The hopes for an on-court coalition between David Seymour and Chlöe Swarbrick have been quashed, with the pair set to face-off in the New Zealand Breakers All-Star celebrity game.
As part of the event's draft to make up the two teams, Seymour, leader of the Act Party, and Swarbrick, GreensMP, have been named on Team [Tom] Abercrombie and Team [Finn] Delany respectively for the game at Spark Arena on November 26.
Accustomed to trading blows in the debate chamber, the political pair will now put whatever skills they have with a ball on the hardwoods. They come in hot off good form – having both enjoyed historic elections in their own right.
Seymour has previewed a sneaky performance from himself is on the horizon, and his enthusiasm suggests at the very least, the effort will be there.
He previously stated he has "untapped skills" and it was wrong of people to "underestimate" his basketball ability.
There is no shortage of talent involved, with sporting and music stars filling out the singlets alongside the two politicians.
In Team Abercrombie, Seymour will be joined by Breakers teammates Jarrad Weeks and Tai Webster, former Silver Fern Irene van Dyk, Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker – who replaces UFC star Israel Adesanya due to quarantine complications.
On Team Delany, Swarbrick will have Rob Loe and Corey Webster from the Breakers to work with. She will also be joined by Silver Ferns shooter Maia Wilson, heavyweight boxer Junior Fa, Olympic gold medalist Eric Murray and former All Black Carlos Spencer.
The event later this month is for charity, raising funds for the Starship Foundation.
Team Abercrombie:
Tom Abercrombie - Breakers Jarrad Weeks - Breakers Tai Webster - Breakers Irene van Dyk - Silver Fern Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – Warriors Captain Joseph Parker - Boxer Zoi Sadowski-Synnott – Winter Olympic Bronze Medallist Liam Messam - All Black David Seymour - ACT politician Nouri - Chart-topping Singer Chris Mac – Six60 Jenny-May Clarkson – Silver Fern Guy Williams - Comedian Kai Kara-France - UFC Fighter Shane Young - UFC Fighter Coach: Dan Shamir
Team Delany:
Finn Delany - Breakers Rob Loe - Breakers Corey Webster - Breakers Maia Wilson - Silver Fern Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck – Former Warrior & Social Media Star Junior Fa - Boxer Eric Murray – Double Olympic Champion Carlos Spencer - All Black Chloe Swarbrick - Green politician Ruby Tui - Black Fern Greg Murphy - 4x Bathurst Winner James McOnie - Broadcaster Jordan River - Mai FM host *Two mystery players to be revealed Coach: Mody Maor
