australian television information archive

A Whole New Ball Game

Episode 1
New Zealand: April 09, 2005 (TV2)
Australia: June 03, 2005 (Nine)
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Roger Hodgman

Holly McKenzie has just moved from New Zealand to Australia with her parents. Holly lives for basketball and looks forward to being one of the best players for the town's famed junior basketball team, the Rams. Holly's plans and dreams don't quite go as planned as she fails to make the team. She finds herself on the outs, a basket baller with no team to play for. Holly is an innately optimistic person. An eager beaver, who refuses to give up no matter what obstacles are put in her way, if she can't get a game with the Rams, she'll start her own team!

Starring: Dominique Crawford as Holly McKenzie, Kane McNay as Nick Fraser, Greta Larkins as Jacinta Peterson, Michael Harrison as Johnno Walsh, Jared Daperis as Ralph Owen, Jessie Jacobs as Emily Walsh, Ben Schumann as Franco Galluza, Nick Colla as Joel Peterson, Virginia Ryan as Trish Jenkins, Stephany Avila as Eleanor Scubinski

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, John Williams as Parker, Dwayne Abeyesekera as Singh, Greg Saunders as Weatherman, Chris Toohey as Boy #1, Madeleine Maher as Girl #2, Ray Mirams as Choking Kid

Dedicated to the Memory of David Phillips

Making the Grade

Episode 2
New Zealand: April 16, 2005
Australia: June 10, 2005
Written by Sam Carroll
Directed by Roger Hodgman

Holly's new teammates are pumped as they gather for their first practice session. Johnno offers to take care of the uniforms, promising to have them ready in time for their first game tomorrow, leaving the others to come up with a team name. Holly pays a visit to Alan Peterson to collect the season draw and is surprised to find out that their first game is actually an Official Grading Game, to test the standard of her team. If they lose they will be in D grade. If they want to be in the same league as the Rams they must win. They only have one chance.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Ruth Yaffe as Mrs Rasic, Stephen Bendle as Giants Coach

Home Court Advantage

Episode 3
New Zealand: April 23, 2005
Australia: June 17, 2005
Written by Kathryn Burnett
Directed by Roger Hodgman

Holly is keen to lift the team's standard. She dreams of making the Outlaws every bit as good as her old New Zealand team, the Waka. But what Holly considers an easy training session, the Outlaws call torture. They didn't sign on for this level of pain. To make matters worse the Rams coach, Alan Peterson, is in charge of the gym bookings. The Rams have taken all the afternoon slots and Holly is left with the last slot available at 6:30. That's 6:30 am. The news does not go down well with the Outlaws. Holly's gruelling training sessions are bad enough without them occurring in the middle of the night! The Outlaws don't turn up for training and Holly's has a potential mutiny on her hands. Does she even have a team anymore?

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, John Williams as Parker, Dwayne Abeyesekera as Singh

Taking The Charge

Episode 4
New Zealand: April 30, 2005
Australia: June 24, 2005
Written by Miranda Wilson
Directed by Roger Hodgman

When the Outlaws challenge Holly's belief that she's their captain and elect Nick instead, she takes it hard and nearly calls off her team party. Meanwhile, Peterson tells Jacinta to curtail her friendship with Holly, but her loyalty wins out. The party's a great success, until Joel arrives to fetch Jacinta home to face their angry father.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Anna McCrossin-Owen as Judy Peterson

Buzzer Beater

Episode 5
New Zealand: May 07, 2005
Australia: July 01, 2005
Written by Sam Carroll
Directed by Yvonne Mackay

With the first game of the season only a day away, the Outlaws are feeling excited. But on the big morning, Johnno is forced to finish an urgent job and Franco, whose father has hurt his back, is left to cope with the annual melon harvest. Things look hopeless. Can Holly and the Outlaws get the work done in time for them all to play their first match?

