' free agency and check in with the latest Indian Panthers drama, before updating the NZ NBL where Hayden Jones is shining for Nelson Giants. Jones is part of the NZ Under 19 team which is full of fantastic kiwi youngsters and deserves some spotlight as well, which is the same for the NZ Warriors development pipeline. Tanner Stowers-Smith is the latest youngster to make his debut during the win vs Dolphins and there is a clear connection between the youngsters at Mt Smart and a NSW Cup team that can't stop winning. We touch on a few more Warriors details like key trios, wrestling and Jacob Laban/Leka Halasima development before rolling through the latest NRLW signing news where Bulldogs have lots of wahine from Aotearoa. We discuss Chris Wood, Marko Stamenic and Elijah Just activities then we dive into the Auckland FC win vs Melbourne Victory and the hype around their return leg in Auckland for a bumper weekend at Mt Smart. We finish with a net session updating County Championship cricket and the sneaky epic NZ-A win in Bangladesh.

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(00:00) Intro

(19:27) Mindfulness

(21:18) Steven Adams

(27:52) NBL/NZ U19

(43:07) NZ Warriors

(01:16:26) NRLW

(01:22:39) Chris Wood/Marko Stamenic/Elijah Just

(01:35:00) Auckland FC

(01:55:37) NZ-A win in Bangladesh

This week in the Niche Cache we celebrate Joe Bell's love for kiwifruit and a Tall Blacks win vs Australia. We debrief the whole basketball series between New Zealand and Australia before breaking down the New Zealand Warriors win vs Dragons. We also dive deeper into the Warriors development system where they have an excellent NSW Cup team once again with plenty of young talent on the rise. Sticking with the deep dive vibe we preview the first leg of Auckland FC vs Melbourne Victory in A-League finals with all the nitty gritty details you need to know. Elijah Just, Chris Wood and Callum McCowatt lead our Flying Kiwis bracket this week and then we finish with a net session to chat through Tom Latham's century in County Championship and wrap up the NZ-A vs Bangladesh A one-day series.

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(00:00) Intro

(08:41) Mindfulness

(12:20) Tall Blacks & Ferns

(28:48) NZ Warriors

(01:19:19) Auckland FC vs Melbourne Victory

(01:52:00) Flying Kiwis

(02:01:35) Cricket

This week in the Niche Cache we start by celebrating kiwi music with a new album from Marlon Williams leading our discussion. Then we salute the Indian Panthers and preview Tall Blacks/Ferns vs Australia as well as wrapping up Steven Adams' NBA season after Houston Rockets lost to Golden State Warriors. We go deep into New Zealand Warriors matters as usual with notes from the win vs North Queensland Cowboys and deep cuts such as back to back Harold Matthews Cup championships. Then we roll through the kiwis playing in A-League before touching on Wellington Phoenix sadness, Auckland FC depth and NZ-A starting their cricket tour of Bangladesh.

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(00:00) Musical Jam

(12:59) Indian Panthers

(27:27) Tall Blacks/Ferns

(36:40) Steven Adams

(56:53) NZ Warriors

(01:36:40) Chris Wood & A-League

(02:07:13) NZ-A Cricket

This week in the Niche Cache we celebrate Auckland FC who won the A-League Premiers' Plate in their first season. We chat through all the details from their win over Perth Glory and update the wider themes we see in how the Blue Riders play their footy. There are a few kiwi footballers to discuss from the weekend's footy around the world as well before we check in with Steven Adams in the NBA Playoffs and NBL basketball where Canterbury Rams and Auckland Tuatara lead the league, but youngster Jackson Ball keeps making waves with Hawkes Bay Hawks. Then we roll through a fun weekend for NZ Warriors who had wins in the NRL and NSW Cup vs Newcastle Knights, plus a Jersey Flegg Cup draw vs Knights. The Warriors Under 17 team have made the Harold Matthews Cup grand final for the second season in a row which seems notable. Anzac weekend sparked up thoughts of an NZ Kiwis Anzac Test team and this rolls into the best Kiwi-NRL players from the first stanza of the season. We finish with a net session of New Zealand cricket with notes about MLC buy in, Blackcaps coaching, County Championship and an NZ-A team to tour Bangladesh.

