1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,547 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,787 Speaker 1: from News Talks. 3 00:00:11,627 --> 00:00:15,987 Speaker 2: dB confirmation this week that he will return for next 4 00:00:16,027 --> 00:00:21,187 Speaker 2: year's Super Rugby Pacific title defense after guiding the Crusaders 5 00:00:21,227 --> 00:00:23,107 Speaker 2: to his maiden title this year. 6 00:00:23,627 --> 00:00:29,627 Speaker 3: The Crusaders have done us the retentions com please the 7 00:00:29,707 --> 00:00:34,107 Speaker 3: rock Penny side. The Crusaders return to. 8 00:00:34,147 --> 00:00:39,587 Speaker 2: Cocker Rob Penny confirmed on Wednesday as returning to the 9 00:00:39,627 --> 00:00:42,387 Speaker 2: top job next year. He joins us now. Rob, congratulations 10 00:00:42,387 --> 00:00:46,867 Speaker 2: on the contract extension. Was it a relatively straightforward decision 11 00:00:46,947 --> 00:00:50,347 Speaker 2: to throw your hat back in the ring, you know, once. 12 00:00:50,227 --> 00:00:55,507 Speaker 3: The review was completed and the information disseminated out of that. Yeah, 13 00:00:56,147 --> 00:00:58,107 Speaker 3: that was really all I was waiting forward to make 14 00:00:58,147 --> 00:01:00,067 Speaker 3: sure there was no blind spots or anything that might 15 00:01:01,387 --> 00:01:04,947 Speaker 3: put the organization in the compromise position. So yeah, that 16 00:01:05,147 --> 00:01:08,147 Speaker 3: was wonderful. Accept the opportunity again. 17 00:01:08,387 --> 00:01:10,947 Speaker 2: So there was never a thought in your mind between 18 00:01:11,067 --> 00:01:13,267 Speaker 2: the back end of the season or after the Super 19 00:01:13,347 --> 00:01:17,267 Speaker 2: Rugby Final and now that you thought maybe I won't 20 00:01:17,267 --> 00:01:18,187 Speaker 2: go around again. 21 00:01:20,147 --> 00:01:24,147 Speaker 3: Only if the review you know, had worked out the 22 00:01:24,147 --> 00:01:26,467 Speaker 3: way it had. Certainly, as I always said, you know, 23 00:01:26,467 --> 00:01:30,747 Speaker 3: I wasn't wanted here. I would never stay, but you 24 00:01:30,787 --> 00:01:33,747 Speaker 3: know that wasn't the case, so rapped to be doing 25 00:01:33,747 --> 00:01:34,147 Speaker 3: it again. 26 00:01:34,507 --> 00:01:37,387 Speaker 2: Do you whose opinion do you seek out apart from 27 00:01:37,427 --> 00:01:39,307 Speaker 2: the review, Like would you go to the senior players 28 00:01:39,347 --> 00:01:41,627 Speaker 2: and say to them, are you ye happy for me 29 00:01:41,667 --> 00:01:42,027 Speaker 2: to stay? 30 00:01:42,067 --> 00:01:45,147 Speaker 3: That sort of thing. They're all part of the review. Yeah, yeah, 31 00:01:45,187 --> 00:01:47,627 Speaker 3: of course, And there's lots of conversations been headed across 32 00:01:48,307 --> 00:01:52,547 Speaker 3: multiple platforms, and yeah, all that's taken into consideration. And 33 00:01:52,587 --> 00:01:58,307 Speaker 3: there's many people you know, from outside of the type group, 34 00:01:58,387 --> 00:02:01,907 Speaker 3: I guess that are across what's happening daily with the group, 35 00:02:01,987 --> 00:02:06,907 Speaker 3: and their opinions matter as well. So multiplely, multiple layered 36 00:02:06,947 --> 00:02:08,467 Speaker 3: in terms of the feedback. 37 00:02:09,187 --> 00:02:11,307 Speaker 2: All right, so we've we've got your locked in for 38 00:02:11,347 --> 00:02:14,067 Speaker 2: next year? Will you stick with your same coaching group? 