It's Only Sport podcast | The Platform The Platform

Matt Gunn out of Twizel joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport on the segment Let's Be Positive, where both men do their best to put a positive spin on all the happenings in sport recently. This week, Gunny and Marty discuss the Warriors form in the NRL and whether there should be concerns around their top eight chances, the Highlanders beating the Western Force in arguably the worst game of Super Rugby ever, and Fox Sports pundit Paul Kent's weekend brawl. Gunny also has a heart-warming story to tell about his family dog Chloe.

It's tiiiiime! It's Tuesday, which means another episode of the ATM (Apologise to Me!) podcast with Mark 'Watto' Watson and It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin. Every week, Watto and Marty gather 'round the debating table and go head-to-head on a number of sporting topics relevant in New Zealand and around the world. On episode 81, they discuss the Warriors sudden drop in form in the NRL with two losses and a draw in their last three games, the Black Caps squad named for the upcoming Twenty20 Cricket World Cup, Chiefs enforcer Samipeni Finau and the value his big hits could add to the All Blacks in 2024, and more.

On today's podcast, It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin dedicates a good amount of time to the oval ball codes. He kicks things off with a sermon about the Warriors' drop in form in the NRL and how concerned we should be. Is a top four finish still possible? Should fans be realistic and see a finals appearance as a successful season?

Then, Devlin is joined by Mark 'Watto' Watson on the ATM podcast to talk more about the Warriors, as well as the big hits being delivered by Chiefs loose forward Samipeni Finau in Super Rugby Pacific. Devlin replays one of his favourite interviews so far in 2024, which featured ex-Warriors coach and two-time NRL grand finalist Daniel Anderson, who was on the Rugby League Hour on Monday alongside Tony Kemp. Chris Jones out of the UK discusses a couple of intriguing rugby stories including reports that Qatar has pitched to host the planned Nations Championship. Matt Gunn brings his enthusiasm and positivity to talk about the NRL and Fox Sports' Paul Kent.

As well as that, Devlin and producer Lachlan Waugh examine the Warriors' remaining NRL schedule and how many wins they need for a top four finish, and they debate a variety of topics including Super Rugby and the NBA on the Tight 5. All that and much more!

Chris Jones - experienced rugby reporter with The Times and RugbyPass in the UK - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport to delve into three big rugby stories that have arisen in recent days. First off, Jones and Devlin talk about Qatar reportedly making a pitch to host the Nations Championship, promising commercial returns of 800 million pounds ($1.68 billion NZD). As well as that, they chat about England loosie Billy Vunipola's arrest in Majorca, and former Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg revealing he's attending rehab due to online abuse.

It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin and producer Lachlan Waugh ready themselves for another edition of the Tight 5. Everyday on the show, Marty and Lachie dissect and debate five separate sporting topics that are making waves in New Zealand and around the world. Today, they discuss the Warriors' chances at making the NRL's top four by the end of the season, the chances a Blues-Reds Anzac Day clash in Super Rugby Pacific is made permanent, Liverpool's Premier League title challenge collapsing and the spat between manager Jürgen Klopp and star Mo Salah, and more.

Justin Marshall - former All Blacks halfback with 81 tests to his name, and current Sky Sport rugby commentator - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport to recap round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific, that could well have seen the competition favourites baton change hands. The previously unbeaten Hurricanes suffered their first defeat of 2024, falling to the Brumbies 27-19 in Canberra. The Blues won a thriller against the Reds in Brisbane 41-34 to move to within one point of the 'Canes on the table, while the Crusaders reignited hopes they can make the finals with a 39-0 win over the Rebels in Christchurch. Let's start there - Marshall delves into the Crusaders' big win and whether or not it can kickstart a surge towards the postseason, the balance of their loose forward trio with Cullen Grace at blindside flanker and Ethan Blackadder at openside, the Hurricanes and whether or not they're still favourites for the title, and more.