I was gutted to hear the news our assistant coach at the Vodafone Warriors and Kiwis, Steve McNamara, is leaving to coach the Catalan Dragons. Not only a good coach but a bloody good guy, and he will be sadly missed. I know he was gutted himself to pull the plug halfway through a season but every coach wants to be the main man, so I wish him well. In this issue, we can congratulate the Wellington Saints basketball team on winning their 10th National Basketball League title. What makes it even more special is that the Saints won 20 games in a row, a fantastic achievement - particularly for the owner Nick Mills. Nick just happens to be Stephen Kearney’s first ever manager when he started his journey in rugby league, and they are still good mates. We also announce our 15 book winners, and there is still time enter to the Vodafone Warriors signed jersey competition. I have a massive weekend coming up. On Friday I’m going to lunch to hear Raelene Castle speak, then it's off to the Vodafone Warriors v Bulldogs game, and then on Saturday I'm off to the rugby test match. Go the Warriors and All Blacks. But before the game it's off to Euro restaurant down the waterfront to have lunch with a group of mates, so it's going to be a long day. On Wednesday next week, me and Janice fly to Sydney for what I thought was the chance to watch the Warriors play the Tigers, but unfortunately the game is in Perth. Because of my dyslexia, I got it all mixed up and now the accommodation and airfares are paid, so we are going to watch the NYC team play in Sydney instead. The America's Cup sailors are in action this weekend and the footballers from the All Whites play Mexico at the Confederations Cup. We are a proud sporting nation that is for sure. Have a great weekend, I’m going to, and see you at Mt Smart in time for us to smash the Dogs. Sir Peter Leitch KNZM, QSM Chief NZ Ambassador Rugby League World Cup 2017