Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix live updates, A-League rivals clash in Auckland

Kickoff at Go Media Stadium has been delayed by lightning strikesAuckland FC striker Jonty Bidois admits his parents are “pretty torn” over the scenario that they will face this weekend.They are used to making the trip up from Tauranga to support Jonty, who has been part of the Black Knights since the inaugural season. But Saturday’s game is different. Very different.That’s because their oldest son – Jonty’s brother Riley Bidois – could also feature, running out for the Wellington Phoenix.“It’s really hard for Mum particularly,” Jonty tells the Herald. “She doesn’t know what to do. But yeah, Mum and Dad are both on the fence, they are pretty torn. Obviously, they’re going to be neutral because I don’t know if they could support one or the other. Maybe deep down they’ve got their favourites, I’m not sure. But they don’t know who to cheer for.”It’s a unique situation and a fascinating storyline ahead of Saturday’s A-League derby, the seventh clash between Auckland FC and the Phoenix. It has come about since Riley’s return to the capital club, after three-and-a-half years away in Australia and the United States.It also makes for an unusual period for the brothers, who are “very close” and constantly in touch in their free time, despite living in different cities.“We play PlayStation basically every day together,” Jonty says. “We are always in contact.”But that will all change this week. “It might be a bit different,” he laughs. “We might just have to leave it and cut the comms. We’ll just say ‘See you after the game ... if we still want to play with each other.”The pair, three years apart, haven’t played together since battles in the backyard growing up. They attended Tauranga Boys’ College – and starred for the First XI – then both represented Tauranga City – but never managed to intersect.“The age gap was a bit too much,” Jonty, 21, says. “I remember when he was in the First XI, I was in the Junior A. We always spoke about playing together one day on the same team but now it’s happened that we’re going to be against each other.”They were “super competitive” growing up, with any activity, though always in good spirit. “I remember when I was little I always thought I could beat him at things and I just couldn’t,” Jonty laughs. “I took a few learnings.”He was also influenced, deciding he wanted to be a centre forward after watching his brother play one day.“He was always a striker,” Jonty said. “One training, I decided I wanted to be a striker and then ever since then I’ve stuck with it, followed his path.”Jonty Bidois (right) tangles with Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer during an A-League derby last season. Photo / PhotosportWait for the momentJonty was one of Auckland FC’s first scholarship signings in 2024, after impressing for Christchurch United and Tauranga City in local football. It was a dream come true and a big step up.“It’s a very physical league, high demands on the pitch with your battles,” he says. “That’s the biggest difference, those battles. And it’s a lot quicker than the National League.He made his debut in January 2025 – a few minutes off the bench against Adelaide United – and got two other brief stints that season. But one of the most challenging experiences of the inaugural campaign was being part of a cooking challenge at his flat – a promotion for a club sponsor – where a group of the younger players had to prepare meals for the former coaching staff of Steve Corica, Danny Hay and Jonathan Gould.“I got a bit exposed,” Jonty laughs. “I can barely cook at the best of times and then you’ve got cameras on you.”He got more opportunities last season, though still cameos, with just 110 minutes across 10 appearances, as he also turned out for the OFC Pro League team and the reserves. Last Friday, Jonty got his first start – with Sam Cosgrove suspended – in the 1-1 draw against Brisbane. “I’ve worked hard for a chance and it was pretty cool,” Jonty says. “It was unfortunate that we conceded with the last kick of the game but overall it was a good experience for me.”The squad turnover means there should be more opportunities this season, as he waits for his first goal at A-League level.“I hope so,” Jonty says. “All I can do is give my best in training and wait for the moment.”Riley Bidois celebrates a goal for the Wellington Phoenix. Photo / PhotosportExtra edgeDown in Wellington, 24-year-old Riley has enjoyed a dream start, with goals in two of the first three games, well-taken strikes against the Melbourne Victory and the Newcastle Jets. It adds spice to Saturday, especially if both brothers get on the field at the same time.“It’ll be pretty surreal,” Jonty says. “Obviously it would be at opposite ends but even just looking down and seeing him there. I just hope he doesn’t put any past us.”The duo could even end up marking each other at a corner or set piece, something that has been discussed earlier this week. Jonty played in two derbies last season and enjoyed them immensely, with the extra edge to the occasion, the physicality and the atmosphere. This weekend will be no different, with Wellington viewed as favourites after their club record start (three wins from three games) while Auckland have been less convincing.“It gives us a bit of fuel,” Jonty says. “It was obviously gutting last week but this would be a great opportunity for the boys to bounce back. [Wellington] have been doing very well, so it will be good to be the first team to stop them this season.”Whatever happens, it will be a special day for the Bidois clan, with the extended family in attendance. “A good bunch of them are going to come to support us,” Jonty says. “It will be a pretty cool moment.” Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.