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(00:00) Auckland FC

(29:54) Mindfulness

(33:46) More Auckland FC

(01:06:20) Flying Kiwis

(01:11:16) Steven Adams

(01:12:54) NBL

(01:26:15) NZ Warriors

(01:57:38) NZ Kiwis

(02:00:58) Cricket

This week in the Niche Cache we check in with our kiwi sports delusions which leads into a Kiwi County Tour update for New Zealand cricketers in County Championship. Then we react to Steven Adams and his Houston Rockets losing their first NBA playoffs game vs Golden State Warriors before checking in with the NBL where Wellington Saints and Canterbury Rams are top of the league. We also chat through the continued form of Jackson Ball and Carlin Davison, as well as Corey Webster and Dontae Russo-Nance leading Manawatu. Then we have lots to discuss about New Zealand Warriors who defeated Brisbane Broncos and have an Anzac celebration in Christchurch vs Newcastle Knights. Chris Wood got back into a scoring groove for Nottingham Forest while Moses Dyer and Callum McCowatt are scoring goals so we check in with the Flying Kiwis. And Auckland FC are still dominating and top of the A-League after their win vs Melbourne Victory.

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(00:00) Intro

(09:19) Mindfulness

(17:24) Kiwi cricket delusion

(31:50) NZers in County Cricket

(37:03) Steven Adams in NBA Playoffs

(57:08) NBL

(01:10:10) NZ Warriors

(01:51:18) Chris Wood, Moses Dyer, Callum McCowatt

(02:04:04) Auckland FC

This week on the Niche Cast we start by working through the most concerning pockets of our New Zealand sports beat which ends up being Wellington Phoenix. Steven Adams is about to start NBA playoffs with Houston Rockets and NZ Breakers have signed Reuben Te Rangi, Taylor Britt and Rob Lowe, plus we roll through a few key points from the NZ NBL. Brett Hampton, Logan van Beek, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner have started their County Championship winters in England, then we chat about the women's cricket system in New Zealand. NZ Warriors had losses in NRL, NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup over the weekend and they have also signed another young Aussie in Jye Linnane. We discuss the theme of young Aussies joining NZ Warriors and how Newcastle Knights are doing the opposite in recruiting young halves from Aotearoa. There are a few more Kiwi-NRL notes on offer such as Tyrone Thompson's debut and Starford To'a doing career best mahi. We finish by celebrating Marko Stamenic then the weekly check in with Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC.

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(00:00) Intro & Concerning Pockets

(14:18) Mindfulness

(16:22) Steven Adams

(21:42) NZ Breakers & NBL

(40:44) County Championship

(47:34) Women's cricket system

(56:46) NZ Warriors

(01:29:39) Kiwi-NRL

(01:33:07) Marko Stamenic

(01:36:57) Wellington Phoenix

(01:48:24) Auckland FC

This week on the Niche Cast we chat through some basketball matters including the Canterbury Rams dominance in the NBL, kiwis moving around the Australian NBL and Yanni Wetzel's impressive performances overseas. We update the latest of Chris Wood as well as a few more New Zealand footballers overseas before discussing the state of Football Ferns. Auckland FC are still on top of the A-League ladder and we put the spotlight on Logan Rogerson as part of a big Auckland FC yarn, before sliding over to Wellington Phoenix who had a win last weekend. This leads to a bigger picture perspective about both Phoenix teams as they have a bunch of matters that need to be resolved heading into next season starting with their coaches. NZ Warriors had a bye this round in the NRL but we chat through a few leftover notes before rolling through a bunch of Kiwi-NRL things such as debuts for Moses Leo and Sean Mullany, Sebastian Kris' form and some deep cuts in the junior ranks. We finish with Brett Hampton's first game of County Championship, Blackcaps performances vs Pakistan and the 10 best young cricketers in New Zealand after the summer season.

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(00:00) Intro

(11:45) Mindfulness

(15:41) NBL

(38:54) Flying Kiwis

(45:49) Football Ferns

(56:49) A-League

(01:29:57) NRL

(02:01:08) Blackcaps

In our podcast this week we start by offering a few apologies to Jackson Ford and 'Chico' Geraldes. After going deeper than usual into some mindfulness we update Steven Adams' NBA season with Houston Rockets. Then we dive into a change of ownership for NZ Breakers and kiwi basketballers who they can sign, or in the case of Carlin Davison have already snapped up. We touch on the latest round of Plunket Shield and the Rhys Mariu kerfuffle before balancing how older players improve in Blackcaps with the exciting youngsters on the rise like Muhammad Abbas. NZ Warriors had a gritty win vs Wests Tigers and are leading the NRL in a few funky stats, plus there are lots of younger players chiming in for a good NSW Cup team. After dropping NZ Kiwis thoughts on the fullback position we roll into A-League football where Auckland FC had a win and Wellington Phoenix men offered an encouraging performance in their draw. Moses Dyer scored a lovely goal in Ireland as well.

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(00:00) Intro & Some Apologies

(13:47) Mindfulness

(26:37) Steven Adams

(31:36) Breakers & NBL

(44:19) Plunket Shield

(53:44) Blackcaps vs Pakistan

(01:11:42) Warriors vs Tigers

(01:42:15) A-League & Flying Kiwis

This week in the Niche Cast we start by updating Sam Ruthe's mile mahi and then discuss the change in ownership for NZ Breakers. Carlin Davison, Corey Webster and Jackson Ball have had strong start to the NBL season, while the All Whites sealed World Cup qualification so we celebrate all things kiwi football. We also touch on Tyler Bindon, Sarpreet Singh and Marko Stamenic as kiwi footballers with intriguing club situations overseas. Wellington Phoenix Women had a loss and seem unlikely to crack A-League Women finals. Then we chat through Blackcaps T20I/ODI stuff vs Pakistan with Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas earning ODI call ups, meanwhile White Ferns have struggled to compete with Australia in their T20Is. We roll through a few Plunket Shield notes before finishing with key details about New Zealand Warriors footy after another win at Mt Smart.

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(00:00) Intro & Sam Ruthe

(11:28) Mindfulness

(12:35) NZ Breakers

(18:21) NBL

(31:52) All Whites

(01:03:06) Wellington Phoenix Women

(01:08:18) Blackcaps

(01:23:54) White Ferns

(01:37:09) Plunket Shield

(01:41:54) NZ Warriors

This week on the Niche Cast we start by setting the scene with New Zealand's young sporting talent with Sam Ruthe before taking that into Jackson Ball's crazy start to the NBL season. We also update Steven Adams' mahi for Houston Rockets and break down his recent wrestle. New Zealand Warriors had a win vs Manly Sea Eagles and the NSW Cup Warriors have won their first two games. We also chat through Naufahu Whyte's development for Sydney Roosters and the Kiwi-NRL vibes for Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights. This is a big week for All Whites football and Football Ferns have another away trip on the radar, then we discuss the weekend of A-League results for Auckland FC and the two Wellington Phoenix teams. We finish with a Plunket Shield cricket where Wellington have taken the lead and spin bowling has taken over.

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(00:00) Intro

(14:14) Mindfulness

(18:57) NBL

(30:09) Steven Adams

(37:49) NZ Warriors & Kiwi-NRL

(01:28:35) All Whites

(01:39:34) Football Ferns

(01:49:33) A-Leagues

(02:06:28) Plunket Shield

This week on the Niche Cast we update the kiwis involved in Australian NBL finals and preview the opening phase of New Zealand NBL which starts this week. Then we break down the Blackcaps Champions Trophy campaign and how they rank in the global cricket landscape, as well as New Zealand's sporting landscape where the only comparable team is the All Blacks. We chat plenty more kiwi cricket stuff with reactions to the Blackcaps T20I squad named to play against Pakistan and White Ferns beating Sri Lanka in their two ODIs, which now flows into a massive few weeks for New Zealand cricket. Oh and Tom Bruce is the Underground King but don't let that overshadow the impressive youngsters who scored runs in the latest round of Plunket Shield. Chris Wood is cruising with Nottingham Forest along with Marko Stamenic and Tyler Bindon who could soon join him, while Auckland FC are still at the top of the A-League ladder after a 1-1 draw with Newcastle. Wellington Phoenix women held it down with a win while the men suffered a stink loss and we also react to the All Whites squad named during recording. We finish with Kiwi-NRL notes for Salesi Foketi and Xavier Willison, as well as chatting through a NZ Warriors win in NSW Cup and their game vs Manly Sea Eagles this Friday night.

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(00:00) Intro

(05:10) Mindfulness

(08:23) NBL

(20:31) Blackcaps at Champions Trophy

(01:01:10) White Ferns vs Sri Lanka

(01:06:54) Blackcaps/White Ferns squad news

(01:11:48) Plunket Shield

(01:18:16) Chris Wood & Nottingham Forest

(01:28:41) Auckland FC

(01:44:35) Wellington Phoenix men and women

(01:52:05) All Whites squad news

(01:56:45) Kiwi-NRL/NZ Warriors

This week on the Niche Cast we set the scene with a weekend recap across our kiwi sports beat. Then we offer Australia and New Zealand NBL updates, before going deep into a round one loss for NZ Warriors vs Canberra Raiders. There were some impressive Kiwi-NRL performances with Matthew Timoko and Sebastian Kris leading the way for Raiders, while Isaiah Papali'i started his Penrith Panthers career. Blackcaps are in the Champions Trophy semi-finals, meanwhile Otago won the HBJ Shield final and Canterbury won the Ford Trophy final. We discuss how kiwi cricketers love playing domestic cricket, Otago's female development pipeline and the trend of young players shining with bat and ball across both competitions. Then we roll through Tyler Bindon, Liberato Cacace, Lara Colpi and more kiwi footballers around the world. We finish by breaking down Auckland FC's 4-4 draw with Adelaide United and a losing weekend for both Wellington Phoenix teams.