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Nick Farnell as Mr Ballard, Tony Nikolakopoulos as Franco's Dad, Ruth Yaffe as Mrs Rasic

Three Man Weave

Episode 6
New Zealand: May 14, 2005
Australia: July 08, 2005
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Yvonne Mackay

When the Rams and Outlaws are forced to work together for the competitive Year 9 social studies excursion, they try to put their differences aside. And thanks to Johnno's latest scam, Tony is besieged by Year 7 kids wanting help with their marine projects. Meanwhile, Holly and Trish form an unlikely alliance in a bid to stop Joel and Johnno from winning the competition.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Pamela Rabe as Mrs Rocacelli, John Williams as Parker, Dwayne Abeyesekera as Singh, Anna Gelling as Monique, Jansen Spencer as Cousin Vito

Crunch Time

Episode 7
New Zealand: May 21, 2005
Australia: July 15, 2005
Written by Kathryn Burnett
Directed by Yvonne Mackay

As the Outlaws nervously prepare to play against the Rams, Jacinta reveals a talent for shooting three-pointers and joins the team. During the match, coach Peterson, stunned by his daughter's hitherto hidden skills, directs the Rams to play dirty. Who will win?

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Andrew Gaze as Himself, Anna McCrossin-Owen as Judy Peterson, John Williams as Parker, Dwayne Abeyesekera as Singh

Jungle Ball

Episode 8
New Zealand: May 28, 2005
Australia: July 22, 2005
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Yvonne Mackay

Eager to make money, Johnno organises a two-on-two, no rules "Jungle Ball" tournament and rigs the prize draw so that he and Ralph will win. The match attracts plenty of teams, including Rams' players Trish and Joel, even though Coach Peterson has forbidden them to play. But what starts out as fun, turns ugly when Joel and Nick go head-on.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Brian Long as Dr Fraser, John Williams as Parker, Dwayne Abeyesekera as Singh, Kieran Keane as Basketballer #1, Blake Lorey as Basketballer #2

Crossing The Line

Episode 9
New Zealand: June 04, 2005
Australia: July 29, 2005
Written by Kathryn Burnett
Directed by Marcus Cole

As the Rams' annual movie marathon fundraiser looms, Nick's aggressiveness threatens his friendship with Holly, whilst Jacinta is annoyed at Joel's sudden interest in her best friend. Rejected by Nick, Holly is shocked to discover a nice side to Joel, but when Trish announces that Johnno and Ralph are running a scam, the old hostilities flare and once again it's the Rams against the Outlaws.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, John Williams as Parker, Dwayne Abeyesekera as Singh, Sweeney Young as Charlie McCorkindale, Anthony Littlechild as Dominic Bacon

The Away Game

Episode 10
New Zealand: June 11, 2005
Australia: August 05, 2005
Written by John Reeves
Directed by Marcus Cole

The Outlaws travel to Wombat Springs to play their first game with Max as their coach. Despite Ralph's forebodings about the Wombats' unfair advantages, like springy rings on their home court, Holly is optimistic. With Max, a one-time Boomer at the helm, they're sure to win. As the game approaches, and Max remains maddeningly relaxed, Holly has some doubts about his coaching abilities. As the game at Wombat Springs commences, Holly's doubts about Max are realised. He unveils a game plan that has everyone playing out of position. When a game of Truth or Dare starts out as good fun, Holly soon puts her foot in it when she dares Franco to kiss Jacinta.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Daniel Lewis-Toakley as Robbie Yeo, Benjamin Wong as Boy Card Trader

Showtime

Episode 11
New Zealand: June 18, 2005
Australia: August 12, 2005
Written by Meaghan Smith
Directed by Marcus Cole

When Johnno takes Emily to her ballet class, he thinks he has found a major basketball talent in the shape of leaping Hamish Moore. But after Hamish slam-dunks himself, a horrified Johnno is forced to dance in his place at the upcoming concert. Meanwhile, Nick's entry in the Regional School's Art Competition reveals the secret of his animosity towards Joel.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Pamela Rabe as Mrs Rocacelli, Margaret Mills as Sheridan Clover, Eamonn George as Hamish Moore, Marita Wilcox as Art Show Judge, Murray Mitchell as Photographer

Fouled Out

Episode 12
New Zealand: June 25, 2005
Australia: August 19, 2005
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Marcus Cole

The Outlaws nervously face their last pre-finals game, without Holly, while she faces detention with Nick, resident tough boy Sean Berger, and surprisingly Trish, Joel and Scubi. Berger taunts Nick about his past, while on court things begin badly for the Outlaws.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Pamela Rabe as Mrs Rocacelli, Martin Sharpe as Sean Berger, Anna Gelling as Monique

