I can reveal I’m no longer a Sky TV contractor.
I finished on the 31st of December.
Now at my tender age, I have to reset my sights and goals and it’s damned exciting, I’ve got to say.
23 years plus at Sky has been at the most part rewarding and enlightening. I started with cricket on day one all of those years ago and helped to build what I believe was a pretty good product until the company lost interest in trying to keep it on their channels.
Had 23 years, too, on the sideline at rugby, something I never imagined would ever happen. Some would say that it probably shouldn’t have either, but it did, and for me it was an honour and a privilege. Two World Cup wins, 160-plus All Black Tests, 20 Super Rugby Finals, countless NPC and Ranfurly Shield matches. Probably close to 750 games in all.
What a blast for a kid who grew up playing rugby in Miramar, Wellington some 60 years ago.
Sky TV has a changing face now, a long way removed from this old, scaly, sunburnt one. There’s a new breed, if you haven’t noticed, and the way it’s trending, away from the career broadcaster like Nisbo and TJ, those guys in particular. Let’s hope it’s a long time before they are away from our screens. Ultimate and dedicated pros, and a pleasure to work alongside.
There’s a purpose and a direction towards Maori and Pacific island input and of course female sport like never before. The way of the world as they say.
It was mutual that we part ways.
Working on Fox Cricket for the last six weeks and the ICC on the T20 World Cup has rejuvenated my love to call cricket. Fox is, without doubt, the number one producer of cricket in the world. Ambitious, innovative, and their relationship with the players will never be emulated in this country.
SEN, as it is across the ditch, and SENZ here continue to make giant inroads across the board and that is exciting to be a part of. More access, more live broadcasts, more good people climbing on board as well.
It’s onwards and upwards. Let’s get stuck into this new year, shall we.