The Niche Cast

Osad

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  Winter at the Beach (Warriors/NBL/Football) 04.08.2026 1t 55min

  (02:01) Steven Adams(06:15) Super Smash rant(12:46) Tim Payne(19:37) Top Shelf/Caru & Brandn Shiraz(27:24) Mindfulness(30:54) NZ Warriors(01:00:17) NBL(01:15:39) Auckland FC Women(01:27:09) Callum McCowatt, Tyler Bindon, Matt Dibley-Dias, Luke Brooke-Smith(01:47:04) CricketThis week in the Niche Cache we quickly roll through some Steven Adams, Tim Payne and Super Smash stuff as well as celebrating some awesome New Zealand music from Top Shelf and Caru/Brandn Shiraz. New Zealand Warriors had a win in the NRL and loss in NRLW vs Gold Coast Titans, both of which highlighted fundamental aspects of their footy. Warriors have individual brilliance in NRLW but are struggling to keep up with the speed of the league while Warriors are scoring points all across the park in NRL, can bounce back from losses and had excellent contributions from local juniors vs Titans. Kayliss Fatialofa is also departing Warriors to join Sea Eagles and that leads into an edge forward depth check at Mt Smart. Southland Sharks host Wellington Saints in the NBL final and we chat through some kiwi footballers to watch out for in the Auckland FC Invitational squad, before checking in with Callum McCowatt's situation at Silkeborg and Luke Brooke-Smith at Portsmouth. We finish with a few quick kiwi cricket topics featuring young batters in T20 leagues and Cameron Paul's winter development. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Cool Goofy (Warriors/NBL/Football) 28.07.2026 1t 56min

  (00:00) Commonwealth Games(07:18) NZ Warriors(43:52) Mindfulness(47:16) NBL(56:28) Auckland FC(01:02:15) Wellington Phoenix (01:17:30) Elijah Just & Marko Stamenic(01:26:21) Helena Errington(01:34:45) Future Blackcaps This week in the Niche Cache we start with a quick look at the Commonwealth Games before sliding into NZ Warriors matters. We ponder how the NZ Warriors loss vs Bulldogs fits into their NRL season and how the NSW Cup team is just as good with Jett Cleary at halfback as it is with Luke Metcalf there. NBL finals are here and we chat through some of the match ups as well as the best kiwis around the league, then we have plenty of football to discuss. Marley Leuluai popped up for Auckland FC, Alex Rufer is staying with Wellington Phoenix and Luke Brooke-Smith is departing for Portsmouth and we have Elijah Just building a funky combination with Marko Stamenic for Swansea. Helena Errington has been in great form over the last few months as well, then we finish with a round up of the best emerging cricketers in the Blackcaps pipeline. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecache
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  Travelling Circus (Warriors/Blackcaps/NBL/All Whites) 21.07.2026 1t 38min

  (00:00) Warriors vs Dragons NRL(28:14) Mindfulness(31:06) Charlisse Leger-Walker WNBA(36:04) Flynn Cameron in Summer League(37:46) NBL & Breakers(47:56) NZ Women's U17 Basketball(53:27) Blackcaps in West Indies(01:09:00) Elijah Just to Swansea(01:27:51) Henry Gray to Wellington PhoenixThis week in the Niche Cache we start by breaking down the NZ Warriors vs Dragons Niche Cache derby, then we roll through plenty of kiwi basketball. Charlisse Leger-Walker stays in her WNBA groove, Flynn Cameron is making waves in NBA Summer League, NBL Finals are approaching and the NZ U17 Women's team finished their World Cup with impressive wins. Blackcaps have another ODI series win and their win in West Indies adds to their slick performances overseas this year. Elijah Just is making a move to Swansea City and Henry Gray has returned to Aotearoa with Wellington Phoenix as part of our weekly check in with New Zealand football news. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  The Voyagers (Blackcaps/Warriors/Kiwi Football/NBL) 14.07.2026 1t 16min

