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Tight NPC race gives Canterbury chance to climb into top four
Sport Nation • September 22nd, 2026 5:14 pm
Brodie McAlister | Photo: Michael Thomas/Photosport
Canterbury captain Brodie McAlister believes the defending champions’ recent form could help them climb from fifth into the top four and secure a home quarter-final.
Just two points separate the top five teams in a tightly contested NPC competition, making every remaining match crucial.
“It's been an awesome competition so far, for us we're just taking it week by week,” McAlister told Sport Nation.
“She's actually a pretty tight competition and you've got to get your week right and turn up on game day to put it out in the field.”
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Sitting just shy of a home final only adds fuel to the South Island team's fire.
“You're wanting to be playing finals footy at home, so I think every result counts and I think these next couple of weeks are going to be really big to see who goes through and wins the competition.
“Whoever turns up on the day well prepared and mentally in that right frame of mind will get the W leading into this time of year.”
Canterbury endured an inconsistent start to the season, winning the Ranfurly Shield before suffering several tough losses, then rediscovering their form.
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“I think with having that shield challenge and losing it and having a couple tough results here, you get a lot of learnings out of that.
“Those couple of weeks where we didn't get the results were actually pretty beneficial for our group," he explained.
“There's a lot older guys in there, but a lot younger guys coming through as well, so, for them to get the learnings out of that I think it's put us in a good stead to be where we are at the moment.”
Listen to the full interview below:
