Sports
Black Sticks Withdraw from Pro League Over Cost Concerns

The Black Sticks, New Zealand’s national hockey teams, will not participate in the FIH Pro League due to concerns about the format’s high costs and demanding travel requirements. This decision follows New Zealand’s qualification for the league after winning the Nations Cup in March 2024. Hockey New Zealand expressed that the current Pro League structure is “misaligned with New Zealand’s high-performance goals.”
The withdrawal was reached after consultations with players, coaches, and key stakeholders. Ken Maplesden, the acting chief executive officer of Hockey New Zealand, highlighted that the Pro League’s format is “expensive, travel-heavy, and limits home games.” He added that it does not support the sustainable athlete-first programme the organization is striving to develop.
Concerns About the Current Format
Both the men’s and women’s Black Sticks teams have declined their spots in the Pro League, citing similar challenges. The men’s coach Greg Nicol stated that the decision aligns with the programme’s focus on “prioritising wellbeing, smart preparation, and long-term success.” He emphasized the desire to compete against the best teams but not at the expense of the athletes’ wellbeing or the programme’s integrity.
Maplesden noted that opting out of the league underscores the “structural barriers facing geographically remote nations like New Zealand” within the current competitive framework. He remarked, “This wasn’t taken lightly. We’re proud of what both teams achieved to qualify. But after consultation with athletes and staff, it became clear the Pro League isn’t workable for us right now.”
The New Zealand Hockey Players Association (NZHPA) also supports this decision. Executive manager Glen Sulzberger stated that players “desperately” want to compete at the highest level. He emphasized that the right to participate in international hockey should not come at such a high cost, both for the players and for the sport in New Zealand.
Future Aspirations and Feedback
Sulzberger criticized the Pro League, stating, “What is clear is that the Pro League does not meet its original objectives, nor has it evolved to become a viable competition. The FIH is failing its duty to the game.”
Player Sam Lane expressed disappointment over the inability to compete after qualifying. “We understand the challenges with the league and implore the FIH to properly engage and listen to what athletes have to say,” Lane remarked.
Despite its withdrawal, Hockey New Zealand remains committed to returning to the Pro League if a more sustainable and athlete-friendly format is established. As the FIH continues to review the competition, stakeholders are hopeful for changes that will better serve the needs of all participating nations.
Sports
Marcus Chats with Hulk Hogan About Pool Rules and Tight Socks

On July 25, 2025, Marcus engaged in a lively discussion with wrestling legend Hulk Hogan on various topics, including the intricacies of pub pool and the challenges of wearing socks that are too tight. The conversation, which took place during a podcast episode, was filled with humor and personal anecdotes that entertained listeners.
Highlights from the Conversation
During the podcast, Hogan shared his insights on the unspoken rules of playing pool in pubs, emphasizing the importance of etiquette and sportsmanship. He recalled humorous moments from his own experiences, illustrating how a friendly game can sometimes take unexpected turns. Hogan’s anecdotes resonated with audience members, many of whom have faced similar situations in their own pub outings.
Marcus also brought a lighthearted tone to the discussion by addressing the discomfort of wearing socks that do not fit properly. Hogan, known for his larger-than-life personality, joked about the “too dang tight” socks that can ruin a good day. This relatable topic sparked laughter and camaraderie, showing that even a wrestling icon can face everyday challenges.
Audience Engagement and Reception
Listeners responded positively to the episode, with many taking to social media to share their own experiences related to pub games and wardrobe malfunctions. The engaging format of the podcast allowed for a blend of entertainment and personal stories, making it appealing to a broad audience. The dynamic between Marcus and Hogan showcased a genuine rapport, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the episode.
The episode serves not just as entertainment but also as a reminder of the simple pleasures found in everyday interactions, whether in a pub or during casual conversations. Hogan’s charismatic storytelling and Marcus’s witty commentary created a memorable experience for listeners, highlighting the importance of humor in life.
Overall, the episode featuring Hulk Hogan was a delightful mix of nostalgia, humor, and relatable topics, demonstrating the power of conversation in connecting with audiences across various backgrounds.
Sports
Young Kiwi Secures Role at Red Bull Powertrains in UK

Former Nelson College for Girls student Eloise Beattie has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a prestigious graduate position with Red Bull Powertrains in the United Kingdom. This accomplishment comes after she successfully outperformed over 3,500 applicants, marking a significant achievement in her engineering career.
Path to Success
Beattie, who hails from New Zealand, has always been passionate about motorsport and engineering. Her journey began at Nelson College for Girls, where her academic excellence and dedication to her studies became evident. With a strong foundation in science and mathematics, she pursued further education in engineering, ultimately leading her to apply for the role with Red Bull.
The competitive nature of the application process reflects the high standards set by Red Bull, a prominent player in Formula 1 racing. The graduate programme is designed to cultivate young talent, offering them the opportunity to work alongside some of the best engineers in the industry. Beattie’s selection not only highlights her individual capabilities but also showcases the potential of New Zealand’s young engineers on a global stage.
Implications for the Future
In her new role, Beattie will contribute to the design and development of the powertrains that propel Red Bull’s Formula 1 cars. This position places her at the heart of a highly innovative and fast-paced environment, where engineering excellence is paramount. Her work will play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of the vehicles, a task that requires both technical skill and creativity.
Securing this position is a significant step for Beattie, who expressed her excitement about joining Red Bull Powertrains. She stated, “I am thrilled to be part of a team that is not only at the forefront of engineering but also plays a vital role in the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing.”
Red Bull’s commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in their graduate programme, which aims to develop the next generation of engineers. Beattie’s success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers, particularly young women looking to make their mark in the traditionally male-dominated field of motorsport.
As Beattie embarks on this exciting chapter in her career, it is clear that she is poised to make significant contributions to the future of Formula 1 racing. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance, talent, and the opportunities available to those willing to pursue their passions.
With her remarkable achievements, Eloise Beattie embodies the spirit of innovation and ambition that drives the engineering sector forward. As she steps into her new role, the motorsport community and her peers will undoubtedly be watching her progress with great interest.
Sports
Usyk Ordered to Defend Heavyweight Title Against Parker