  (00:00) Blackcaps(07:30) Mindfulness(13:07) NZ Warriors(31:54) Flynn Cameron(35:53) Charlisse Leger-Walker(43:00) NBL(51:21) Alex Paulsen(01:00:55) Luke Brooke-Smith(01:09:44) Auckland FCThis week in the Niche Cache we start with a quick check in of the Blackcaps ODI series vs West Indies where Jayden Lennox continues his slick form. We roll through a few NZ Warriors things ahead of their game vs Dragons this weekend and then update how Flynn Cameron and Charlisse Leger-Walker are going in the NBA Summer League and WNBA respectively. The NBL season is heading towards finals with youngsters like Jake Holmes making key contributions, then we hit up some football news led by Alex Paulsen joining Mortherwell and Luke Brooke-Smith being on the radar for Portsmouth. We finish with how Auckland FC's squad is looking this winter and how they are using their lower grades. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Spark & Twinkle (Warriors/Tall Blacks/Blackcaps/A-League) 07.07.2026 1t 53min

  (00:00) Warriors & NRLW(27:27) Mindfulness(31:38) NRL & Kiwis Halves(46:05) Tall Blacks(52:10) NZ U17s Basketball/Jayden Cecil(01:01:30) Blackcaps ODI squad(01:16:18) Domestic cricket contracts(01:22:42) Wellington Phoenix & Auckland FCThis week in the Niche Cache we start with the New Zealand Warriors win vs Bulldogs in NRLW and the opportunity for them to shake up the sporting scene in Aotearoa. Then we chat through Dylan Brown's performances at halfback for Knights and John Fineanganofo's debut for Dolphins. The Tall Blacks had two wins vs Philippines and Guam over the week, plus Jayden Cecil continues to make waves as one of the best Under 17 basketball players in the world. We touch of the Blackcaps ODI squad to tour West Indies and the movements of Nick Kelly, Jake Gibson and Henry Shipley in domestic cricket. Then we finish with squad updates for Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC, specifically how their young talent is progressing through each squad. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Tommy You Skipper (Blackcaps/All Whites/Tall Blacks) 30.06.2026 1t 53min

  (00:00) Blackcaps(01:06:52) All Whites(01:40:02) Tall Blacks & NZ U17sThis week in the Niche Cache we react to the Blackcaps Test series win and attack it from all angles like a Mitchell Santner run out. Then we debrief New Zealand's FIFA World Cup campaign and finish with a few Aotearoa basketball hot pockets with Tall Blacks in action this weekend, as well as the NZ U17 team. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Vibe Conductors (All Whites/Warriors/Blackcaps) 23.06.2026 1t 49min

  (00:00) All Whites(18:04) Mindfulness(21:40) Blackcaps(01:02:14) NZ Warriors(01:15:12) Auckland FC(01:31:23) White Ferns (01:38:42) NBLThis week in the Niche Cache we chat through New Zealand's first two games at the FIFA World Cup and then compare similar playing styles for Blackcaps and NZ Warriors. Blackcaps won their second Test vs England with Matt Henry leading an exciting quartet of seamers and NZ Warriors had a win vs Cowboys in Christchurch in which their young forwards churned out lots of hard mahi. Auckland FC have an exodus, White Ferns are in a T20 World Cup pickle and we finish with an NBL update. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  The Crater (Blackcaps/All Whites/NBL/Warriors) 09.06.2026 1t 51min

  (00:00) Blackcaps(38:55) White Ferns(42:34) Mindfulness(45:02) All Whites(01:13:19) Football Ferns(01:19:33) NBL(01:26:26) NZ Warriors/NRLThis week in the Niche Cache we break down a tough weekend for New Zealand vs England in sports. Blackcaps lost their first Test vs England and All Whites lost their World Cup warm up game against England, leaving plenty for us to discuss for both teams. White Ferns are also preparing for their T20 World Cup and we check in with Football Ferns who are on tour, then be update the latest NBL action and finish with a round up of NZ Warriors and Aotearoa rugby league matters. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecache
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  The Glove Smasher (Blackcaps/Warriors/All Whites) 02.06.2026 1t 51min

