Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga 2021 / Photosport Ltd
On the fields, courts and canvases, there were plenty of magic moments in 2023. However, not all highlights came from athletes' actions with some of their words becoming iconic. Jonty Dine looks back at the 10 most memorable sports quotes of 2023.
"It's just a scratch." - Dan Hooker, MMA.
Following a brutal war with Jalin Turner at UFC 290 in July, kiwi mixed marital artist Dan Hooker brushed off his injuries in the most Dan Hooker way possible. His arm was broken and required surgery but the crimson covered lightweight laughed it off with Joe Rogan.
"I wasted it on Chris Martin." - Nathan Lyon, Cricket.
Nathan Lyon became just the eighth bowler in history to join the 500-test wicket club, bringing up the milestone against Pakistan in December. Speaking about his greatest test wicket, the offspinner joked that it was wasted on New Zealand's notorious bunny Chris Martin.
"Shag, what are you up to?" - Dane Coles, Rugby.
Informed about former coach Steve Hansen's supporting role with the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup, a befuddled Dane Coles could not hide his disappointment at the betrayal.
"I've never seen a team or a player stoop so low." Angelo Matthews, Cricket.
This cutting line from the Sri Lankan skipper came following his dramatic dismissal at the Cricket World Cup after breaking his helmet strap and being tinned out. A fuming Matthews fronted the media and questioned Bangladesh's respect for the game.
"There is nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent!" - Pat Cummins, Cricket.
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins made this ruthless comment regarding the 100,000 plus Indian fans who had packed Narendra Modi Stadium only to witness the Aussies lift the World Cup for a sixth time.
"I'm not copying you. We're gonna win." - Niall Guthrie Williams, Rugby.
Compared with her brother Sonny Bill, Niall Guthrie Willams shot back at media with this quip about her switching from league to join the Blues, something SBW did without winning a title.
"There is a lot of things that LIV Golf has to offer that were very enticing."- John Rahm, Golf.
972 million things?
"I don't check the points table." - Andrew Webster, League.
No matter how often Webby was pressed by reporters throughout the Warriors memorable season, he remained steadfast in his claim that he never checked the points table. Also a possible Tui billboard.
"We want to make the game as exciting as possible and I think we've lost it over the years." - Carlos Spencer, Rugby.
Carlos Spencer said what many rugby fans have been thinking for a number of years. Speaking on the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, Spencer said the spectacle was killed by over-zealous officiating. If one man knows what exciting rugby looks like, it's the king.
"I'm rough rugged and hori, good luck taking this belt from me." - Mea Motu, Boxing.
It was another stellar year for New Zealand's IBO bantamweight champion Mea Motu, who twice defended her belt and fired off numerous great one liners along the way. This quote ahead of her fight in northland in December perfectly embodies Motu's fearlessness and unwavering self belief.
-RNZ