New Warriors coach Matt Elliott won't be rushed into appointing his captain for the 2013 NRL season but Simon Mannering looms as his most likely choice.
The role of politics in sport has always been cloudy, but it played a clear hand in helping secure the All Whites an international against China in Shanghai, not to mention sponsorship from a company accused of spying by the US Government.
By most measures, the Breakers aren't playing well but on the only one that really matters their season is under control.
The All Whites have secured a friendly with China in Shanghai on November 14 as they build up for their final push at a place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Luna Rossa launch their AC72 America's Cup yacht in Auckland tomorrow and there was considerable symbolism in the fact that, within sight of their base at the Viaduct today, Team New Zealand's boat was rigged up.
With 800 test wickets, which dwarfs the combined total of New Zealand's entire bowling outfit, it is natural to court the advice of Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.
Dean Whare was shocked to just be included in the Kiwis train-on squad so when he was named in the starting side to face Australia in Townsville on Saturday night his surprise was taken to an all new level.
Richie McCaw is a special player and this morning the All Blacks captain notched yet another special milestone when he became the first player to win 100 tests with the 32-16 defeat of the Springboks in Soweto.
The Breakers are intent on creating more history this season as they chase a three-peat but they claimed an unwanted record tonight when they became the first defending champions in a decade to lose their first game at home.
Johan Goosen might represent the future of Springboks rugby but the All Blacks are quite keen to remind the young first five-eighths who rules in the now.
The Kiwis selectors will hope their side plays with the same hard edge they have displayed considering they have dropped a handful of big names from the 19-man squad for the one-off test against Australia in Townsville on October 13.
It is one of life's mysteries why the All Whites and Wellington Phoenix have struggled so much to find a right-back and the latest special project is Leo Bertos.
The All Whites are close to securing a game against China in Shanghai in November and talks have also begun about playing a tri-series also involving Australia.
Against the Solomon Islands last night, a striker with six goals in his last five internationals and another with eight goals in four club games couldn't get a start.
The Horror of Honiara conjures up painful memories for the All Whites, and it's something they are looking to redress when they meet New Caledonia on Friday night, but it was torturous for Mark Paston for altogether different reasons.
The events of the past month have seen Valerie Adams ride a particularly wild rollercoaster, and it finally caught up with her when she collapsed on the eve of her latest competition.
The ITM Cup is renowned for entertaining rugby and it will be hoped that tonight's season opener between Auckland and Hawke's Bay sets the tone for this year's edition.
Stand-in Warriors coach Tony Iro said in the leadup to the game he wanted to see a good attitude and performance from his players in the wake of Brian McClennan's sacking.
The Warriors have one name at the top of their hit-list as they search for a new coach, and are prepared to take an aggressive approach to ensure they get their man.
Every day when Brian McClennan got home, his 10-year-old son would ask him if he was still Warriors' coach. Last night, he could tell his son he wasn't.
