Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 1

The finalists for New Zealand's favourite sporting moment at the Halberg Awards have been announced and 6 of our Pacific Islanders are finalists.

* Black Cap Ross Taylor for hitting the winning runs to secure the inaugural ICC World Test Cricket Championship for New Zealand against India at Southampton.  

* The Black Ferns Sevens winning Gold at the Tokyo Olympics - Team mates Ruby Tui, Alena Saili, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Theresa Fitzpatrick & Shiray Kaka are of Pacific Islands heritage.

* Black Fern Ruby Tui's post game interview with the BBC after the Black Ferns win over the Russian Olympic Committee went viral at the time (watch above) 

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“New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment is a popular part of the awards for both the athletes and fans. We are sure it will create much interest and involvement from the public, who will decide the winner,” Halberg Foundation chief executive Shelley McMeeken said in a statement.

The public can vote once-a-day HERE. Voting closes at 9pm on February 23rd

Sonny Bill Williams vs Barry Hall boxing match has officially been confirmed for the 23rd of March.

Cross code super star Sonny Bill Williams will take on former AFL star Barry Hall in 8, 3 minute rounds at Sydney's International Convention Centre.  Their approaches couldn't be more different but come fight night they both will want the same thing.

Both fighters are convinced that come March 23, they will be leaving the ring victorious.

After the press conference Sonny flew out to the UK where he was invited to train with Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker.

Learn more about one of the most incredible success stories in NFL history: Australian Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata's journey to the NFL via rugby and the International Player Pathway Program.

Click through on the link above to watch on Youtube 

Memphis Grizzlies newest member Steven Adams joins Chris Vernon during Memphis Grizzlies Media Day to talk about the Pelicans trade for Jonas Valanciunas, address the beef with Zach Randolph in Game 6 of the 2014 Western Conference Playoffs, playing rugby in New Zealand, Aquaman comparisons, the change in the big man center role over the years spanning to his time in OKC, and more!

Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata has the mic for this week's edition of Audible.

UPDATE:  Toa Samoa, Kiwis & NRL legend Frank Pritchard has returned home after being in a coma after reportedly being on life support on New Years Eve due to complications from Covid-19.

Prtichard posted on social media saying he was now recovering at home.

Channel Nine had reported Pritchard on life support with a collapsed lung among other health issues due to the virus and The Daily Telegraph had also reported Pritchard had been in the ICU at Liverpool Hospital and has had an ongoing problem with asthma issues.

General Manager of Football for the Canterbury Bulldogs, Phil "Gus" Gould confirmed the news tweeting his well wishes to Frank last night.

Canterbury Bulldogs fan page Bulldogs 4 Life also sent out a prayer request with details of a prayer meeting taking place this evening at 8pm Sydney time over zoom with his family.…more

All-Access look into Penei Sewell's Draft Day experience as he shares his inspiring story from growing up in American Samoa to becoming the 7th overall pick to the Detroit Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft.

See exclusive footage the moment he receives the call that changes his family's life forever and witness the emotional moment he tells Detroit Lions coaches ... "You Won't Regret It!"

"Growing up there was always that stigma that we didn't really talk about our feelings, we weren't as open and ...…more

Actor Will Smith tries training with Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Samoan) and his Strength and Conditioning coach Dave Puloka (Tongan).

They start out with a bit of cermonial kava, before getting into some exercises and field work.

via Radio New Zealand 

Black Ferns hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate says she had a breakdown on tour and disparaging comments from coaching staff led to anxiety and hyperventilation.

Northland player Ngata-Aerengamate posted on social media that she had a "mental breakdown" on the team's end of year tour to England and France.

The Black Ferns lost all four games on tour.

Ngata-Aerengamate, of Cook Island Māori and Ngāti Porou, said she struggled to decide whether to speak up or not.

She posted on instagram below:

New Zealand Rugby's head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said the allegations are concerning and they are taking the matter seriously.

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Women in Sport Aotearoa chief executive Rachel Froggatt says Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate is not alone in experiencing bullying and mental health issues on her team.

Froggatt spoke to Susie Ferguson on Radio New Zealand - click here to listen to the interview 

Women in Rugby Aotearoa also released this statement below in support of Te Kura and anyone else who may have experienced the same issues.…more