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(00:00) Intro

(11:02) Mindfulness

(13:04) NBL Check-In

(24:40) Boring Warriors in NRL

(01:10:20) Blackcaps at the Champions Trophy

(01:31:44) Ford Trophy

(01:41:08) HBJ Shield Finals

(01:49:06) Flying Kiwis football

(01:59:02) Auckland FC

(02:14:04) Wellington Phoenix

This week on the Niche Cast we start by discussing our favourite Blackcaps right now and reacting to Joseph Parker's latest win. We also chat about a Tall Blacks win vs Philippines in Auckland and then get deep into kiwi cricket. Blackcaps had a win vs Bangladesh and have won their first two games at the Champions Trophy, plus we have a funky White Ferns squad to break down ahead of their series vs Sri Lanka. Ford Trophy and HBJ Shield finals are coming up this weekend with lots of domestic cricket nuggets on offer, before we talk through a 1-1 draw for Football Ferns vs Costa Rica. Auckland FC bossed another Aotearoa A-League derby vs Wellington Phoenix and there's even some New Zealand Warriors rugby league to preview as they start their NRL season vs Canberra Raiders this weekend.

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(00:00) Intro (+ Favourite Blackcaps)

(10:47) Mindfulness

(12:18) Joseph Parker KO's Martin Bakole

(20:01) Tall Blacks vs Philippines

(24:20) Steven Adams & Houston Rockets

(32:24) Blackcaps beat Bangladesh

(52:15) White Ferns squad vs Sri Lanka

(01:04:44) Ford Trophy & HBJ Shield

(01:11:45) Football Ferns in Costa Rica

(01:21:59) Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix

(01:46:32) NZ Warriors & NRL

In the latest Niche Cast we measure our Blackcaps confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy and preview all aspects of this important tournament for New Zealand. We also update the kiwis involved in NBL finals and roll through the best cricketers in Ford Trophy, before setting the A-League Aotearoa derby scene for Auckland vs Wellington Phoenix. Wellington Phoenix women had another loss in Australia which is part of a wider trend and New Zealand Warriors had a fresh line up for their win over Melbourne Storm in NRL pre-season, which may or may not have any flow on to their top-17 to start the season. We finish by highlighting some of the best young play-makers from Aotearoa including Te Hurinui Twidle, Ryder Williams, Cassius Tia, Haami Loza and Bronson Reuben.

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(00:00) Intro (Auckland FC & Blackcaps hype)

(15:02) Mindfulness

(17:45) Kiwis in NBL finals

(24:41) Blackcaps in Champions Trophy

(59:04) Ford Trophy

(01:05:22) Chris Wood, Matt Garbett, Liberato Cacace

(01:18:49) Auckland vs Wellington Phoenix

(01:32:50) Wellington Phoenix Women

(01:45:55) NZ Warriors & Young Kiwi-NRL Halves

This week on the Niche Cast we celebrate the undercover excellence of Shea Ili as part of an NBL Finals preview as well as touching on the latest Tall Blacks squad. Then we discuss Liberato Cacace's ruthless tackle on Kyle Walker, another classy performance from Tyler Bindon, Suya Haering and Maya Hahn in Germany, Oliver Colloty's first goal for Peterhead FC and Ela Jerez making her debut for Wellington Phoenix women. Blackcaps have won their two tri-series games vs Pakistan and South Africa which provides momentum into the Champions Trophy. We break down a few key points like Tom Latham's double ducks, Devon Conway finding runs, New Zealand fielding and there is also a wee rant about the 'state of cricket. After a quick run through the best Ford Trophy and HBJ Shield players after recent games, we finish with NZ Warriors filling their top-30 and the Jett Cleary fetish.

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(00:00) Intro & Steven Adams

(06:48) Mindfulness

(07:38) NBL/Tall Blacks

(19:22) Flying Kiwis

(40:52) Ela Jerez & Wellington Phoenix Women

(50:05) Blackcaps in ODI mode

(01:20:06) Ford Trophy & HBJ Shield Updates

(1:26:32) NZ Warriors in trial mode

This week on the Niche Cast we celebrate the greatness of Amelia Kerr and figure out some New Zealand sporting greatness tiers. We have a few kiwis in the WNBL and Shea Ili is leading the group of kiwi lads in NBL finals, then we react to the news that Tyler Bindon will soon join Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest. A Football Ferns squad was announced to play against Costa Rica with a fun group of a attacking youngsters, while in the A-League Wellington Phoenix Women had a loss and Auckland FC kept their spot at the top of the ladder. Then we roll through key points for Super Smash champions in Wellington Blaze and Central Stags before breaking down the likely signing of Zyon Maiu'u for Bulldogs, which is especially interesting because Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs love New Zealand.