39 00:02:15,027 --> 00:02:19,507 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's one of the big things that you know, 40 00:02:19,507 --> 00:02:23,427 Speaker 3: it is a really keen head of some solidity. We've had, 41 00:02:23,707 --> 00:02:27,747 Speaker 3: you know, changes from when I came in there was 42 00:02:27,827 --> 00:02:29,947 Speaker 3: two new coaches and one of them moving into a 43 00:02:29,947 --> 00:02:32,947 Speaker 3: new role. Then the end of last year, obviously Tim's 44 00:02:32,947 --> 00:02:35,227 Speaker 3: got called into the all black environment, so we had 45 00:02:35,227 --> 00:02:39,427 Speaker 3: another change there and another change of role internally, and 46 00:02:39,507 --> 00:02:42,107 Speaker 3: so the continuity and the synergy that we can develop 47 00:02:42,107 --> 00:02:44,387 Speaker 3: on the back of that coninuity is really important. And 48 00:02:44,867 --> 00:02:47,787 Speaker 3: so yeah, there'll be no changes in the coaching roster, 49 00:02:47,827 --> 00:02:49,907 Speaker 3: which is outstanding out when. 50 00:02:49,747 --> 00:02:51,827 Speaker 2: You look at those guys James Marshall, Matt Todd, Dan 51 00:02:51,907 --> 00:02:54,667 Speaker 2: Pearre and Brad Moore, They're all at different stages of 52 00:02:54,707 --> 00:02:58,907 Speaker 2: their coaching journey, aren't they. How much responsibility, rob do 53 00:02:58,947 --> 00:03:02,027 Speaker 2: you feel for developing them so they can go on 54 00:03:02,147 --> 00:03:05,587 Speaker 2: to chase their coaching ambitions if they choose to do so. 55 00:03:05,827 --> 00:03:10,827 Speaker 3: I think it's encumbered on anyone in a situation where 56 00:03:10,867 --> 00:03:12,707 Speaker 3: I guess they have a senior role to make sure 57 00:03:12,707 --> 00:03:16,747 Speaker 3: that they are thinking about succession, planning and developing their people. 58 00:03:16,787 --> 00:03:22,587 Speaker 3: And we're no different. I really enjoy that part of it. 59 00:03:22,667 --> 00:03:25,307 Speaker 3: Like when you finish playing and you can't play anymore, 60 00:03:25,307 --> 00:03:27,747 Speaker 3: you live your life through the game, through your players. 61 00:03:27,787 --> 00:03:30,587 Speaker 3: And then the coaching part of it is you know 62 00:03:30,627 --> 00:03:34,427 Speaker 3: when you've come and I guess being less time at 63 00:03:34,467 --> 00:03:37,867 Speaker 3: the cold face on the grasp of supporting those that 64 00:03:37,987 --> 00:03:43,147 Speaker 3: are and you know, nurturing them and providing any wisdom 65 00:03:43,187 --> 00:03:47,947 Speaker 3: and seeking outside help to come in and be inspirational 66 00:03:48,027 --> 00:03:53,227 Speaker 3: and educational for their growth, and you know, I really 67 00:03:53,307 --> 00:03:55,787 Speaker 3: enjoy that component of it, so that'll continue. 68 00:03:56,147 --> 00:03:57,987 Speaker 2: Is it true that Dan Perrin had a coughing fit 69 00:03:57,987 --> 00:03:59,867 Speaker 2: for about the first half hour of the final. 70 00:04:00,307 --> 00:04:06,787 Speaker 3: Poor man, you got some little, some little yeah issue, 71 00:04:06,827 --> 00:04:10,107 Speaker 3: and I think he vomited at one point. But it 72 00:04:10,147 --> 00:04:12,027 Speaker 3: wasn't the prettiest of place to be to the first 73 00:04:12,027 --> 00:04:14,547 Speaker 3: fifteen minutes, to believe it distracting, to be honest, but 74 00:04:15,747 --> 00:04:18,227 Speaker 3: we got there. The big Man's on the road to recovery, 75 00:04:18,227 --> 00:04:18,867 Speaker 3: which is awesome. 76 00:04:18,907 --> 00:04:21,147 Speaker 2: Good to hear, good to hear. Did the prospect of 77 00:04:21,187 --> 00:04:24,587 Speaker 2: playing in a brand new stadium next year play any 78 00:04:24,627 --> 00:04:25,667 Speaker 2: part in your decision? 79 00:04:27,227 --> 00:04:30,227 Speaker 3: Yeah, i'd be you know, it would be reticent to 80 00:04:30,267 --> 00:04:33,627 Speaker 3: say it didn't, because it's going to be quite a 81 00:04:33,707 --> 00:04:37,547 Speaker 3: unique situation and just you know, to get involved in 82 00:04:37,627 --> 00:04:42,667 Speaker 3: that special place will be, you be wonderful, and you know, 83 00:04:42,747 --> 00:04:44,467 Speaker 3: to be part of the group that gets on there 84 00:04:44,467 --> 00:04:47,387 Speaker 3: for the first time will be you know, just I 85 00:04:47,387 --> 00:04:50,027 Speaker 3: guess a part of the attraction. But it wasn't. If 86 00:04:50,187 --> 00:04:53,267 Speaker 3: you know, if we had been paying it at renual 87 00:04:53,347 --> 00:04:55,907 Speaker 3: domain for the year, it wouldn't have changed my decision. 