  (00:00) Dragons/NZ Warriors(27:20) Mindfulness(31:04) Ben Gold(36:30) NZ NBL(40:00) Charlisse Leger-Walker(47:35) All Whites(01:05:25) BlackcapsThis week in the Niche Cache we check in with a Dragons fan after their first win of the NRL season and reflect on an epic loss for NZ Warriors vs Penrith Panthers. Then we update a bunch of basketball things with Ben Gold joining Tasmania in the Aussie NBL, Reuben Te Rangi in fine form for Tauranga Whai and Charlisse Leger-Walker grinding through the opening phase of the WNBA season. Then we dive into All Whites World Cup matters with Tim Payne stumbling on a groove, friendly previews and Elijah Just's form heading into the tournament. Blackcaps are about to start their Test series vs England as well so we attack that from all angles talking through Nathan Smith's role, Rachin Ravindra's excellence and a wee dip in form for Daryl Mitchell. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  A Very Small Banana Skin (Auckland FC/Warriors/Cricket/NBL) 26.05.2026 1t 53min

  (00:00) Auckland FC(36:02) Mindfulness(38:16) All Whites(49:09) NZ Warriors(01:07:54) NBL(01:14:35) White Ferns(01:25:47) BlackcapsThis week in the Niche Cache we celebrate Auckland FC's A-League championship and weave in a few World Cup wrinkles, as well as chatting through the left back role for All Whites ahead of the World Cup. Then we discuss the NZ Warriors win vs Dragons and update the week's NBL action in which Southland Sharks added another win to their streak. We finish with White Ferns preparing for the T20 World Cup and Blackcaps who are about to play a Test vs Ireland. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Underrated/Overlooked (A-League/Warriors/White Ferns/NBL) 19.05.2026 1t 55min

  (00:00) NZ Warriors(44:47) Mindfulness(50:37) NBL/NZ Breakers(01:03:13) All Whites(01:12:51) Wellington Phoenix Women & Auckland FC Men(01:47:01) White Ferns/NZ-AThis week in the Niche Cache we roll through lots of New Zealand Warriors topics after their Magic Round win vs Brisbane Broncos, the mayhem of the halfback and the ruthless playing style. Then we check in with how Southland Sharks have worked up the NBL ladder and another signing for NZ Breakers in Kouat Noi, before starting our All Whites World Cup coverage with a few notes about the squad announced last week. Wellington Phoenix Women couldn't win their A-League Grand Final but Rebekah Stott keeps winning and Aotearoa has another chance this week with Auckland FC hosting Sydney FC. We finish with how White Ferns and NZ-A Women are tracking in England and Sri Lanka. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Propitious Circumstances (A-League/NBL/Blackcaps/White Ferns) 12.05.2026 1t 56min

  (00:00) Wellington Phoenix Women(38:36) Mindfulness(45:40) Auckland FC(01:12:52) Charlisse Leger-Walker(01:17:14) NBL(01:34:05) White Ferns(01:40:53) BlackcapsThis week in the Niche Cache we celebrate Wellington Phoenix Women making the A-League Grand Final by chatting through their win vs Brisbane Roar, previewing the match up vs Melbourne City and highlighting Wellington as New Zealand's hub for women's sport. Auckland FC are also in A-League finals with an away leg to Adelaide coming up after their draw at Mt Smart and continue to battle injuries as well as somehow getting players back from injuries quicker than expected. Charlisse Leger-Walker scored her first WNBA points, Carlin Davison's back with NZ Breakers and Auckland Tuatara are leading the NBL. White Ferns lost their first ODI vs England and have low hanging fruit to improve, while the Blackcaps Test squad to tour Ireland and England was announced last week so we finish with a few thoughts on Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Uncommon Sense (Warriors/A-League/Basketball) 05.05.2026 1t 54min

  (00:00) NZ Warriors(36:49) Mindfulness(41:19) Charlisse Leger-Walker(50:20) NBL/Breakers(01:06:16) Elijah Just & Chris Wood(01:12:47) Auckland FC(01:32:39) Wellington Phoenix Women(01:38:56) Blackcaps & White FernsThis week in the Niche Cache we discuss the current NZ Warriors vibe and their standing among the NRL's biggest franchises. Then we get a Charlisse Leger-Walker update in WNBA preseason and roll through some of the best NZ NBL performances from the last week, weaving in NZ Breakers perspectives. Elijah Just continues to shine in Scotland and Chris Wood's awesome at penalties, so are Auckland FC who defeated Melbourne City on penalties in the A-League. Wellington Phoenix Women lost their A-League finals came but are back in Porirua for the second leg this weekend. Blackcaps won in Bangladesh with Ben Sears and Bevon Jacobs leading the way, while White Ferns spark up a fun few months of New Zealand cricket in England.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Bread Sniffers (NRL/A-League/Blackcaps/NBL) 28.04.2026 1t 54min