Taking It To The Max

Episode 13
New Zealand: July 02, 2005
Australia: August 26, 2005
Written by George Tosi
Directed by Roger Hodgman

As the Grand Final between the Outlaws and the Rams draws closer, tensions build. When Johnno's efforts to restore Ralph's self-confidence backfire, Ralph decides it's best if he doesn't play, but then something unexpected happens that unites the Outlaws.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Thomas Blackburne as Mitch Mios, Anne Cordiner as Doctor Murphy

Fish & Championships

Episode 14
New Zealand: July 09, 2005
Australia: September 02, 2005
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Roger Hodgman

The Outlaws' joy at being invited to the Pan Pacific Championships is short-lived when Peterson uses Max's absence to hijack the team. And like vultures, Rams players are ready to replace Outlaws who can't afford the trip. Outraged, the Outlaws set about raising money but when they still find themselves one fare short, a tough decision has to be made.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Joelene Crnogorac as Sophie Koslowski, Anne Cordiner as Doctor Murphy, Thomas Blackburne as Mitch Mios

Coast To Coast

Episode 15
New Zealand: July 16, 2005
Australia: September 09, 2005
Written by Miranda Wilson
Directed by Roger Hodgman

The revamped Outlaws arrive in New Zealand to play Holly's old team, the Waka, and Holly is excited to see old friends. A jealous Nick clashes with Waka player Watene and is surprised to learn that Holly and Watene are cousins. And when Joel, Johnno and Ralph discover that Scubi, under orders from Trish, is secretly videotaping Joel, they extract comic revenge.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Virginia Wickham as Sandy, Taneora Herbert-Kaiwai as Watene, Rangimoana Taylor as Holly's Uncle

Dream Team

Episode 16
New Zealand: July 23, 2005
Australia: September 16, 2005
Written by Miranda Wilson
Directed by Roger Hodgman

The Outlaws play a fierce match against Holly's old team, the Waka, and Joel makes an overdue confession. Meanwhile, Franco becomes jealous when Jacinta challenges Anatoly, a good-looking Russian boy, to a chess match, not realising that he's a chess prodigy.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Virginia Wickham as Sandy, Taneora Herbert-Kaiwai as Watene, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer as Anatoly, Lee Cormie as Small Boy

Create Your Own Shot

Episode 17
New Zealand: July 30, 2005
Australia: September 23, 2005
Written by Kathryn Burnett
Directed by Geoffrey Cawthorn

Trish is determined to secure a basketball scholarship, but as she's not playing for the best team in Woolich, her chances are fading fast. Meanwhile Joel, shaken to learn that his father knew of his involvement in the hall fire, decides to quit basketball. Stunned, Alan gives his support to Trish, who wants to join the Outlaws.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, John Williams as Parker, Dwayne Abeyesekera as Singh, Carolyn Bock as Mayor Jenkins, Bruno Molino as Mr Quincy

Free Agents

Episode 18
New Zealand: August 06, 2005
Australia: September 30, 2005
Written by Sam Carroll
Directed by Geoffrey Cawthorn

Johnno and Ralph go on strike when Alan Peterson's hardline coaching methods prove too much and more Rams are invited to training. Meanwhile, Franco contemplates quitting school after Peterson tells him that he must repeat his current year. Emily is forced to recall her new creation, a line of Liquid Seaweed drinks, when she finds they have an unwanted side-effect.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, John Williams as Parker, Dwayne Abeyesekera as Singh, Tony Nikolakopoulos as Franco's Dad, Stephen Jenkins as Mechanic

Buoys Versus Girls

Episode 19
New Zealand: August 13, 2005
Australia: October 06, 2005
Written by Kathryn Burnett
Directed by Geoffrey Cawthorn

The annual hunt for Mr Finnegan, a legendary fish, turns into a battle of the sexes following a chauvinistic remark from Johnno. Emily refuses to take sides, preferring to try for the $2,000 first prize with her friend Monique. Meanwhile, Johnno's silver tongue is silenced when he falls for Franco's older sister Graziella, a hairdresser, who is in need of a hairdressing guinea pig!