88 00:04:55,947 --> 00:04:59,507 Speaker 3: It was it was all about how good this group's 89 00:04:59,587 --> 00:05:01,387 Speaker 3: going to be next year and the excitement on the 90 00:05:01,427 --> 00:05:01,827 Speaker 3: back of that. 91 00:05:02,267 --> 00:05:04,627 Speaker 2: Just on Addington, I know that it's had it. It's 92 00:05:04,627 --> 00:05:06,627 Speaker 2: had its totractors and you've got this brand you call 93 00:05:06,667 --> 00:05:08,067 Speaker 2: a scene you're going to be playing in which will 94 00:05:08,067 --> 00:05:10,787 Speaker 2: be magnificent. But will any part of you, will the 95 00:05:10,827 --> 00:05:13,947 Speaker 2: Crusider's organization be sorry to say goodbye to Eddington? 96 00:05:14,627 --> 00:05:17,307 Speaker 3: Oh yeah, lots of people will be. It's I think 97 00:05:17,347 --> 00:05:23,827 Speaker 3: it's had for trophy successes there in its tenure. So 98 00:05:23,867 --> 00:05:27,467 Speaker 3: it's a special place. You know, it looks humble, but 99 00:05:27,507 --> 00:05:31,467 Speaker 3: that reflects I guess you know, the attitude that emanates 100 00:05:31,467 --> 00:05:34,587 Speaker 3: out of here. It's not pretentious and it's and it's 101 00:05:34,587 --> 00:05:37,467 Speaker 3: done a great job and it's it's lasted a hell 102 00:05:37,467 --> 00:05:38,867 Speaker 3: of a lot longer than it was ever meant to, 103 00:05:39,147 --> 00:05:42,107 Speaker 3: and so you know, it was lovely to be able 104 00:05:42,147 --> 00:05:46,267 Speaker 3: to cent her off in the appropriate manner. And as 105 00:05:46,307 --> 00:05:50,387 Speaker 3: we build into what will be an incredible stadium for 106 00:05:50,747 --> 00:05:53,787 Speaker 3: not only for our region and this province, but also 107 00:05:53,867 --> 00:05:56,587 Speaker 3: for the country. The size of the stadium and the 108 00:05:56,627 --> 00:05:59,827 Speaker 3: ability to sort of guarantee what the weather is going 109 00:05:59,867 --> 00:06:03,147 Speaker 3: to be like in Deside, it is going to be 110 00:06:03,347 --> 00:06:06,307 Speaker 3: one of great saffect for the development of the game. 111 00:06:06,747 --> 00:06:08,507 Speaker 2: You've had a bit of time to reflect on the 112 00:06:08,547 --> 00:06:11,507 Speaker 2: twenty twenty five season, the Grand Final, those wonderful scenes 113 00:06:11,507 --> 00:06:16,267 Speaker 2: at Addington sort of around June. June twenty one, I 114 00:06:16,347 --> 00:06:19,427 Speaker 2: think was the Grand Final. Have you been able to 115 00:06:19,467 --> 00:06:22,627 Speaker 2: put your finger on anything that was markedly different in 116 00:06:22,707 --> 00:06:25,587 Speaker 2: twenty twenty five compared to twenty twenty four. 117 00:06:27,387 --> 00:06:29,147 Speaker 3: Well, I think I've said it several times. You know, 118 00:06:29,187 --> 00:06:32,787 Speaker 3: the playing roster was the biggest one we had, you know, 119 00:06:33,147 --> 00:06:36,227 Speaker 3: the twelve or so boys that were unavailable for long 120 00:06:36,307 --> 00:06:39,547 Speaker 3: periods of time and twenty four were all available in 121 00:06:39,627 --> 00:06:44,907 Speaker 3: twenty five. But there's you know, as with every campaign, 122 00:06:45,987 --> 00:06:49,987 Speaker 3: you know, there's things that change, and you know, we've 123 00:06:49,987 --> 00:06:53,347 Speaker 3: got our teeth into the boys early and our preseason 124 00:06:53,427 --> 00:07:00,107 Speaker 3: was really successful. We felt and you know, David Heavily 125 00:07:00,147 --> 00:07:05,547 Speaker 3: and the leadership group Ethan, Cody Taylor and Will