World champion Silver Ferns among
The world champion Silver Ferns are one of 70 nominations received for the 57th Halberg Awards, New Zealand’s annual celebration for sporting achievements.
Having beaten Australia in the World Cup final in Liverpool in July, they are almost certain to break out from the nine teams nominated from five sports to be named finalists in January.
However, they will face stiff competition from the world champion Black Ferns Sevens, the 2018 team of the year winners, and the Black Caps, among others.
The Kiwi Ferns (rugby league), women’s rowing pair Grace Prendergast and Kerri Gowler, lightweight women’s double Zoe McBride and Jackie Kiddle , women’s double Olivia Loe and Brooke Donoghue, the women’s eight (rowing) and the women’s team pursuit (cycling) combination of Holly Edmondston, Bryony Botha, Kirstie James, Rushlee Buchanan and Michaela Drummond have also been nominated.
Despite bowing out with a semifinal loss to England at the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand Rugby nominated departed All Blacks coach Steve Hansen for the coach of the year award. He’s one of 17 coaches from 13 sports in the mix.
Lisa Carrington’s coach, Gordon Walker, winner of the category the past three years, has again been nominated, while Kiwi shot put ace Dame Valerie Adams, who coaches her sister Lisa, a para athlete, and Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua, also feature.
The other nominees are: Allan Bunting (rugby), Cory Sweeney (rugby), Dale Stevenson (athletics), Damian Wiseman (para cycling), Eugene Bareman (mixed martial arts), Gary Hay (rowing), Gary Hollywood (swimming), Gary Stead (cricket), Michael Bland (para cycling), Roly Crichton (para swimming), Ross