  (00:00) NZ Warriors & NZ rugby league(37:00) Mindfulness(43:05) Charlisse Leger-Walker(49:38) NBL(56:01) Chris Wood & Callum McCowatt(01:10:42) Phoenix Women(01:17:49) Auckland FC(01:31:04) White Ferns(01:36:20) Blackcaps/NZ-AThis week in the Niche Cache we reflect on an amazing Anzac Day game in Wellington for NZ Warriors and how it fits in with the other impressive notes for rugby league in New Zealand. Then we check in with how Charlisse Leger-Walker is tracking ahead of the WNBA season and the latest from the NBL where Otago Nuggets lead the competition and a bunch of kiwis are in sizzling scoring form. Chris Wood's back scoring goals for Nottingham Forest along with a few other All Whites in Europe, then we chat through A-League finals football for Wellington Phoenix Women and Auckland FC. We finish with the White Ferns ODI squad, Blackcaps development in Bangladesh and the end of the NZ-A tour in Sri Lanka.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  One Sun, Many Comets (NRL/A-League/WNBA/Blackcaps) 21.04.2026 1t 47min

  (00:00) NZ Warriors(35:11) Mindfulness(36:44) Lani Daniels(40:43) Charlisse Leger-Walker(53:45) NBL(01:03:33) Wellington Phoenix(01:08:02) Auckland FC(01:25:49) Blackcaps/NZ-AThis week in the Niche Cache we start with some NZ Warriors gratitude after a couple wins, no dramas and lots of competitive depth across the grades. We check in with Lani Daniels' boxing championship win and Charlisse Leger-Walker being drafted to Connecticut Sun, then we roll through the latest basketball action in the NBL. Wellington Phoenix can't crack A-League finals but they have had a winning end to the season under Chris Greenacre while Auckland FC lost against Central Coast Mariners at Mt Smart in a thunderstorm. We finish with Blackcaps and NZ-A cricket as Blackcaps are chasing an ODI series in in Bangladesh and NZ-A continued their unbeaten streak in FC games with a draw in Sri Lanka.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Gout Perception (Warriors/A-League/NBL/Blackcaps) 14.04.2026 1t 50min

  (00:00) Warriors vs Storm(34:09) Mindfulness(38:27) Charlisse Leger-Walker(47:32) NBL (01:01:38) Football Ferns(01:04:26) Chris Wood(01:10:34) Phoenix men(01:21:09) Auckland FC(01:38:48) Blackcaps/NZ-AThis week in the Niche Cache we start with NZ Warriors who had a win in Melbourne will be eager to repeat the brutality at Mt Smart vs Gold Coast Titans this weekend. Wests Tigers are doing well under kiwi coach Benji Marshall and Charlisse Leger-Walker is also doing rather well, having won an NCAA championship and joining a small list of New Zealand basketballers getting drafted into the WNBA/NBA. NBL basketball just started so we check in with that highlighting kiwis to watch out for before rolling into some football chat with Football Ferns chasing World Cup qualification and Chris Wood's return to Nottingham Forest. We also discuss Chris Greenacre as Wellington Phoenix coach and Auckland FC's fun draw vs Melbourne Victory in which they showed how impressive their development system already is. We finish with Blackcaps and NZ-A cricket updates where we focus on Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok and Ben Lister.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Falling Leaves (All Whites/Warriors/Blackcaps) 31.03.2026 1t 54min