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(00:00) Introduction & Luka Doncic Trade

(11:37) Mindfulness

(12:32) Amelia Kerr Sporting Legend

(26:53) Kiwis in NBL & WNBL

(36:14) Chris Wood & Tyler Bindon at Nottingham Forest

(54:04) Football Ferns squad vs Costa Rica

(01:12:43) Wellington Phoenix Women/Auckland FC

(01:32:59) Super Smash

(01:53:55) Zyon Maiu'u to Bulldogs

(02:15:24) Kiwis in SG Ball/Tasha Gale Cup

The Niche Cache is back for another journey into the New Zealand sporting abyss where we find Max, Ben and Juan Mata. After a quick comparison between Te Maire Martin and Shaun Johnson from the 2024 NRL season, we take in some mindfulness. Then we chat through how Steven Adams is poised with Houston Rockets and the best kiwis competing for finals spots in the NBL. Auckland FC have a habit of scoring late goals in the A-League and Alex Paulsen is still delivering excellent goalkeeping mahi, while Wellington Phoenix Men have a solid defensive record with a core crew of young players. Wellington Phoenix Women have moved into the A-League finals mix and Super Smash cricket is moving towards finals so we touch on a few key points. Canterbury have Matt Boyle picking up from where Rhys Mariu left off and the Kerr sisters are dominating. We finish with the first look at Under 19 SG Ball and Tasha Gale Cup team lists with notes about NZ Warriors, Bulldogs, Sharks, the Ryder Crosswell/Haami Loza halves combo for Knights and Seriah Palepale/Trinity Tauaneai forward combo for Illawara.

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(00:00) Intro & Favourite Matas

(06:36) Te Maire Martin vs Shaun Johnson

(13:25) Mindfulness

(20:54) Steven Adams forecasting

(38:36) Kiwis in NBL

(49:13) Auckland FC

(01:09:26) Wellington Phoenix Men & Women

(01:20:39) Super Smash

(01:52:58) NZ juniors in SG Ball/Tasha Gale Cup

Welcome back to the lofi kiwi sports yarns of the Niche Cache. We begin with the weekly celebration of Chris Wood as well as a few other quick hitters like Nando Pijnaker being awesome, Blackcaps/White Ferns being top-five in the world and funky New Zealand athlete names. Then we break down the latest results for NZ Breakers in the NBL and which kiwis are performing well, before rolling through lots of Super Smash with notes for Otago, Canterbury, Central and Northern. Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix had wins in the A-League so there is plenty to discuss in the wash up of those results, before discussing Kiwi-NRL intrigue for Ryder Williams, Salesi Foketi, Francis Manuleleua. We finish with NZ Warriors hot takes and a few notes about how NRL teams use their 'Supplementary List' and 'Train/Trial' contracts.

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(00:00) Intro

(01:58) Chris Wood

(14:57) Nando Pijnaker

(20:10) Top 5 cricket nations

(25:54) Mindfulness

(28:14) NZ Breakers/NBL

(35:58) Super Smash

(01:11:17) Auckland FC

(01:32:02) Wellington Phoenix Women

(01:39:30) Kiwi-NRL/NZ Warriors

This week on the Niche Cast we have a minor celebration of Super Smash cricket and Luke Georgeson's mana before checking in with what music we have been jamming. Then we touch on the NZ Breakers before reacting to the Blackcaps squad for the Champions Trophy. Ben Sears was a surprise inclusion and there is plenty of depth throughout New Zealand cricket, leading our conversation into the depths of Super Smash. Otago Volts and Sparks are going well in Super Smash, while Jess Kerr is dominating with Wellington Blaze. It's a busy time for the Flying Kiwis with Moses Dyer and Anna Leat making moves, while Libby Cacace has a funky role with Empoli. Then we try to gather one key point about Wellington Phoenix men and women, as well as Auckland FC as they grind through the summer phase of A-League. We finish with some leftover NZ Warriors thoughts after the retirement of Tohu Harris.