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Claudia Buttazzoni as Graciella, Chris Kearon as Mike, Anna Gelling as Moniqpue

Show and Go

Episode 20
New Zealand: August 20, 2005
Australia: October 13, 2005
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Geoffrey Cawthorn

The Outlaws welcome visiting US team the Comets, whilst Joel directs his newfound interest in filmmaking towards a legendary local shipwreck. Johnno meets his match when Comet entrepreneur Maddison beats him at his own game. Meanwhile, a storm floods the gym and sabotages Trish's efforts to impress the Comet's coach.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Anita Hegh as Dana Kasprak, Brandon Burns as Harley Donaldson III, Lucy Gould as Maddison, Lilikoi Olsen as Wenona, Greg Saunders as Newsreader

Double Team

Episode 21
New Zealand: September 10, 2005
Australia: October 20, 2005
Written by Alix Beane
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

Emily organizes a trivia night fund-raiser, whilst Johnno and Ralph take on the babysitting job from hell. Meanwhile Sandy, Holly's best friend from New Zealand, makes a play for Nick after Holly declares she has no interest in him. But on the night, Holly sees 'green' when Nick and Sandy seem to be getting on too well.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Virginia Wickham as Sandy, Anna Gelling as Monique, Chloe Dinuccio as Sonya, Nicholas Bell as Mr Crawford, Paris Dagres as Briana, Elle Dagres as Johanna

Rejection

Episode 22
New Zealand: September 17, 2005
Australia: October 27, 2005
Written by Miranda Wilson
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

When the Council decides to sell Max's boat shed, the Outlaws organise a petition and march on the Mayor's office. Johnno and Ralph clash when they both fall for Holly's friend, Sandy. Meanwhile, Scubi's love of pizza gets the better of her when she and the other Outlaws sign on for the Forty Hour Famine.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Virginia Wickham as Sandy, Carolyn Bock as Mayor Jenkins, Frank Bite as Uncle Donnie

One on One

Episode 23
New Zealand: September 24, 2005
Written by George Tosi
Directed by Pino Amenta

When the Waka arrive for their return match, Holly finds herself at a crossroad when she learns that she's under consideration to join the NZ Under-16 National Squad. Trish hides her identity from Waka player Watene in order to gain inside knowledge of the Waka's game plan. Meanwhile, Johnno sees an opportunity to make money when he discovers that Scubi can sing.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Virginia Wickham as Sandy, Taneora Herbert-Kaiwai as Watene

Hospital Pass

Episode 24
New Zealand: October 01, 2005
Written by Miranda WIlson
Directed by Pino Amenta

The Outlaws plan to make the school dance a night to remember, but Holly is mortified, as she can't dance. Nick is disgruntled when Kate invites his mother, a famous artist and ex-Woolich celebrity, to attend. But with plans for the dance in full swing, Johnno and some of the gang contract chicken pox, causing Emily and Ralph to take charge.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Danielle Carter as Ruth Milner, Geoff Paine as Lenny Cropper

Stop The Clock

Episode 25
New Zealand: October 08, 2005
Written by John Reeves
Directed by Pino Amenta

Trish and Holly attend an Intensive Training Camp, which could lead to a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport. Meanwhile, the discovery of an old film prompts Max to tell Joel of his love for Lucy — Joel and Jacinta's grandmother.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Jane Allsop as Addy Dawson, Cleopatra Coleman as Stacey, Catherine Moroney as Leah

Nothing But Net

Episode 26 (finale)
New Zealand: October 15, 2005
Written by David Phillips, John Reeves
Directed by Pino Amenta

As Holly and her parents prepare to return to New Zealand, the Outlaws band together which leads to a surprise underwater discovery. The Outlaws play a brilliant Pan Pacs final and when Holly receives a surprise offer she and Nick make a pact, but not before they share a kiss and a special gift he's made for her.

With: David Roberts as Alan Peterson, Kirk Torrance as Tony McKenzie, Michele Amas as Kate McKenzie, Alan Hopgood as Max Peterson, Anna McCrossin-Owen as Judy Peterson Anna Gelling as Monique, Chloe Dinuccio as Sonya, Carolyn Bock as Mayor Jenkins