I used to work in the Manchester Unity building on the corner of Victoria Street and Hobson Street. The ground floor in those days was a theater leased by TVNZ to film 'On the Mat' hosted by Steve Rickard and Earnie Leonard, later Barry Holland. We leased half the 3rd floor and later on TVNZ moved their sports department into the other half. Graham Thorne was always friendly and we were always invited to watch the live feeds with them. Tony Palmer was motorsport. Never really interested in league. But got given the league gig and totally cocked it up. Good pubs around there in those days, Empire across the road, and I can't remember the name of the pub on the corner of Hobson and Wellesley Street, downstairs. The On the Mat wrestlers were accommodated there. King Curtiss was always very outgoing and liked a drop. They had a good eaterie there too.