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(00:00) Intro

(07:43) Mindfulness

(09:53) Musical Jams

(13:30) NZ Breakers

(19:21) Blackcaps

(56:27) Super Smash

(01:13:36) Flying Kiwis transfers

(01:36:02) Wellington Phoenix & Auckland FC

(01:50:22) NZ Warriors

This week on the Niche Cast we start by rolling through our favourite Super Smash players, kiwi women in A-League and kiwi blokes in NBL. We discuss Steven Adams' return for Houston Rockets and lay out a funky New Zealand boxing menu featuring David Nyika, Mea Motu and Joseph Parker. Then we have lots of cricket to discuss with Blackcaps vs Sri Lanka and Super Smash where there are some Champions Trophy squad thoughts, Henry Shipley's return, Bevon Jacobs easy mahi hitting, White Ferns spinners and plenty more. Wellington Phoenix women had an A-League win while Phoenix men and Auckland FC struggled, plus we have a fun group of Flying Kiwis to chat about in Sarpreet Singh, Andre de Jong and Stipe Ukich. We finish with a New Zealand Warriors 2024 stat profile deep dive.

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(00:00) Intro

(13:14) Mindfulness

(14:38) Steven Adams Ramping Up

(22:49) Kiwi Boxing Title Fights

(29:40) Blackcaps vs Sri Lanka & Super Smash Funkiness

(01:19:11) Wellington Phoenix & Auckland FC

(01:37:11) Sarpreet Singh, Andre de Jong, Matthew Garbett, Stipe Ukich

(01:49:14) NZ Warriors stat profile

This week on the Niche Cast we touch on Jasprit Bumrah's Test record vs New Zealand before highlighting a wave of young talent from Aotearoa including Otago Volts' Mason Clarke, NZ Warriors' Leka Halasima, Wellington Phoenix lads like Luke Brooke-Smith and Reading FC's Tyler Bindon. Then we break down lovely wins for Wellington Phoenix men and Auckland FC in the A-League, where Tim Paine excelled despite being ruled out due to injury before the game and Hiroki Sakai continues to offer classy mahi. Wellington Phoenix women lost and Chris Wood scored again in the Premier League. Blackcaps continue their T20I series vs Sri Lanka with big crowds as usual for cricket in New Zealand, plus we chat through the opening phase of Super Smash and we have notes about Max Chu, Bree Illing, Bella James. NZ Breakers continue to stink it up and they have a wooden spoon battle vs Cairns coming up, then we finish with five funky Kiwi-NRL lads pushing for consistent reserve grade minutes in Australia and ranking the emerging lads for NZ Warriors.

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(00:00) Intro & Bumrah/Kohli vs NZ

(07:39) Young phenoms of NZ sport

(26:35) Mindfulness

(31:02) Wellington Phoenix/Auckland FC

(01:05:28) Phoenix women/Chris Wood/Tyler Bindon

(01:12:27) Blackcaps vs Sri Lanka

(01:24:27) Super Smash

(01:45:56) NZ Breakers

(01:58:00) Kiwi-NRL/NZ Warriors youngsters

This week on the Niche Cast we celebrate Tauranga Whai winning the Tauihi basketball league and offer some of our favourite musical jam. Then we discuss the Blackcaps T20I/ODI squads to play Sri Lanka and weave in the New Zealand 11 selections that include Henry Shipley, Ben Lister, Adithya Ashok, Matt Fisher. We touch on the White Ferns ODI series vs Australia before rolling through a win for Wellington Phoenix women and two heavy defeats for Phoenix men/Auckland FC. We finish with NZ Warriors & Bulldogs NRLW signings as well as a quick round up of Kiwi-NRL juniors from St Thomas of Canterbury College.

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(00:00) Intro

(03:31) Tauranga Whai win Tauihi

(21:58) Mindfulness

(23:14) Musical jam

(29:01) Blackcaps/NZ 11 vs Sri Lanka

(01:03:41) White Ferns

(01:08:06) Wellington Phoenix women/men/Auckland FC

(01:34:36) NZ Warriors & Bulldogs NRLW signing

(01:43:06) Kiwi-NRL juniors from St Thomas of Canterbury

This week on the Niche Cast we start by rolling through NZ Breakers, Rob Loe and kiwis in NBL then Tauihi finals. Chris Wood's a good mover, NZ Warriors extended two local youngsters with Demitric Vaimauga and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava pushing for NRL footy next season. We chuck out some Blackcaps stats stuff, forecast a younger Test team and preview White Ferns vs Australia. None of New Zealand's A-League teams had a win over the weekend but Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix women had hearty draws.

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(00:00) Intro

(02:25) Blackcaps or Warriors 2025 Revival?

