It's Only Sport podcast | The Platform

On today's podcast, It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin juggles a number of headline sporting events taking place this coming weekend, and is joined by a variety of guests to cover off A-League finals football, heavyweight boxing, the Premier League and more. Devlin kicks things off delivering a sermon on the next All Blacks captain and the qualities he feels the player who gets the role needs to have. Following that, Greg Martin talks both rugby union and league, boxing expert Darren Rees previews the Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk heavyweight bout, Wellington Phoenix defender Tim Payne previews their semifinal second leg against the Melbourne Victory, and Simon Doull discusses his experience watching Tottenham-Manchester City live in the flesh and the IPL finals. Plus, Devlin and young producer Lachlan Waugh offer their thoughts on the above as well as the PGA Championship, David Fifita electing to stay at the Gold Coast Titans, and more on the Tight 5 and What Has More Chance Of Happening. All that and much more!

Freelance boxing reporter Darren Rees - who's covered the sport extensively for the BBC - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport, ahead of this weekend's much-anticipated heavyweight bout between Brit Tyson Fury and Ukranian Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia. The winner will unify the division as both hold all four major championship belts between them. Rees and Devlin discuss who has the edge based on style, what we can expect in terms of performance with both having fought just once since August 2022, the lustre that the heavyweight division has over others, and much more.

Greg Martin - former Wallabies fullback and current Triple M breakfast host in Brisbane - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport as he does every week. Two simple-minded, middle-aged men talking about MEN'S things that MATTER. This week, Marto and Marty chat the rugby league legends lunch the former is heading to, NRL magic round, the Reds' Super Rugby Pacific clash away to the Fijian Drua, and much more.

Let's be positive! Matt Gunn - hailing from the chilly Twizel - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport as he does every week, to put a positive spin on all the happenings in sport recently. This week, Gunny and Marty discuss the Bulldogs and Warriors both suffering defeats in the NRL, the Highlanders winning again in Super Rugby Pacific and strengthening their top eight chances, a bizarre scoring blunder in Australian domestic netball, and more.

Miles Davis - experienced radio host and sports broadcaster - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport, talking all sorts of codes in New Zealand and around the world, with a focus on football. Davis and Devlin talk English Premier League with Manchester City beating Tottenham 2-0 on Wednesday morning, putting themselves in the box seat to win a fourth successive league title. As well as that, they talk about the Wellington Phoenix's second-leg semifinal clash with the Melbourne Victory in the A-League this weekend, and much more.

Kiwi golfer Michael Hendry joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport following his victory at the For The Players by The Players tournament on the Japan Golf Tour. It's the 17th win of Hendry's career and first in 15 months. More notably, it's his first tournament win since his leukaemia diagnosis a little over a year ago. Hendry talks to Devlin about his performance in Gunma and how sweet it felt, the latest around his health and his recovery, and much more.

On today's podcast, it's Warriors heavy with It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin along with producer Lachlan Waugh heading out to a club stand-up in Auckland, which featured head coach Andrew Webster. The Warriors are in a rut at the moment, losing four straight NRL games and failing to win their last five. Webster talks all about how the team is picking themselves back up, the areas they need to improve on, and much more. Devlin also delivers a sermon about the Warriors and the tall task that awaits this weekend in magic round - a clash with the three-time defending premier Penrith Panthers. As well as that, NRL.com reporter Brad Walter briefly covers off David Fifita backflipping on his agreement with the Sydney Roosters, Miles Davis recaps Manchester City's 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Premier League and their likely title victory in a few days' time, and Kiwi golfer Michael Hendry talks about his victory on the Japan Golf Tour recently. Plus, Devlin and Waugh debate a variety of topics such as All Blacks selections and the Warriors on the Tight 5. All that and much more!

It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin is joined by Stefan Bebic and Adrian Drew, two men who have started an unofficial Auckland FC football supporters club - The Port. Auckland FC will enter the A-League ahead of the 2024-25 season, becoming New Zealand's second current franchise alongside the Wellington Phoenix. Bebic and Drew chat to Devlin about how the group started, and much more.

Today's It's Only Sport best of podcast is largely dedicated to the now former All Blacks skipper Sam Cane, with show host Martin Devlin touching base with notable rugby minds in New Zealand and around the world to discuss Cane's decision to retire from the international game. Today, new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson confirmed he will have a new captain, but Cane could still run out in the black jumper in 2024 should Robertson select him. First off, Devlin delivers a sermon discussing Cane's legacy and where he sits in terms of New Zealand's great rugby servants. Then, audio from Robertson's stand-up is played where he talks about Cane's decision, rumours about a Richie Mo'unga return to New Zealand, player depth, and more. Ex-All Blacks coach Ian Foster chats about the leadership qualities he noticed in Cane while he was coach, UK rugby writer Chris Jones offers an international perspective on Cane, Sean Keeler from The Denver Post talks the NBA playoffs, and Matt Gunn is positive about Super Rugby Pacific uniforms and Australian netball. As well as that - as they always do - Devlin and young producer Lachlan Waugh bicker about the likes of the Warriors, rugby, and Premier League football on the Tight 5. All that and much more!