Jordan 126 00:07:05,627 --> 00:07:08,547 Speaker 3: a world class, the four of them. The way they 127 00:07:08,707 --> 00:07:13,947 Speaker 3: drove the group and and devolve responsibility and allowed others 128 00:07:13,987 --> 00:07:16,987 Speaker 3: to grow internally and take responsibility to certain aspects was 129 00:07:17,107 --> 00:07:21,267 Speaker 3: just a joy to watch. And you know, those things 130 00:07:21,867 --> 00:07:26,467 Speaker 3: all add three or four percents, you know, And so 131 00:07:27,387 --> 00:07:30,667 Speaker 3: in the back end obviously we had success, so. 132 00:07:30,667 --> 00:07:33,507 Speaker 2: He squad next year, Will you likely be without Scott 133 00:07:33,547 --> 00:07:35,467 Speaker 2: Barrett as he takes a non playing sabbatical. 134 00:07:36,947 --> 00:07:40,387 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's highly likely that there'll be something you know 135 00:07:40,467 --> 00:07:44,987 Speaker 3: around his participation will be reduced markedly, and that's he's 136 00:07:45,227 --> 00:07:48,427 Speaker 3: the right man. He's been a wonderful contributor for a 137 00:07:48,427 --> 00:07:50,947 Speaker 3: long period of time and you know, it's a bit 138 00:07:51,027 --> 00:07:56,627 Speaker 3: like Cody Taylor did last year for seven or eight rounds, 139 00:07:56,707 --> 00:07:59,587 Speaker 3: just got their bodies into great shape and you know, 140 00:08:00,107 --> 00:08:02,227 Speaker 3: you can understand the rest now behind that and we're 141 00:08:02,227 --> 00:08:04,747 Speaker 3: fully supportive. So that's probably highly likely. 142 00:08:04,707 --> 00:08:09,107 Speaker 2: Year and the other one so definitely leaving Levi, James O'Connor, 143 00:08:09,147 --> 00:08:12,547 Speaker 2: Quintin Strange Yoanni Muana who do you feel like you've 144 00:08:12,547 --> 00:08:16,067 Speaker 2: got good depth in their positions to cover their departures. 145 00:08:18,027 --> 00:08:22,547 Speaker 3: Yeah, yeah, Levi was a great contributor and you know 146 00:08:22,587 --> 00:08:25,227 Speaker 3: on the field he's a dynamic player and will miss him, 147 00:08:25,307 --> 00:08:31,147 Speaker 3: but left to fire Nuki's back and excited about having 148 00:08:31,227 --> 00:08:33,387 Speaker 3: him back and red and black you know, we know 149 00:08:33,467 --> 00:08:36,467 Speaker 3: what he can do. And again all black class player, 150 00:08:37,267 --> 00:08:43,027 Speaker 3: international class uh and the you know, Quentin has been 151 00:08:43,067 --> 00:08:45,947 Speaker 3: a great contributor here and time was, you know, for 152 00:08:46,027 --> 00:08:49,147 Speaker 3: him to experience another environment, been here a long time 153 00:08:49,227 --> 00:08:54,267 Speaker 3: and contributed brilliantly for his for the time he was here, 154 00:08:54,347 --> 00:08:56,987 Speaker 3: and he'll be missed. But we do have a stable 155 00:08:57,107 --> 00:09:01,067 Speaker 3: young man coming through in that middle road that you know, 156 00:09:01,107 --> 00:09:03,467 Speaker 3: we're very very happy with and excited about, and their 157 00:09:03,507 --> 00:09:07,307 Speaker 3: opportunity is going to come and they'll be hungry and 158 00:09:07,947 --> 00:09:11,467 Speaker 3: you know, opportunity is about to arride for them. So yeah, 159 00:09:11,507 --> 00:09:14,627 Speaker 3: we we feel as though we've got that those positions covered. 160 00:09:15,187 --> 00:09:19,227 Speaker 3: Yoanna who was a revelation and will be sadly miss 161 00:09:19,267 --> 00:09:21,907 Speaker 3: for as not only as on field but his off 162 00:09:21,907 --> 00:09:26,907 Speaker 3: field connection pieces. But we've got some young ones coming through. 163 00:09:26,947 --> 00:09:31,387 Speaker 3: We've got two under twenty hookers, eli Od and Ryan 164 00:09:31,707 --> 00:09:37,387 Speaker 3: and Moa are just outstanding, you mean, and you know 165 00:09:37,427 --> 00:09:39,307 Speaker 3: they're not far off being ready. So we're just in 166 00:09:39,427 --> 00:09:39,987 Speaker 3: the space. 