It was revealed earlier this week that former Wallabies winger Nick Cummins will become the next Australian Bachelor.
It is expected the reality TV show will feature later this year in Australia, however it hasn't been confirmed if it will air in New Zealand. Cummins is something of a punt for the Australian network, a quick-witted wild card with an established fan-base who will attract viewers due to his unpredictability and extravagant personality. But does New Zealand sport have anyone like that? Could it work here?
In three seasons of the New Zealand Bachelor, we've seen Arthur Green, Jordan Mauger and Zac Franich hand out the roses, but could New Zealand next do a 'Honey Badger'?
The Herald takes a look at some of New Zealand's most qualified candidates.
Steven Adams
The 'Big Kiwi' is tearing up the paint in the NBA right now and is New Zealand's greatest ever basketballer. At 2.13m (7 foot), the 24-year-old towers above most, but his physical attributes aren't the best thing about him.
Adams is one of the funniest characters in the NBA, bringing Kiwi colloquialisms and casualness to the mic when he is interviewed. Adams is also rocking long hair and a beard, making him a spitting image of Khal Drogo actor Jason Momoa, which can only be a good thing.
Adams also rakes in the big bucks, signing a four-year extension for over $100 million to stay at Oklahoma, so he'll be able to spoil his bachelorettes. In his spare-time, Adams is a bit of a gamer, with a keen interest in video games.
Playing in the NBA is a bit of a negative in terms of availability. The bachelor is clearly important to some, but it'd be unlikely the Oklahoma City Thunder would let him go off to film a TV series.
Why it could work: Adams would be a guaranteed hit
Why it wouldn't work: Come on, he plays in the NBA
View this post on InstagramHappy valentines to this beauty 😍 #gstring
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Mitchell McClenaghan
Mitchell McClenaghan probably belongs behind the stumps, because he's a keeper. Unfortunately he is too talented with the ball-in-hand, with the former Blackcap currently playing in Pakistan for the Lahore Qalandars.
McClenaghan is a short-form specialist and is the fastest bowler to take 50 wickets for New Zealand in One Day Internationals. The 31-year-old was released from his New Zealand Cricket contract last year and has been playing for teams around the world since.
While the travel might be a drawcard for some, it does mean living out of a suitcase. McClenaghan has played for the Auckland Aces since 2011 and has had stints at Lancashire, Middlesex, Mumbai, Sydney and currently Lahore.
Why it would work: Ticks the box for looks and personality
Why it wouldn't work: May lack a little in the profile department
Liam Malone
Liam Malone is one of New Zealand's great athletic champions. Malone claimed a silver and two gold medals at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, achieving his golds in record time.
The 24-year-old was born with fibular hemimelia in both of his legs and was amputated from below the knee when he was just 18-months-old. Clearly, that couldn't stop the determined young man.
Malone was appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of merit in the 2017 New Years Honours for his services to athletics. Earlier this year he announced his retirement from athletics. So, unlike Adams, Malone has some time on his hands.
Why it would work: He looks at home in front of the camera
Why it wouldn't work: Age may work against him
Peter Burling
Peter Burling is another member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and rightly so. The sailor is a Kiwi hero for his influence in bringing the America's Cup back to New Zealand.
As well as bringing the Auld Mug home, the 27-year-old was named World Sailor of the Year in 2017. He is also a multi-time world and Olympic champion in the 49er class. He is currently competing in the Volvo Ocean Race.
Burling has spends a considerable amount of time out on the water, so while he could take his bachelorettes out for a romantic cruise, but they'll also have to get used to him spending a lot of time with his long time crew mate, Blair Tuke.
Why it would work: Sailing hero, the public love him
Why it wouldn't work: From world's best sailor to bachelor would be a poor career move.
Marty Banks
One of the characters of rugby, Marty Banks is a wild card entry for this list. Banks won a Super Rugby championship with the Highlanders in 2015 and was a standout for several years in the Mitre 10 Cup for Tasman.
The curly-haired pivot is known to enjoy a beer or two, famously knocking back a beer during a game before kicking a conversion to beat Taranaki in a semi-final. Banks might be a bit difficult to snap up for the show, he's currently playing in the Pro12 with Treviso.
Banks is also known to be a bit of a funny man, spending a bit of time in front of the camera already, so he should be able to hold his own on national reality TV.
Why it would work: He's Marty Banks
Why it wouldn't work: He's Marty Banks
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