Posted on Friday, May 29th, 2026
Game Recap: Airs v Jets
Result: Taranaki Airs (77) are defeated by Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (89)
The visiting Jets had looked good over their last few games with the return of Tai Webster joining his brother Corey brought scoring, experience and leadership. The first quarter would be a one sided affair as the Airs struggles continued to fester. The Jets would take a commanding 29-8 lead. With both Webster brothers outscoring the entire Airs side. While the match would look over after the first quarter, 14 straight points from the Airs and 5 minutes without a bucket for the Jets in the second would bring the home side back into this game. Heading into the second quarter, the Jets would start to pull away. Tai Webster showcased his brilliance alongside the MVP numbers from Jamal Poplar Jr to bring the lead up to 23. It would fluctuate but as the fourth quarter came to a close, it’d be the visiting Jets moving their way up the ladder.
Leading Players:
Taranaki Airs: James Moors (20p, 11r, 2a), Aaron Cook Jr (13p, 11a, 4s), Marcel Jones (15p, 6r)
Manawatū Jets: Jamal Poplar Jr (23p, 14r), Tai Webster (16p, 4r, 6a, 77 FG%), Kazlo Evans Jr (18p, 3r, 4a, +37)
MVP Votes:
Jamal Poplar Jr (Jets) – 9
Tai Webster (Jets) – 7
James Moors (Airs) – 5
Aaron Cook Jr (Airs) – 5
Kazlo Evans Jr (Jets) – 3
Marcel Jones (Airs) – 1
Rapid League game:
Result: Taranaki Airs (34) defeat Cook Street Manawatū Jets (28)
After initially going down 0-7 on the season, the reentrance from Luka Vea and Quintin Bailey into the Rapid League lineup worked wonders for the squad. With it came scoring and veteran presence that would help steady the ship and allow Riley Tuuta to be the scorer Taranaki fans knows he can be. The Jets had a knack for destroying winning streaks and in the first quarter, they looked poised to do it again. That was until Riley Tuuta turned on the jets and would pour in 15 points. Experience and good buckets would carry the Airs through to their 3rd straight victory.
Leading Players:
Taranaki Airs: Riley Tuuta (15p, 6r, 3a, 3s), Luka Vea (8p, 3r)
Manawatū Jets: Boston Caldwell (14p, 2r), Christian McDaniel (2p, 14r, 2a)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Riley Tuuta (Airs) – 9
Boston Caldwell (Jets) – 8
Quintin Bailey (Airs) – 4
Luka Vea (Airs) – 4
Isaac Makoii (Jets) – 3
Christian McDaniel (Jets) – 1
Zavier Pearn (Airs) – 1