3 Feb 2026The Northern Brave are 2025/26 Super Smash champions once again after securing a strong 5 wicket win over the Canterbury Kings in the grand final.
Courage and leadership
Captain of the Brave, Robbie O’Donnell, praised the team’s mindset and collective effort throughout the season. “It was great lifting the trophy this season! We were extremely happy and proud to put together yet another solid performance in the final,”
“Everyone stood up for the team at some stage throughout the season. We started to relish being the one to stand up and be aggressive in the high pressure moments. It became infectious.” O’Donnell said.
He also highlighted the impact of senior players: “Katene has been our rock yet again this season. His mindset and calmness under pressure rubbed off on the entire batting unit. 400+ runs with such a healthy strike rate really shows just how good he has been for us. The senior heads from Papamoa both stood up for us and took the bull by the horns in the final. Extremely happy for both of them & we certainly needed them to play that way and carry us over the line.”
BJ Watling, Head Coach of the Northern Districts Men, added: “A few things stood out. I think we played with courage, even when the pressure was on. We had a real energy and hunger to give ourselves a chance of winning games and our decision making looked clear and decisive with ball and bat. Not much I can do from the sidelines — the players took real ownership in their own games and prepared themselves for each match and situation.”
Overcoming Challenges
Watling and O’Donnell reflected on the small moments that defined the Brave’s season and the squad’s focus under pressure. Watling said, “We tried to stay level throughout situations — bouncing back after being hit for a boundary, staying intent with the bat each ball, and looking for every opportunity to impact the game, big or small.”
O’Donnell shared his most memorable moments during the competition: “Katene Clarke 100* in Dunedin with a six off the last ball of the innings to get there and Scott Kuggeleijn taking a hat-trick against Auckland at Eden Park."
He added "My favourite off-field moment would have to be spending quality time with the brothers drinking coffee and getting haircuts from Northlands favourite son, Henry Cooper.”
Looking ahead, O’Donnell finished:
“We certainly want to be the MA that strives to win all three domestic competitions each year. Our squad has great depth and some of the highest quality senior players, all enjoying each other's company. Special mention to all our staff too, we have great people that are willing us to succeed and grow.”
With their Super Smash success fueling confidence, the Brave aim to carry that momentum into the Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield.
