Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 47

Jarryd Hayne's Rio adventure has ended after he was told he would not be selected in the Fijian sevens squad.

Hayne quit the NFL to pursue rugby sevens, but announced on Facebook that during a meeting with Fijian coach Ben Ryan last week he had been informed he not made the cut.

“Last Friday I had a meeting with Ben to discuss my future with the team and I was informed that my time has ended. As much as I would have loved to go to Rio, I too knew I wasn’t ready yet. During my time with the team, I pushed my body above and beyond. I used all my experience as a professional athlete and have tried everyday and in every way possible to make this team and make it better but unfortunately, time has been against me,” Hayne said via Facebook.

Hayne shocked the sporting world on May 16 when he announced he was retiring from the NFL to chase Olympic glory with the Fiji rugby sevens team.…more

“Ah, schucks,’’ he grins. “I’m sitting here in this Las Vegas mansion, watching gardeners work in my backyard.

“It’s incredible. And why nothing in life surprises me anymore.

“I’m just waiting now for a pink elephant to fly overhead.”

Indeed, who can blame him?

Unsigned even to fight four weeks ago, Hunt is suddenly three days off the most hyped bout in UFC history - facing WWE megastar Brock Lesnar here in Las Vegas at UFC 200.

Already, the stacked card is being billed as the biggest of all time.

With Lesnar and Hunt the undeniable feature.

Which is why, to help the Sydney slugger through his preparations, UFC president Dana White has secretly gifted Team Hunt the lease on a private $5 million mansion.…more

Tongan Born New Zealander Nailini Helu has won her second professional bout, winning against Sarah Long by unanimous decision.

Source: NZ Fighter

The 22 year old is currently ranked 10th in the world by independant boxing records keeping and computerized rankings system boxrec. Helu is also ranked 10th currently in the UBF.

Helu is the older sister to Professional boxer Panuve Helu who just recently came off a win against Tauranga Resident Jonathan Taylor. Panuve is scheduled to fight Fili Mailata in August in a rematch after a controversial draw and again in september against an opponent that is still to be announced.

Both Nailini and Panuve born in Tonga and residing in Auckland, New Zealand are Tonga's biggest boxing prospects, showing massive amount of potential.

Nailini has an incredible amateur career, winning three New Zealand National Championships in 2012, 2014 and 2015 and also reaching the semifinals in 2013.

Nailini debut as a pro in April this year on the Kali Reis vs Maricela Cornejo WBC World title undercard in Auckland, New Zealand.…more

All Blacks veteran Liam Messam has missed out on representing New Zealand in the rugby sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Source: NZ Herald

Messam, as predicted on Friday, was omitted from the NZ men's sevens squad to contest the Olympic Games next month when it was announced in Auckland today.

While fellow All Black regular in recent years Sonny Bill Williams was named in the squad of 12 for men's coach Gordon Tietjens, it's understood Messam will now rejoin his old Super Rugby side the Chiefs for the remainder of their 2016 title-chasing campaign.

Williams' sister Niall Williams was named in the women's squad to be coached by Sean Horan, while Kurt Baker was another high-profile omission from the men's team.

The New Zealand women's side will be lead by Sarah Goss, with Kayla McAlister and Portia Woodman key cogs if they are to defeat Australia and win a gold medal.

Liam Messam won't be part of the New Zealand men's sevens side to contest the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.…more

A look back at the awesome and devastating power that is Mark Hunt!

All Black great Frank Bunce returns to his motherland for a fishing and golfing getaway.

Check out the doko Steven Adams and some of the best highlights from the 2015-16 Season, with all 102 Dunks! 

Check out All Blacks winger Naholo scoring an important try to give his side the lead against the visitors at Eden Park last night!

Source: TVNZ and SKY

In case you missed it, check out the awesome match between Samoa and Georgia held at Apia Park!

Before facing Fiji in Suva for the World Cup qualifier, Samoa have to chance to take on the touring Georgian team.

The Samoan team includes three new caps with another six on the bench, with coach Alama Ieremia saying he's keen to give new players a chance, but he concedes that some of his selections have been forced upon him

Kiwi-Tongan Steven Adams was a crucial player in the Oklahoma City Thunder making it to the NBA Playoffs in the Western Conference.

The Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the Golden State Warriors in an intense conference final in Oakland 88-96. Check out the highlights from the electrifying game 7 decider!

Highlights of the nailbiting series saw Steven Adams take a hit to the groin from opposing Warriors forward Draymond Green in game 3.

Standing at an impressive 2.13m Adams averaging 29 minutes per game in the finals series!

Adams success has drawn out fans all over his home country of NZ starting the trend #StachesforSteven 

The trend appears to have been initiated by one of his biggest, smallest, cutest American fans:

Check out Adams' stats for the 2016 conference finals series against the Golden State Warriors:

The Golden State Warriors will meet The Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs.