Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for New Zealand's Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns.
I've been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards, and reporting from three Fifa World Cups as well as the Olympic Games. I've covered a large variety of events for the Herald, from the 2011 Netball World Cup in Singapore to the mayhem and chaos of the All Whites' trip to Peru in 2017. I led NZME's coverage of the 2021 America's Cup and have patiently followed the Warriors for more than a decade. A football aficionado, I will never forget the noise that greeted Rory Fallon's goal against Bahrain in Wellington in 2009, or the scenes at the final whistle.
!['Results will turn': Barnett reflects on narrow defeat and future](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Results will turn': Barnett reflects on narrow defeat and future
Despite a shocking injury toll, the Warriors almost found a way against the odds.
![Spirited Warriors suffer cruel loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Spirited Warriors suffer cruel loss
The Warriors put everything into this – and then some – and came away with nothing.
![Viva Wahs Vegas: Warriors confirmed to open NRL season in Las Vegas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Viva Wahs Vegas: Warriors confirmed to open NRL season in Las Vegas
The Auckland team will be part of the league extravaganza in the Nevada city next March.
!['No one's getting carried away': Warriors urge perspective after Broncos victory](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'No one's getting carried away': Warriors urge perspective after Broncos victory
Andrew Webster's side gave the perfect response to last weekend's record-equalling loss.
![Exclusive: Phoenix star set for huge move to French club](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive: Phoenix star set for huge move to French club
Ben Old's life-changing transfer will be another historic for New Zealand football.
![Warriors buck form and Broncos for vital win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Warriors buck form and Broncos for vital win
From the depths of despair, the Warriors responded with one of their best performances.
![Michael Burgess: It's hard to see Klimkova taking Ferns reins again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Michael Burgess: It's hard to see Klimkova taking Ferns reins again
It’s difficult to envisage such an outcome for the situation, writes Michael Burgess.
![Rebound or collapse? The burning questions for Warriors ahead of Broncos clash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rebound or collapse? The burning questions for Warriors ahead of Broncos clash
This Saturday is not quite make or break for the Warriors but it’s getting close to it
![‘Not physically there’: What Johnson’s injury woes mean for his future](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Not physically there’: What Johnson’s injury woes mean for his future
Shaun Johnson has been battling injuries and niggles since the start of the season.
![‘Very embarrassing’: Webster reacts to Warriors' record defeat to Titans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Very embarrassing’: Webster reacts to Warriors' record defeat to Titans
The Warriors were monstered physically and seemed to give up at times in a grim display.
![Watch: Historic thrashing leaves Warriors reeling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Historic thrashing leaves Warriors reeling
The meltdown against the lowly Gold Coast Titans raises serious questions.
![Why Johnson is still Warriors' key man, despite emerging questions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why Johnson is still Warriors' key man, despite emerging questions
It’s too early to write off player's potential influence across the rest of this season.
![All Whites outclass Vanuatu, book Oceania Nations Cup semi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Whites outclass Vanuatu, book Oceania Nations Cup semi
The New Zealand team continued their unbeaten start to the 2024 Oceania Nations Cup.
![Remembering a miracle: When the All Whites stunned the world](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Remembering a miracle: When the All Whites stunned the world
The untold story of the All Whites miracle at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
![All Whites midfielder on brink of $10m EPL move](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Whites midfielder on brink of $10m EPL move
The 22-year-old has just completed an impressive season with Serbia's Red Star Belgrade
![Early goals seal Oceania Nations Cup semifinal spot for All Whites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Early goals seal Oceania Nations Cup semifinal spot for All Whites
Despite missing numerous frontliners, the All Whites still looked strong.
![Depleted All Whites squad face tough challenge at Oceania Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Depleted All Whites squad face tough challenge at Oceania Cup
The next two weeks is a chance to exhibit the current depth of New Zealand football.
![Friendly fire: How Kiwis halfback has become the Warriors' greatest NRL rival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Friendly fire: How Kiwis halfback has become the Warriors' greatest NRL rival
It's hard to think of another Kiwi who has enjoyed such success against the Warriors.
![Harsh lessons for Warriors: ‘They took advantage’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Harsh lessons for Warriors: ‘They took advantage’
The Storm were clinical and methodical, the Warriors lacked patience and game smarts.
![Recurring nightmare goes on for Warriors in loss to Storm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Recurring nightmare goes on for Warriors in loss to Storm
The Warriors led by 14 points early, but Melbourne stormed to the win
!['I'm optimistic': Webster’s mid-season Warriors assessment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I'm optimistic': Webster’s mid-season Warriors assessment
Coach assesses first half of the season and what he might have done differently.
![The $4 million man: Why Premier League club chased Kiwi star](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The $4 million man: Why Premier League club chased Kiwi star
About six weeks ago, Alex Paulsen took a phone call that he will never forget.
![Michael Burgess: Origin - the sporting miracle that will never die](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Michael Burgess: Origin - the sporting miracle that will never die
Its longevity and ability to interest each new generation defies popular trends.
![Phoenix star's move to English Premier League confirmed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phoenix star's move to English Premier League confirmed
The goalkeeper has completed the biggest transfer in Wellington Phoenix history.
!['We might never see it again': All Whites great in awe of Chris Wood](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We might never see it again': All Whites great in awe of Chris Wood
Only 12 players scored more goals in the Premier League than Chris Wood last season.
![What milestone decision means for Auckland stadium race](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What milestone decision means for Auckland stadium race
A vote on the final outcome probably won’t take place until early next year.
![Phoenix star making record move to English Premier League](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phoenix star making record move to English Premier League
The goalkeeper is set to complete the biggest transfer in Wellington Phoenix history.
![Local heroes, opportunity and redemption: The stories of Auckland FC's first players](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Local heroes, opportunity and redemption: The stories of Auckland FC's first players
It’s believed Auckland FC have signed 14 players, though they will be announced gradually.
![‘We need change’: Sean Fitzpatrick backs calls for NZR to reform](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘We need change’: Sean Fitzpatrick backs calls for NZR to reform
Fitzpatrick sees parallels with the move to professionalism in rugby in the mid-1990s.
![Michael Burgess: Klimkova's Football Ferns future has to be in doubt amid investigation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Michael Burgess: Klimkova's Football Ferns future has to be in doubt amid investigation
OPINION: The head coach has taken unexpected leave.
!['So much belief': Warriors' recipe for epic upset victory over Dolphins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'So much belief': Warriors' recipe for epic upset victory over Dolphins
The patched-up team confounded the odds with a remarkable 24-20 win on Sunday.
![Warriors revive season with gutsy win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Warriors revive season with gutsy win
The Warriors are back – and they’ll be talking about this game for quite some time.
![Wayne Bennett opens up on Kiwis snub](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wayne Bennett opens up on Kiwis snub
The coaching guru remains in hot demand, illustrated by his new three-year deal at Souths.
![Michael Burgess: Why the Warriors demoted AFB and why he won’t leave](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Michael Burgess: Why the Warriors demoted AFB and why he won’t leave
Dropping a player, especially one of your biggest names, in this way, isn’t done lightly
![Behind the scenes of Phoenix heartbreak](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Behind the scenes of Phoenix heartbreak
The Oskar Zawada goal will go down in club folklore but there was no sequel.
![Heartbreak for Phoenix in dramatic semi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Heartbreak for Phoenix in dramatic semi
It is home heartbreak for the Wellington Phoenix on a massive scale.
![From the ashes: Phoenix set to complete long rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From the ashes: Phoenix set to complete long rise
The Wellington Phoenix can tonight take a step toward a double miracle.
![Big interview: The woman who could save NZ tennis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big interview: The woman who could save NZ tennis
Lulu Sun could become a local hero, giving New Zealand a long-awaited singles contender.
![‘Our standards have dropped’: Warriors veteran's frank admission amid NRL struggles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Our standards have dropped’: Warriors veteran's frank admission amid NRL struggles
The 38-18 defeat to the Roosters last weekend was a new low in a difficult campaign.
![How struggling Warriors would cope without irreplaceable Johnson](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How struggling Warriors would cope without irreplaceable Johnson
ANALYSIS: The Warriors are not a one-man team but the halfback is virtually irreplaceable.
![Goalless draw puts Phoenix on edge of dream](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Goalless draw puts Phoenix on edge of dream
The Wellington Phoenix are 90 minutes away from their first A-League grand final.
![Warriors lose to Roosters; Johnson exits under injury cloud](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Warriors lose to Roosters; Johnson exits under injury cloud
Shaun Johnson was withdrawn for the final 15 minutes after struggling with a chest injury.
![Analysis: Warriors' short-term pain can't mask long-term potential](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Analysis: Warriors' short-term pain can't mask long-term potential
It’s tough to crack the code early in your career – and harder to maintain it.
![Phoenix winger's rise: ‘We haven’t produced players like him’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phoenix winger's rise: ‘We haven’t produced players like him’
Player has rare qualities, in a country where structure and systems are paramount.
![Revealed: Likely date for A-League's first Kiwi derby](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Revealed: Likely date for A-League's first Kiwi derby
The appeal of the first derby can't be overstated: it will capture the imagination.
![‘We back ourselves’: Warriors get boost ahead of daunting NRL clash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘We back ourselves’: Warriors get boost ahead of daunting NRL clash
It’s a timely fillip, with the Warriors desperate for improvement, after a poor run.
![Top women’s rugby players eye Warriors move](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Top women’s rugby players eye Warriors move
The Warriors women’s team are returning to the flagship female competition in 2025
![‘Not doing it together': Webster frank about Warriors issues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Not doing it together': Webster frank about Warriors issues
Warriors’ coach Andrew Webster admits his team are in a slump.
![Warriors’ messy performance amid rain and inept calls hands them third loss on the trot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Warriors’ messy performance amid rain and inept calls hands them third loss on the trot
The Warriors will want to forget about this as soon as possible - though that'll be hard.
![Auckland stadiums: Downtown option still on the table with two-horse race predicted for 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland stadiums: Downtown option still on the table with two-horse race predicted for 2024
A downtown stadium for Auckland remains on the cards as a decision creeps closer.
![The Warriors' mysterious award named after Rocco Berry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Warriors' mysterious award named after Rocco Berry
Berry is modest but also proud when he reflects on his rise, considering his background.
!['Back to my job': Warriors star's honest admission amid NRL form slump](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Back to my job': Warriors star's honest admission amid NRL form slump
After a golden season last year, Watene-Zelezniak has struggled for consistency in 2024.
!['Didn’t gloss over anything': Webster pleased with Warriors' response to loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Didn’t gloss over anything': Webster pleased with Warriors' response to loss
NZ team have put themselves in a difficult situation before a tough run of fixtures.
![‘Staying would be a great option’: Phoenix star reflects on current spell with club](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Staying would be a great option’: Phoenix star reflects on current spell with club
Kosta Barbarouses wants to remain with the Phoenix but discussions are continuing.
!['Pumped for challenge': Warriors won't shy away from task ahead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Pumped for challenge': Warriors won't shy away from task ahead
A worrying pattern continues and Webster admits something is not quite right.
![In a hole: Warriors winless in three games after loss to Titans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
In a hole: Warriors winless in three games after loss to Titans
They could have, maybe should have, stolen it, but instead the winless streak was extended
![Michael Burgess: Warriors' new signing opportunity for player and club](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Michael Burgess: Warriors' new signing opportunity for player and club
OPINION: While being a year or two from first grade, he's a Cleary.
!['Keep dreaming': Dame Lisa not afraid of big Olympic goals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Keep dreaming': Dame Lisa not afraid of big Olympic goals
Carrington's feats are almost taken for granted by the NZ public, which can't be easy.
![Johnson hints at 2025 return amid impressive season start](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Johnson hints at 2025 return amid impressive season start
There is no rush with Shaun Johnson's decision but it isn’t likely to take too long.
!['We're going to turn heads’: Phoenix still confident for finals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We're going to turn heads’: Phoenix still confident for finals
Another late slip saw the Wellington side lose ground in the race for the Premiers Plate.
![Wake-up call: The big questions the Warriors must find answers to](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wake-up call: The big questions the Warriors must find answers to
The Warriors' playbook is under scrutiny - will they bounce back against the Titans?
![Phoenix's penalty miss leaves A League title race wide open](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phoenix's penalty miss leaves A League title race wide open
Post denies Phoenix victory as Mariners close in on top spot.
!['It would be massive': Why NZ Rugby is backing Auckland downtown stadium](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It would be massive': Why NZ Rugby is backing Auckland downtown stadium
New Zealand Rugby has traditionally taken a neutral stance with Auckland stadium debates.
![Off-colour Warriors steamrolled by St George](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Off-colour Warriors steamrolled by St George
This wasn’t the Warriors team we have come to know in the Andrew Webster era.
![The RTS recipe: How Warriors can make most of unique talents at centre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The RTS recipe: How Warriors can make most of unique talents at centre
Only two of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's 201 NRL games have been as a centre.
![Wayde Egan shrugs off Origin talk to prioritise form for Warriors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wayde Egan shrugs off Origin talk to prioritise form for Warriors
It's a new scenario for the understated hooker, who has tended to go under the radar.
![Shaun Johnson backs controversial refereeing call](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shaun Johnson backs controversial refereeing call
The star halfback was at the centre of the Warriors' improbable last-minute comeback.
![How rising defender epitomises Phoenix surge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How rising defender epitomises Phoenix surge
At just 20, Finn Surman has become a colossus in defence for the Phoenix.
![Warriors fall barely short in rousing comeback](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Warriors fall barely short in rousing comeback
After being thoroughly outplayed by Manly, the Warriors almost pulled off a miracle.
![Fishing, fun and flair: Te Maire Martin’s recipe for Warriors success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fishing, fun and flair: Te Maire Martin’s recipe for Warriors success
Five-eighth is in a good place ahead of this afternoon's clash with Manly.
![Phoenix create history with last-gasp winner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phoenix create history with last-gasp winner
The Wellington Phoenix will have a free pass to the second week of the A-League finals.
![Deadline looms for Auckland stadium](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Deadline looms for Auckland stadium
The debate over a definitive stadium solution has been going on for more than a decade.
![Football Ferns left frustrated in Thai stalemate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Football Ferns left frustrated in Thai stalemate
The home side's last hit out before the Olympics left them ruing missed opportunities.
!['It hit my heart': Assessing legacy of Football Ferns great](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It hit my heart': Assessing legacy of Football Ferns great
Ria Percival made her Ferns debut way back in 2007, as a 16-year-old.
!['I wasn't oblivious': Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad addresses RTS fullback debate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I wasn't oblivious': Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad addresses RTS fullback debate
Nicoll-Klokstad gave a timely reminder of his qualities in Saturday's big Warriors win.
![Why Warriors' latest win was their best of 2024 - so far](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why Warriors' latest win was their best of 2024 - so far
'The depth is important because we understand that this is a marathon.'
![Phoenix lose spot at top of A-League ladder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phoenix lose spot at top of A-League ladder
Result means the Wellington side slip to second, behind the Mariners on goal difference
![Warriors show potential in 30-point win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Warriors show potential in 30-point win
Kiwi side ran in six tries to one in an impressive performance.