Rowing: Tonks enters debate on Halberg Awards

Dick Tonks

New Zealand rowing coach Dick Tonks has called for common sense when it comes to debate over this year's Halberg Awards.

Much has been made of the fact one or two of the world champion rowing crews could miss out on the final in the teams category.

However Tonks believes some people, including the media, are taking the whole thing way too seriously, and the debate needs to revel in sports people's achievements rather than creating a negative vibe with too much critiquing.

Tonks says the controversy surrounding the award is getting a little out of hand, making the lead-up over the last three or four years quite unpleasant.

Meanwhile, the elite summer rowing squad complete 60 minute erg tests to examine their fitness this morning which should leave many keen for a decent serving of Christmas turkey at week's end.

Tonks is releasing the squad a week early because the standard of training has been so high in the last couple of months.

The team gets an entire week off, resuming again in the Hawke's Bay regatta on the 27th.

- NEWSTALK ZB