One of the backers behind the newly announced Auckland NRL franchise bid believes the city's big enough for two teams in the Aussie league competition

Former Kiwis centre Fred Ah Kuoi has voiced his support for "Mana Pasifika" ... Ah Kuoi says you just have to look across the Ditch to Sydney, where there are nine teams.



The Hurricanes have beaten the Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Blues, in their final pre-season hit-out in Wainuiomata.

The Blues scored first but the Hurricanes ran away with it from there, the Canes' halftime lead of 12-7 extending out to 31-19 by fulltime.



And Auckland FC mentor Steve Corica has been named A-League men's coach of the month yet again.

It's the third month running Corica has claimed the honour.