It's tiiiiime! Mark 'Watto' Watson and It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin are back for another episode of the ATM (Apologise to Me!) podcast, where they clash and bash, debating a number of different sporting topics relevant in New Zealand and around the world. On episode 83, Watto and Marty chat about the Wellington Phoenix's performance in the first leg of their A-League semifinal with the Melbourne Victory, the Warriors losing their fourth-straight NRL game, All Black Sam Cane's decision to retire from international rugby at the end of the year, and more.

Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport to talk all about Sam Cane, with the loose forward announcing he will retire from international rugby at the end of the year. The 32-year-old has been in Japan on a playing sabbatical but will return to New Zealand in the coming months, meaning he could still put on the black jumper before the end of the year. Back in 2020, Ian Foster selected Cane as his skipper and the 95-test veteran held the role (for the most part) right through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup final defeat to South Africa. Foster talks to Devlin about the qualities that made Cane stand out as a worthy All Blacks captain, the toll that last year's World Cup final took on him, and much more.

Episode 10 of the Rugby League Hour is here, hosted by Martin Devlin and Tony Kemp and brought to you by MicroBio Solutions. Every Monday during the 2024 NRL season on The Platform, Devlin - host of It's Only Sport - is joined by one of the best rugby league analysts going around in Kemp, the ex-Warriors coach and Kiwis representative. To kick things off, Marty and Kempy recap the round and discuss the main talking points across the eight matches. The Storm and Cronulla Sharks battled in Melbourne with the away side getting the chocolates 25-18 and further solidifying top spot on the ladder. The Penrith Panthers leapfrogged the Storm into second spot, thanks to a tight 16-10 win over the Bulldogs at home. Though it wasn't all positive for Penrith, with star halfback Nathan Cleary set to miss eight weeks with a hamstring injury. The Dolphins remain one of the stories of the season so far, and a 30-24 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles nestles them comfortably in fourth spot with a 6-3 record to boot. The Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders and Sea Eagles round out the top eight. Then, it's Up The Wahs - a segment that Marty and Kempy dedicate solely to chatting about the Warriors. The club's season is getting bleaker by the week with yet another defeat, this time a 38-18 hammering at the hands of the Roosters in Sydney, highlighted by a blistering 22-0 start within the first 15 minutes for the home side. To make matters worse for the Warriors, halfback Shaun Johnson suffered an apparent pectoral injury and could spend some time on the sidelines. That makes it five successive games without a win for the Kiwi club, and they sit way down in 14th on the ladder with just three wins from 10 games. Next it's He's A Ledge, and this week it's one of New South Wales' modern-day greats and a servant to the Newcastle Knights - Danny Buderus. The now 46-year-old was a two-time premiership winner in 1997 and 2001, and was named Dally M Player of the Year in 2004 and three times a Dally M Hooker of the Year. As well as that, he has 21 and 24 appearances in Blues and Kangaroos jumpers respectively. Buderus chats to Marty and Kempy, offering his thoughts on the season so far, particularly the mass of teams in the middle of the table - which includes the Knights, Warriors, Raiders, and Bulldogs - who are all jostling for top eight spots as it stands. As well as that, he talks about questionable refereeing decisions around kick charge downs, and more. Then, Marty and Kempy go head-to-head debating six rugby league topics, including whether or not the Roosters are capable of winning the premiership, if Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is a dead man walking, and the chances the Warriors miss out on the top eight. Kempy hands out the Effluex clean-up award for the player, coach or team who did their job better than anyone else on the weekend - someone who rolled up their sleeves and turned gunk into gold. And to finish things off, Kempy lists his five best teams in the NRL right now on TK's Top 5. The Rugby League Hour is sponsored by MicroBio Solutions Limited, solving environmental issues using green technologies. Visit microbio.co.nz.

The Tight 5! Every day on It's Only Sport, host Martin Devlin and producer Lachlan Waugh butt heads and bicker, debating five separate sporting topics relevant in New Zealand and around the world. On today's debate, Marty and Lachie talk about All Black Sam Cane and the announcement he will retire from international rugby at the end of 2024, the Warriors form in the NRL going from bad to worse, whether or not the Blues and Hurricanes will face in the Super Rugby Pacific final, and more.

