The Niche Cast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave No Tracks (Blackcaps/NRL/A-League/Tall Blacks) 03.03.2026 1t 56min

(00:00) Blackcaps(23:07) Mindfulness(29:28) White Ferns(38:10) Football Ferns(49:50) Plunket Shield(55:40) Tall Blacks(01:08:44) NRL(01:25:22) Auckland FC(01:48:26) Wellington PhoenixThis week in the Niche Cache we start with Blackcaps making the T20 World Cup semi-finals and New Zealand returning to top-four status as a cricket nation. We break down some key points for their semi-final vs South Africa and then highlight Izzy Gaze as the most impressive White Fern after the T20I series win vs Zimbabwe. White Ferns and Football Ferns are both playing against weaker nations so we compare the two teams, also chatting through some of the emerging Footy Ferns who took their opportunities in Oceania qualification. Plunket Shield rolls along with Northern Districts defeating Auckland and we discuss Simon Keene's sneaky batting ability as well as Zak Gibson's efficient seam bowling for ND this season. Tall Blacks had two wins in Asia over the weekend with New Zealand's basketball depth on show. NRL started over the weekend with the Otahuhu wing combo for Dragons coming close to a win vs Bulldogs and Dylan Brown showing his growth in the halves for Knights. We finish with a trip into the A-League where Auckland FC are still one of the best teams and Wellington Phoenix are the worst team. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com

World Jumble (Wellington Phoenix/Warriors/Domestic Cricket) 24.02.2026 1t 54min

(00:00) Wellington Phoenix (53:24) Mindfulness(56:19) Ben Old & Elijah Just(01:02:20) NZ Warriors(01:23:41) NZ Breakers(01:34:12) HBJ Shield(01:41:53) Ford TrophyThis week in the Niche Cache we go deep into the Wellington Phoenix rivers to discuss their loss to Auckland FC and the coaching situation. We weave in Auckland FC and Phoenix women stuff for a comprehensive check in with the kiwi A-League systems. Ben Old's a left back now and Elijah Just is still scoring goals in the Flying Kiwis department, then we roll through news that Mitchell Barnett will depart NZ Warriors after this season. NZ Breakers won the Ignite Cup and we prepare for their offseason. Finishing with a wrap of Northern Districts winning the HBJ Shield and Central Districts winning Ford Trophy with Nensi Patel, Kayley Knight, Holly Topp and Curtis Heaphy in the spotlight.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com

The Grasshopper Angle (Blackcaps/A-League/Warriors) 17.02.2026 1t 52min

(00:00) NRL Māori v Indigenous(11:30) Melie Kerr & HBJ Shield(30:50) Mindfulness(34:28) Blackcaps(44:27) Ford Trophy(49:35) NZ Breakers(55:18) NZ Warriors(01:11:44) Penrith Panthers(01:17:18) Phoenix Women(01:43:00) Phoenix Men vs Auckland FC This week in the Niche Cache we enter the Melie Kerr era. She was announced as White Ferns captain and we chat through Kerr's leadership ability, as well as previewing the HBJ Shield final between Wellington and Northern Districts. Then we check in with the Blackcaps at the T20 World Cup and how Rachin Ravindra's bowling has been better than his batting, plus a dip for Jacob Duffy. NZ Breakers missed the NBL finals but still have the glorious Ignite Cup to look forward to. NZ Warriors lost their NRL preseason game vs Sea Eagles and didn't show any funky additions to their mediocre attacking movements, while a bunch of Kiwi-NRL juniors caught the eye for Penrith Panthers as they build out their Aotearoa flavour. Then we finish with a stinky loss for Wellington Phoenix women and Aotearoa A-League derby prep for the men.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheSubstack: https://thenichecache.substack.comDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com