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has mandated that heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk must defend his title against former champion Joseph Parker. This decision comes as many fans and analysts believe Parker has earned the opportunity for a title shot following a series of impressive performances.
The WBO’s directive was issued on October 5, 2023, signaling a significant moment for both fighters. Usyk, who is currently regarded as the undisputed heavyweight champion, has held the WBO title since his victory over Anthony Joshua in September 2021. Meanwhile, Parker, hailing from New Zealand, has consistently been a formidable presence in the heavyweight division.
Parker’s recent success in the ring has fueled calls for this matchup. He has showcased resilience and skill, winning four consecutive bouts since his last defeat in 2021. His fight against Jack Massey in July 2023 further solidified his position as a top contender, earning him recognition and support from boxing fans worldwide.
The WBO’s ruling is seen as a critical step in advancing Parker’s career, giving him a chance to reclaim a championship belt. The potential clash between Usyk and Parker is anticipated to generate significant interest, given their contrasting styles and respective achievements.
What This Means for Both Fighters
For Oleksandr Usyk, defending his title against Parker poses a unique challenge. Usyk, known for his technical prowess and speed, will need to adapt his strategy to counter Parker’s power and experience. The champion has remained undefeated throughout his career, and this bout will be crucial in solidifying his legacy in the heavyweight division.
Conversely, Joseph Parker is eager to prove that he still belongs among the elite in boxing. A victory over Usyk would not only grant him the WBO title but also restore his status as a leading figure in the sport. Parker’s camp has expressed confidence in his abilities, emphasizing their belief that he can capitalize on this opportunity.
The announcement has sparked excitement within the boxing community as fans eagerly await the official date and venue for the fight. The potential matchup is expected to draw a large audience, contributing to the growing popularity of heavyweight boxing globally.
As both fighters prepare for this pivotal moment in their careers, the focus will remain on their training camps and strategies leading up to the bout. With the stakes high, boxing enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how this championship showdown unfolds.
The WBO’s decision marks a significant milestone in the heavyweight division, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling contest between Usyk and Parker. As the boxing world anticipates this eagerly awaited fight, the implications extend beyond just a title; it represents the ongoing evolution of the heavyweight landscape.
Sports
Peter Thiel Funded Hulk Hogan’s High-Profile Lawsuit Against Gawker

Billionaire investor Peter Thiel played a pivotal role in financing Hulk Hogan‘s legal battle against the now-defunct media company Gawker. The lawsuit arose after Gawker published a private sex tape of the former wrestling star, whose real name is Terry Bollea. This case ultimately led to Gawker’s bankruptcy in 2016, after a Florida jury awarded Hogan a substantial sum for invasion of privacy.
Hogan’s legal victory marked a significant moment in media law, sparking discussions about privacy rights and journalistic ethics. The jury ruled in favor of Hogan, granting him a total of $140 million for damages related to the unauthorized release of the tape. Thiel’s financial backing allowed Hogan to pursue the case aggressively, with reported contributions amounting to millions of dollars.
Thiel’s Involvement and Gawker’s Downfall
Thiel’s support for Hogan was initially kept under wraps, as the tech entrepreneur sought to undermine Gawker, a publication known for its controversial reporting and celebrity gossip. The case was emblematic of the ongoing struggle between personal privacy and freedom of the press. After the jury’s decision, Gawker filed for bankruptcy, selling its assets, including its brand, to another media company in 2018.
The implications of the lawsuit extended beyond the courtroom, raising concerns about the power of wealthy individuals to influence media narratives. Critics argued that Thiel’s financial intervention set a dangerous precedent, where individuals could leverage their resources to silence critics.
Hogan’s Passing and Legacy
In a tragic turn of events, Hulk Hogan passed away at the age of 71 in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Emergency responders were called to the scene for a cardiac arrest, and he was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to Clearwater police. Hogan’s legacy as a wrestling icon and his battle for privacy rights continues to resonate within the entertainment industry and beyond.
This case illustrates the complexities surrounding privacy, media ethics, and the influence of wealth in legal disputes. As the world reflects on Hogan’s impact, the discussions surrounding his lawsuit remain relevant, shaping conversations about the boundaries of journalism and personal rights in today’s digital landscape.
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