167 00:09:40,867 --> 00:09:43,187 Speaker 2: Just on Lester. Were you playing the back three or 168 00:09:43,267 --> 00:09:44,547 Speaker 2: is he an optional center for you? 169 00:09:45,747 --> 00:09:49,667 Speaker 3: Yeah? Yeah, covers all those positions, yep, without doubt. Are 170 00:09:49,787 --> 00:09:51,387 Speaker 3: involved mentioned him as a loose forward? 171 00:09:52,307 --> 00:09:55,587 Speaker 2: Well, he probably could. He's probably got the bill for him. 172 00:09:55,827 --> 00:09:58,067 Speaker 2: Are you involved in the conversations around getting Richie mu 173 00:09:58,067 --> 00:09:59,067 Speaker 2: Wonga back to New Zealand. 174 00:10:00,747 --> 00:10:05,587 Speaker 3: Yeah, I have been across all those years, so I. 175 00:10:05,467 --> 00:10:07,587 Speaker 2: Mean, obviously clearly you'd love to get him back to 176 00:10:07,587 --> 00:10:09,427 Speaker 2: the Crusaders, but you just have to wait and see 177 00:10:09,467 --> 00:10:12,027 Speaker 2: what plays out higher up than you. Is that how 178 00:10:12,027 --> 00:10:12,467 Speaker 2: it works? 179 00:10:13,387 --> 00:10:18,947 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's very much how it works. Yeah, Yeah, it's Yeah, 180 00:10:18,947 --> 00:10:20,587 Speaker 3: it's one of those things. You've got another year up 181 00:10:20,587 --> 00:10:23,187 Speaker 3: in Japan. Obviously you've got nose, he's got his third 182 00:10:23,267 --> 00:10:30,587 Speaker 3: year away and you know the twenty seven campaign we'll 183 00:10:30,987 --> 00:10:36,867 Speaker 3: you know, potentially highlight an opportunity for someone like him 184 00:10:36,867 --> 00:10:37,387 Speaker 3: to come back. 185 00:10:37,787 --> 00:10:40,227 Speaker 2: Look forward to that and I guess you're probably theoretically 186 00:10:40,267 --> 00:10:41,547 Speaker 2: on holiday, are you, but a year and a watch 187 00:10:41,547 --> 00:10:43,627 Speaker 2: a bit of MPC you'd be watching as much as 188 00:10:43,667 --> 00:10:44,387 Speaker 2: you could, wouldn't you. 189 00:10:45,787 --> 00:10:48,347 Speaker 3: Yeah? I love it. Yeah, it's just exciting to see 190 00:10:48,947 --> 00:10:52,067 Speaker 3: a few new faces and a few men that you 191 00:10:52,187 --> 00:10:55,147 Speaker 3: know and are excited to contribute and really want to 192 00:10:55,187 --> 00:10:56,667 Speaker 3: just get some more rugby under their. 193 00:10:56,507 --> 00:10:58,507 Speaker 2: Belt because you've probably got a few gaps, have you, 194 00:10:58,547 --> 00:11:00,787 Speaker 2: well you take are you looking at recruiting out of 195 00:11:00,787 --> 00:11:03,587 Speaker 2: the MPC for the Crusaders and twenty six? 196 00:11:04,387 --> 00:11:06,747 Speaker 3: Yeah, we've got a couple of spots, so just want 197 00:11:06,747 --> 00:11:09,467 Speaker 3: to be playing well. I'm sure like everybody, the all 198 00:11:09,507 --> 00:11:12,307 Speaker 3: the super teams will be looking at their depth and 199 00:11:13,387 --> 00:11:16,107 Speaker 3: you know, trying to spot the gym that they can 200 00:11:16,147 --> 00:11:19,067 Speaker 3: attract to the environment, and we're no different. 201 00:11:19,827 --> 00:11:22,747 Speaker 2: Congrats on the contract extension, Rob, look forward to catching 202 00:11:22,827 --> 00:11:24,907 Speaker 2: up when the twenty twenty sixth season draws closer. 203 00:11:25,107 --> 00:11:27,227 Speaker 3: Pleasure, Thanks, no, thanks for yours, Rob. 204 00:11:27,187 --> 00:11:29,227 Speaker 2: Rob penny Crusader's head coach again. 205 00:11:30,387 --> 00:11:33,587 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 206 00:11:33,667 --> 00:11:36,947 Speaker 1: to news talks ed b weekends from midday, or follow 207 00:11:36,987 --> 00:11:38,627 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio