"It's do or die time for us now, we have got to be better than we have been." Moerewa rugby coach Paul Owen.
"Is our discipline in senior club rugby really that bad? Are our players incapable of just playing the game through frustration, poor skills and out of control discipline? Is it a lack of respect towards coaches, captains and referees? Or is it the referee's fault when players refuse to accept the whistle? Whatever it is we have a problem." Local rugby commentator, Mat Radich.
"Everyone was stoked on the afternoon and appreciative of the fact we are lucky enough to live in such a beautiful part of the world." Pete Mitchell, organiser of a locals-only surfing contest in perfect waves at Peaks.
"That's the problem with you soccer players - too soft." A Mangonui rugby stalwart scoffs upon hearing the NAKFA 7-aside tournament gets rained off.
"It always hurts, it's always good fun but you don't get paid for falling off." A cowboy.
"Good dogs only live once," Merv Cameron.
"Any chance to get into any team you can at that [next] level you grab with both hands, even if you have to move to Antarctica." Northland prop Bronson Murray.
"Negatory, my season ended a long time ago." A Te Rarawa stalwart upon being asked if he was going to the Mangonui senior rugby grand final.
"The men were just wonderful - they looked after the ladies all day, welcomed the ladies, took all the entries, did the starting, wrote the board up, served refreshments around the course and the bar, cooked all the food, waited on the tables, cleared the tables and did the dishes. They were all just wonderful. Thank you guys ... you're simply the best!" Kyra Rapana at the Ladies' Summer Open at Houhora in February.
"Our guys are passionate about Maori rugby but then they're passionate about rugby full stop." Shaun Haynes, North Zone Maori coach.
"Stunning place, boys love going up there. They still know how to host a team, the seafood, the hangi. We were treated like kings. Ngati Kuri always wins the aftermatch!" Ngaru Roa coach Tony Cook, replete from the repast from Te Hapua.
"I believe as word gets out about people caring for people it inspires and encourages others to also use their own gifts and talents to encourage and brighten their communities." Jeremy Mitt, local pastor and organiser of the Hokianga Skate Competition.
"In football everything is complicated by the presence of the opposite team." Jean Paul Sartre.
"It's never over when you play Cosmos." Dwayne Beazley, Kerikeri Siteworx (women's team) manager.
"It was such an awesome pool, it made you want to be fast." Michael Larkin.
"Scorpion's himself, he was folded up like a chair, legs were over his head. Bits of board being spat out of the foam ... I was almost expecting to see bits of human too." WCT commentator John Shimooka talking about a spectacular wipeout at the Margaret River Pro which saw Dion Atkinson slammed on to his board at take off by a pitching lip, snapping his board in half before both man and board were buried in an avalanche of white water.
"The children are our future sports stars and having kids as young as eight out there with their boots on was just great," Awanui One Day Touch Tournament organiser Keryn Pivac.
"Ha ha, he's an absolute genius player, got all the moves, tricks and really humorous ... lights up any tournament he's in. We need a star, he is it!" Harko Brown on a ducking, jinking and oft-airborne Hohua Clark at the Iwi Bowl ki-o-rahi tournament in February.
"In the three games we played, we probably spent 80 per cent of the time tackling!" Mangonui senior rep rugby coach Mike Jurlina on this year's Harding Shield campaign.
"The world has so much to offer us ... I am teaching people I meet about our country, culture and ideas." James Ahikaaroa Cherrington represents Far North Maori in California.
"In 20 years of coaching, this team would have to be one of the best I have ever coached. They had a strong unity, and a real passion to succeed. They are not only a team of champions but a champion team." Mangonui coach Eddy Evans.
"To secure the Whangarei [netball] championship for the third year in a row is an amazing achievement in itself, but to do it in the style these girls have displayed is fantastic." Fideliter 1 coach, Emma Miller.
"The team grew in stature and skill as did its reputation for playing attractive flowing football across the full field." Ian Twichel, coach of the North Force team which secured the AFF 13th Grade Div II championship.
"People have been crying out for local players and here's our chance for them to back us." Northland Taniwha coach Derren Witcombe.
"When we added everything up, we had made $4 so at least we didn't run at a loss." Pat Hira in the annual Cape2Kaitaia Fun Cycle Ride.
"He's still a Kiwi." Bernadette Broadhurst, mum of Waipap born Michael Broadhurst who's currently playing international test rugby for Japan.
"Can't wait to hit the local vineyard for lunch." Kerikeri Half Marathon participant.
"It's all my supporters, friends and family that count. I couldn't do half of what I do without them ... It takes more than one person to get an award like this," Jessica Rule after being named up and coming personal trainer of the year at the Fitness Industry Awards.
"We want basketball to be big again up here," Muriwhenua's Pocko Still.
"Lucky you not playing in Latin America, hombre ... hard to come to work wearing a Colombian necktie." Anonymous after hearing of The Offsider's glaring goalkeeping howler in the NAKFA 7-aside social summer soccer series.
"Long rights down past Opotiki then heaving Matakana on Monday. Alas, I was so weary by about 4pm I face-planted on a set wave in front of Maz Quinn, Leon Santorik and one of our local water photogs. Old man-itis is setting in," a report from an east coast local.
This second instalment in his quotes of the year is part of The Offsider's multi-pronged round up of sport in 2013. Other features in the series include the Headlines of the Year, published across two editions earlier this month, and his personal perspective on events which featured in last Tuesday's edition. The final chapter, The Offsider's infamous USAs aka Underground Sports Awards winners for 2013 will be revealed on Thursday!
The Offsider is Age sportsbuster Francis Malley. Respond atsports@northlandage.co.nz.
