10. STEVEN ADAMS

The grizzled veteran is now reaching an age where people not only appreciate the fact he is still doing it but are realising the greatness he always had.

9. DAME NOELINE
TAURUA

We stand with her. Success has a standard.

8. MARCO ROJAS

The Kiwi Messi retired through injury this year and while a little overshadowed by former team mate Chris Wood he will still be remembered as one of the best NZ ever produced.

7. SHANE VAN
GISBERGEN

You’d be forgiven for thinking all of NZ Motorsport begins and ends with a blonde in a Red Bull (or not in a Red Bull) but SVG has crushed the indys this year.

6. PAIGE BUECKERS

Drafted no. 1 into the WNBA, Bueckers was named rookie of the year. And did I mention she’s really, really hot.

5. TERENCE
CRAWFORD

The best way to describe this man is (AC Milan 2007.) Apart from that the fact that he is an Undisputed Champion in multiple weight classes while still being undefeated, GOAT status.

4. SIMONE BILES

All she does is win. And that extends off the balance bean and into social issues where she campaigns for trans rights.

3. CHRIS WOOD

Who the fuck is Wynton Rufer? Chris Wood is NZ Football on a global stage.

2. Leah Williamson

Captained England in winning their second consecutive Euro Championship finals and Arsenal in winning Champions League. All after just recovering from an ACL tear.

1. QUEENSLAND
MAROONS

They said it wouldn’t be done, they said it couldn’t be done. They (especially Temepara) said all through Re-oweek that it was going to be a whitewash. Then the underdog Maroons showed why they are the Cinderella story of 2025.