(11:50) Mindfulness

(13:49) Breakers & NBL

(20:24) Tauihi Semi-Final Yarns

(26:16) Chris Wood's movements

(41:39) NZ Warriors/Kiwi-NRL Panthers

(58:33) Blackcaps forecasting

(01:31:36) White Ferns vs Australia preview

(01:45:55) Auckland FC, Wellington Phoenix men & women

This week on the Niche Cast we start with a few of our favourite stinky Blackcaps nuggets after another Test loss vs England and in New Zealand. Then we chat through a few Kiwi-NRL updates like Lennix Tovo training with Rabbitohs and NZ Warriors storylines such as the young wave, Tohu Harris' role and replacing Shaun Johnson's kicking/Addin Fonua-Blake's run metres. NZ Breakers keep losing but Melbourne United are the best NBL team and have hearty kiwis in Rob Loe, Shea Ili and Flynn Cameron. Auckland FC won the A-League derby vs Wellington Phoenix which means we have plenty to discuss with notes about playing styles, Kosta Barbarouses and the temple of Mt Smart. We finish with more complaining about Blackcaps, because, well they deserve it.

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(00:33) Blackcaps Nuggets

(11:33) Mindfulness

(18:36) Kiwi-NRL/NZ Warriors

(32:15) NZ Breakers/NBL

(43:57) Phoenix women/Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix

(01:25:08) Blackcaps Melancholy

This week on the Niche Cast we roll through Joseph Parker's next fight, Chris Wood's penalty taking excellence and the Freddie Gillespie/Tacko Fall swap for NZ Breakers. Then we go deep into the Blackcaps vs England mangroves with notes about respecting England's domination of Blackcaps, Blackcaps being mediocre in New Zealand, playing styles, form slumps and plenty more. Plunket Shield rolls along so we offer a few of our favourite players (Rhys Mariu, Bevon Jacobs, Brett Hampton, Matt Fisher) and break down Otago's strong start to HBJ Shield. Auckland United and Auckland City won the National League football finals, while Auckland FC continue to own the A-League which includes nifty mahi from Nando Pijnaker. We finish with NZ Warriors depth/contract stuff and Sydney Roosters setting up a base in Christchurch.

(Also, apologies for the audio quality… we had some technical dramas with the upload so it was a low-quality file or nothing - we’ll try fix it later if we can, cheers for understanding)

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(00:00) Intro

(06:28) Mindfulness

(09:34) Joseph Parker's next fight

(16:26) Chris Wood's penalties

(25:17) NZ Breakers defensive wonkiness

(36:38) Blackcaps vs England emotional purge

(01:33:29) Plunket Shield & HBJ Shield

(01:43:33) Auckland FC defensive prowess

(01:58:31) National League Grand Finals

(02:07:38) Warriors Offseason Tracker & Other NRL

This week on the Niche Cast we start by breaking down the National League football finals and updating the latest youngsters to play for Tall Blacks, before rolling through a hefty New Zealand vs England Test series preview. Nathan Smith seems likely to debut in Christchurch, Glenn Phillips might be underrated and Tom Blundell is out of form but he loves batting against England. There are a few Plunket Shield notes such as Rhys Mariu now averaging 60 odd as well. All three kiwi A-League teams had wins over the weekend so we discuss the impressive young Wellington Phoenix players like Isaac Hughes, Corbin Piper and Nathan Walker, Auckland FC's defensive excellence and the first win for Phoenix women. We finish with a few quick Kiwi-NRL nuggets about Te Hurinui Twidle rising with Parramatta Eels and Sosaia Alatini/Cassius Tia rising with Bulldogs.

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(00:00) Intro

(00:28) National League finals

(13:42) Mindfulness

(14:56) Tall Blacks

(23:02) Blackcaps vs England

(01:10:29) Wellington Phoenix & Auckland FC

(01:39:31) Wellington Phoenix Women

(01:45:35) Te Hurinui Twidle, Sosaia Alatini, Cassius Tia

This week on the Niche Cast we begin, as we often do, with a chat about the Blackcaps following the limited overs tour of Sri Lanka... leading into some stat crunching about the young players taking international cricket by storm. From there we delve into some of the top performers in the Plunket Shield and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and then football takes over, with a few takeaways from the latest All Whites games and the Wellington Phoenix Women's poor start. The Breakers keep winning and they also keep doing weird things so the Freddie Gillespie/Tacko Fall situation gets a few words. Then finally a few key NRL/NRLW offseason moves for you to stay attuned to, including a sneaky trend of NZ Sevens reps flocking to rugby league.