  (00:00) All Whites vs Chile(24:56) Mindfulness(29:38) Phoenix women(49:33) NZ Warriors/Tigers(01:16:22) White Ferns(01:23:32) Blackcaps/NZ-AThis week in the Niche Cache we start with the All Whites win over Chile and chat through Ben Old's mahi at left back, Kosta Barbarouses, Jesse Randell and the goal-keeping situation with Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen. Then we check in with Wellington Phoenix women who have had two losses over the past week as the prepare for A-League finals and NZ Warriors also had a loss in the NRL as Wests Tigers won four of their five games in Auckland over the weekend. We also check in with the offloading Keano Kini before going deep into New Zealand cricket matters with White Ferns losing their first ODI vs South Africa, Canterbury winning the Plunket Shield championship and Blackcaps depth laid out across their squads to tour Bangladesh as well as NZ-A squads to tour Sri Lanka.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Flash Floods (Warriors/White Ferns/All Whites) 24.03.2026 1t 54min

  (00:00) NZ Warriors(37:10) Mindfulness(46:50) Francis Manuleleua(54:01) Charlisse Leger-Walker(59:23) White Ferns(01:08:59) Blackcaps/Plunket Shield(01:26:16) Phoenix men(01:35:54) Auckland FC(01:40:35) Phoenix women(01:45:55) All WhitesThis week in the Niche Cache we start with NZ Warriors after their win vs Knights and looking forward to their cultural extravaganza vs Tigers on Friday night. There was also a Kiwi-NRL debut for Francis Manuleleua for Knights vs NZ Warriors. We chat about Charlisse Leger-Walker and kiwis in NCAA March Madness before rolling through the White Ferns and Blackcaps doube header where the women are on track as an impressive T20I outfit. Blackcaps continue to balance older players and youngsters, all of whom deserve opportunities to represent New Zealand and there are even more exciting young talents in Plunket Shield such as Lachlan Stackpole and Thomas O'Connor. Then we check in with the Aotearoa A-League teams before finishing with some quick All Whites things that we'll chat more about in our Bonus Pod on Thursday.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Dressed In Disguise (Warriors/All Whites/Blackcaps) 17.03.2026 1t 56min

  (00:00) White Ferns & Blackcaps(18:55) Mindfulness(22:42) Plunket Shield(28:27) Judd Flavell(32:50) Tall Ferns(40:23) NZ Warriors(01:13:46) All Whites(01:44:11) A-LeaguesThis week in the Niche Cache we update Blackcaps and White Ferns as they roll through their T20I double-headers with South Africa, as well as highlighting the excellent all-rounders on the rise in the Blackcaps system and all things Plunket Shield. Then we check in with Judd Flavell and his new coaching role, before breaking down the Tall Ferns World Cup qualifying campaign. NZ Warriors are winning across their top three grades and that gives us lots to chat about, from Brandon Norris to Tanah Boyd and all the kiwis in between. Lachlan Bayliss is the freshest All Whites selection and despite a bunch of absences, New Zealand's football depth is evident in the latest squad. We dive deep into the All Whites squad and then roll through all three A-League teams with a few key points.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com
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  Doin' A Randell (Blackcaps/NRL/A-League) 10.03.2026 1t 54min

  (02:20) Blackcaps(23:10) Mindfulness/Herbs(32:12) White Ferns(36:27) Plunket Shield(44:44) NZ Warriors/NRL(01:08:56) Auckland FC(01:24:54) Phoenix men(01:41:10) Phoenix women & Football Ferns(01:47:11) Ben WaineThis week in the Niche Cache we reflect on the Blackcaps T20 World Cup final loss and flush the dunny to move forward ... with a T20I series vs South Africa right around the corner. White Ferns have named their T20I squad to play South Africa as well and Brett Randell wasn't the only Plunket Shield bowler to take 7 wickets with Otago's Thomas O'Connor showing New Zealand's depth with delightful left-arm swing. NZ Warriors dished out plenty of offloads against Sydney Roosters and we'll have to wait to see if this is a new addition to their footy, while the Jersey Flegg Cup Warriors played their first game of the season so we offer some deep cuts there. Siale Faeamani made his NRL debut for Titans which means two Kiwi-NRL players made debuts in the first round along with Setu Tu. Both Aotearoa A-League men's teams had draws although the vibes are completely different as Auckland FC prepare for a monster battle vs Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix aren't changing much. Phoenix women return to action after an international break and there are plenty of funky Football Ferns angles to discuss, plus Ben Waine is commanding a World Cup spot with his form for Port Vale. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com