Educate Your Heart (Blackcaps/A-League/NRL) 10.02.2026 1t 52min

(00:00) Blackcaps(36:30) Mindfulness(40:21) Ford Trophy(51:39) HBJ Shield(56:12) NZ Breakers/NBL(01:02:52) Mason Barber, Setu Tu, NZ Warriors(01:13:13) A-LeaguesThis week in the Niche Cache we chat through the Blackcaps win vs Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup and set up their next game vs UAE. We also discuss Ford Trophy and HBJ Shield cricket on the domestic circuit before checking with NZ Breakers as they chase NBL finals, while kiwis like Flynn Cameron are already comfortably in the finals mix. Mason Barber showed his potential in NRL preseason footy for Cowboys and NZ Warriors started their U17/U19 season with a couple of losses. We finish with lots of A-League football starting with Sarpreet Singh returning to Wellington Phoenix before diving deep into defensive styles, Auckland FC's win and Phoenix women being the most entertaining kiwi team in A-League.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheNewsletter: https://thenichecache.substack.comHook us up with a brew: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com

Trust The Talent (Blackcaps/A-League/Warriors) 03.02.2026 1t 55min

(00:00) Sam Ruthe & Pia Vlok(18:39) Jess Kerr & Wellington Blaze(33:29) Mindfulness(35:59) NZ Breakers(38:10) Dragons/NZ Warriors(01:01:10) Blackcaps (01:17:55)- Northern Brave & Domestic cricket(01:30:33) A-Leagues(01:50:42) Flying KiwisThis week in the Niche Cache we update the crazy mahi of Sam Ruthe and Pia Vlok, as well as celebrating Wellington Blaze legend Jess Kerr. Then we check in with NZ Breakers and Bailey Carmichael who is the latest Kiwi-NRL signing for St George Illawarra Dragons, which leads into some basic NZ Warriors ideas to warm up the NRL muscles. Blackcaps are about to start their T20 World Cup campaign so we break down all the key pockets like Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner's batting and Jacob Duffy's undercover excellence. We swing back around to Northern Brave's Super Smash championship and roll through the New Zealand A-League action, before finishing with a quick round up of Nik Tzanev, Elijah Just and Marko Stamenic.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheNewsletter: https://thenichecache.substack.comHook us up with a brew: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com

Eating Wickets (Blackcaps/A-League/Super Smash) 27.01.2026 2t 9min

(00:00) Porirua (04:31) Blackcaps(41:30) Mindfulness(45:55) Super Smash(01:02:27) Elijah Just(01:08:51) Wellington Phoenix women(01:26:02) Auckland FC(01:44:50) Phoenix, Newcastle Jets, Storm Roux(01:55:44) Sam Ruthe(01:58:00) NZ Breakers, Flynn Cameron(02:02:32) Tall FernsThis week in the Niche Cache we start by breaking down New Zealand's warm up series for the T20 World Cup and a few different hot pockets like Rachin Ravindra's 1st 11 role. We check in with the Super Smash ahead of the finals weekend and dive deep into Elijah Just's form for Motherwell, then we discuss another impressive win for Wellington Phoenix Women in Porirua. Auckland FC had a draw and are still top of the A-League ladder while Phoenix men continue their up and down season with a loss. We update the Sam Ruthe tracker, check in with NZ Breakers and finish with some Tall Ferns yarns as they assembled for a training camp.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheNewsletter: https://thenichecache.substack.comHook us up with a brew: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com

Religious Gang Sign (Blackcaps/Auckland FC/Wellington Phoenix) 20.01.2026 1t 55min

(00:00) Daryl Mitchell(14:42) Wellington Phoenix(23:03) Sam Ruthe(30:30) NZ Breakers(35:26) Steven Adams(37:49) Mindfulness(43:09) Blackcaps bowling & T20s(01:13:51) Auckland FC(1:32:25) More PhoenixThis week in the Niche Cache we update Daryl Mitchell's legendary ODI batting for New Zealand and touch on a few more Blackcaps nuggets from their ODI series win in India, then we reflect on a winning weekend for both Wellington Phoenix teams. Sam Ruthe keeps doing crazy running stuff so we update his recent activities and check in with NZ Breakers, as well as an injury for Steven Adams. Then we swing back around to dive deeper into the Blackcaps bowling performance in India and Bevon Jacobs intrigue for the upcoming T20 series. Auckland FC appear to be stumbling but are still top of the A-League ladder after their cluster of away games in Australia and we finish with more Phoenix chat about the Eze/Piper combo and Bev Priestman's style as the women's coach.