Justin Marshall - iconic All Blacks halfback and now a rugby commentator for Sky Sport - joins It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin on the show, talking all things Super Rugby Pacific after 12 rounds of action. Saturday delivered two scintillating games with the Blues edging the Hurricanes 31-27 to take top spot off their close rivals, before the Highlanders bettered the Crusaders 32-29 in the southern derby. As it stands with three weeks before the finals start, the Blues are top with the Hurricanes in second, Brumbies third and Chiefs fourth. Marshall talks to Devlin about the Blues further proving their title credentials, improvement from the Highlanders in recent weeks, things going from bad to worse for the Crusaders, and more.

On today's podcast, It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin serves up a HUUUGE helping of Super Rugby Pacific preview, with voices from three New Zealand-based franchises on the show today. First off though as he always does, Devlin delivers a sermon, this time talking about the wild Champions League semifinal second leg between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich this morning, that saw the Spanish club win 2-1 (4-3 on aggregate) and qualify for a record-extending 18th final all-time. Then, Triple M host Greg Martin talks both rugby codes, Blues halfback Taufa Funaki looks ahead to their clash with the Hurricanes, Highlanders prop Jermaine Ainsley previews his side's southern derby with the Crusaders, 'Canes assistant Tyler Bleyendaal provides his perspective on that Blues match, and talkSPORT's Tom Rennie recaps the Champions League semifinals. Plus, Devlin and producer Lachlan Waugh eagerly examine the likes of the Sydney Roosters-Warriors match in the NRL on Sunday, the NBA playoffs, and creepy basketball reporters in Indiana. All that and much more!

Greg Martin - former Wallabies fullback, and now Triple M breakfast host in Brisbane - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport as he does every week. Two simple-minded, middle-aged men talking about MEN'S things that MATTER. This week, Marto and Marty talk about the former's upcoming legends lunch that'll feature a handful huge Australian sporting names, the performance of NRL referee Kasey Badger recently and criticism she's copped, the form of the injury-plagued Brisbane Broncos, and more.

Hurricanes assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal joins It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin on the show, ahead of his side's massive Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Blues in Auckland on Saturday afternoon. It's one versus two on the table, with the pace-setting 'Canes travelling up the north island, looking to maintain their slender lead over the Auckland-based franchise on the points table. The last time these two met, the Hurricanes won 29-21 in Wellington back in round three. Bleyendaal talks to Devlin about whether or not they're viewing the match as a finals-type clash, how important it is to finish top of the table, the impressive performances of their younger players in 2024, and much more.

On today's podcast, It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin goes to all ends of the Earth to talk about every sport under the sun, with the likes of motorsport, the NBA and surfing being covered on today's show. First off, Devin - as he always does - delivers a sermon, questioning the team that Warriors coach Andrew Webster has named for this weekend's NRL clash with the Roosters in Sydney. Should Webster look to rotate his team in a bid to end their form slump? Then, Devlin is joined by motorsport writer Eric Thompson to talk Roger Penske suspending members of Team Penske following the IndyCar push-to-pass scandal, sports broadcaster and football fanatic Miles Davis chats David Moyes and Borussia Dortmund, Chiefs assistant coach David Hill previews their Super Rugby Pacific match-up with Moana Pasifika on Friday, Kiwi surfer Billy Stairmand celebrates confirmation he's heading to the Paris Olympics, and American sports journo Marc Berman discusses the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Playoffs. Plus, Devlin and producer Lachlan Waugh argue like an old married couple, debating a number of topics such as the Blues chances at taking out the Super Rugby title, and questionable story headlines used by New Zealand mass media sports departments. All that and much more!

Miles Davis - longtime radio host and sports broadcaster - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport as he does every Wednesday, dissecting and discussing a variety of sporting topics circulating in New Zealand and around the world. Davis and Devlin focus on the former's favourite sport - football - and chat David Moyes who will depart as West Ham manager after the current Premier League season, Borussia Dortmund knocking out PSG to qualify for the Champions League final, Manchester United's horrendous 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace, and more.

Chiefs assistant coach David Hill joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport, looking ahead to his side's Super Rugby Pacific match against Moana Pasifika on Friday night. The Chiefs entered the 2024 season as favourites to take the title out, but haven't been quite as clinical as their 2023 selves, and currently sit fourth on the table with seven wins from 10. Hill talks to Devlin about the reasons why they haven't hit the heights of last year, how they get the balance right on attack and defence, the momentum they hope to build in these final four regular season games, and more.