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(00:00) Intro

(03:51) Test Cricket priorities

(07:53) Mindfulness

(10:36) Blackcaps in Sri Lanka

(35:05) Emerging Blackcaps Stat Game

(52:30) Plunket Shield/Hallyburton Johnstone Shield

(01:04:37) All Whites in World Cup quals

(01:14:22) Wellington Phoenix women

(01:30:58) Breakers winning/weirdness

(01:40:13) Kiwi-NRL Corner

This week on the Niche Cast we offer some musical jam and ponder what NZ Breakers are capable of in the NBL. We also chat through the best kiwis in Tauihi before covering all things Wellington Phoenix after the men won 3-0 vs Central Coast Mariners and women lost 0-1 to Canberra United. There are a few National League nuggets as well, then we discuss the Blackcaps T20I series in Sri Lanka and the start of Plunket Shield cricket. Logan van Beek may be the best player in domestic cricket and Bevon Jacobs is an all format batter for Auckland Aces. We finish with a Pacific Championship debrief for New Zealand Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns along with Kiwi-NRL/NRLWahine notes about Salesi Ataata at Rabbitohs, Jeremiah Mata'utia/Henry Teutau at Cowboys, Shaniece Monschau/Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau at Bulldogs.

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(00:00) Intro

(07:05) Musical jam

(17:15) Mindfulness

(18:39) NZ Breakers

(26:28) Tauihi

(33:10) Wellington Phoenix men

(53:47) Wellington Phoenix women

(01:14:42) Flying Kiwis & National League

(01:27:09) Blackcaps in Sri Lanka

(01:40:16) Plunket Shield

(01:53:22) Pacific Championships

(02:20:10) Kiwi-NRL/NRLWahine updates

This week on the Niche Cast we touch on NZ Breakers being at the top of the NBL ladder and then we react to the Blackcaps Test series sweep in India. We discuss New Zealand's team contributions, fitness, the end of the golden generation and plenty more kiwi cricket including some Ford Trophy notes. Auckland FC defeated Wellington Phoenix in the Aotearoa A-League derby so we break it all down, from Alex Paulsen's defensive influence to the young Phoenix building. Then we roll through Flying Kiwis updates about Milly Clegg, Chris Wood, Katie Kitching, Michaela Foster and Tyler Bindon, before chatting about Tonga's experience, the young Kiwis, and the joys of international rugby league. And we polish things off with the sneaky signing of Tanah Boyd for NZ Warriors.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecache

Newsletter twice a week: https://thenichecache.substack.com

Hook us up with a brew: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecache

Say kia ora: thenichecache@gmail.com

www.theniche-cache.com

(00:00) Intro

(02:50) Mindfulness

(08:53) NZ Breakers winning weekend

(18:08) Blackcaps Test series sweep in India

(01:14:39) Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix

(01:40:38) Flying Kiwis updates

(01:54:06) NZ Kiwis vs Tonga

(02:16:16) NZ Warriors sign Tanah Boyd

This week on the Niche Cast we head deep into the New Zealand cricket mangroves. White Ferns won the T20 World Cup and had fantastic contributions from a variety of players, including the best female cricketer in the world Amelia Kerr. Blackcaps had a Test win in India after four consecutive Test losses, returning to the kiwi fundamentals that makes New Zealand such a strong cricketing nation. We chat through Rachin Ravindra's excellence, Will O'Rourke continuing to blossom and plenty more. Then we discuss Auckland FC's first game in the A-League and the epic crowd at Mt Smart as well as Wellington Phoenix producing more youngsters.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecache

Newsletter twice a week: https://thenichecache.substack.com

Hook us up with a brew: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecache

Say kia ora: thenichecache@gmail.com

www.theniche-cache.com

(0:00) Intro

(10:57) Mindfulness

(12:49) White Ferns win T20 World Cup

(46:10) Blackcaps defeat India

(01:29:46) Auckland FC & Wellington Phoenix

This week on the Niche Cast we start with a bit of basketball as Steven Adams prepares for the NBA season with Houston Rockets and New Zealand Breakers return to NBL action. Then we recap the All Whites wins over Tahiti and Malaysia, with a focus on how Elijah Just, Marko Stamenic and Liberato Cacace are tracking in Europe. After a few NZ National League nuggets, we celebrate White Ferns making the T20 World Cup semi-finals and prepare for the Blackcaps vs India Test series. Pacific Championship rugby league is approaching so we check in with Samoa and Tonga, before deep yarn about NZ Warriors being a development club.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecache

Newsletter twice a week: https://thenichecache.substack.com

Hook us up with a brew: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecache

Say kia ora: thenichecache@gmail.com

www.theniche-cache.com

(00:00) Intro

(04:44) Mindfulness

(09:04) Steven Adams in NBA

(18:53) NZ Breakers in NBL

(27:34) All Whites vs Tahiti/Malaysia

(41:12) National League football

(50:35) White Ferns in T20 World Cup

(01:18:15) Blackcaps vs India

(01:34:34) Samoa & Tonga rugby league

(01:42:14) NZ Warriors the development club