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'''Expendables Feilding''', also known as '''Expendables''' or '''NZ Expendables''', is a competitive [[paintball]] team based in [[Feilding]], in the [[Manawatū]] region of [[New Zealand]]. Founded by David Hopkins, the team has competed internationally in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the United States.
'''Expendables Feilding''', also known as '''Expendables''' or '''NZ Expendables''', is a competitive [[paintball]] team from [[Feilding]], in the [[Manawatū]] region of [[New Zealand]]. Founded by David Hopkins, the team has competed internationally in New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States.


Expendables has participated in major tournament circuits including the [[Millennium Series]], [[NXL Europe]], the Australian [[Super 7's Paintball Series]] and the [[National Xball League]] (NXL).
Expendables has participated in several major tournament circuits, including the [[Millennium Series]], [[NXL Europe]], the Australian [[Super 7's Paintball Series]], the [[Paintball Asia League Series]] (PALS) and the [[National Xball League]] (NXL).


The team's major achievements include winning the 2017 Millennium Series Semi-Professional championship, the 2018 Australian Super 7's Professional season championship and the 2018 NXL Europe Prague Open Professional division.
The team's major achievements include winning the 2017 Millennium Series Semi-Professional championship, the 2018 Australian Super 7's Professional season championship, and the 2018 NXL Europe Prague Open Professional division. Expendables also finished second in the Professional division at World Cup Asia 2018 in Malaysia.


Expendables has also been associated with several members of the American professional team [[San Diego Dynasty]], who joined its international rosters during the 2017 and 2018 European seasons.
The team has been associated with several members of the American professional paintball team [[San Diego Dynasty]], who competed with Expendables during its European campaigns.


The team maintains connections with [[Arena Paintball]] and [[Manawatu Titans]], another internationally active New Zealand team based in Feilding.
Expendables maintains historical connections with [[Arena Paintball]] and [[Manawatu Titans]], another internationally active competitive team based in Feilding.


== History ==
== History ==
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Expendables was founded by David Hopkins in Feilding, New Zealand.
Expendables was founded by David Hopkins in Feilding, New Zealand.


The team developed within the competitive paintball community of the Manawatū region, initially competing in domestic tournaments before expanding into the Australian and European circuits.
The team developed within the competitive paintball community of the Manawatū region, initially participating in domestic New Zealand tournaments before expanding into international competition.


The team's historical PBLeagues registration is dated 2 January 2015, with Feilding recorded as its home town and Run and Gun Feilding listed as its associated field. [1]
The team's historical PBLeagues registration is dated 2 January 2015, with Feilding recorded as its home town and Run and Gun Feilding identified as its associated playing field. [1]


The registration provides an early documentary record of the team, although its precise foundation date has not been independently established.
The registration represents an early surviving documentary record of Expendables, although the exact date of the team's establishment has not been independently confirmed.


By 2015, Expendables was participating in organised tournament paintball in Auckland.
By 2015, Expendables was competing in organised Auckland paintball tournaments.


The team's activities subsequently expanded to Australia's Super 7's Paintball Series and the European Millennium Series, where it became one of the New Zealand teams competing in professional and semi-professional international divisions.
The team subsequently developed an international competition programme involving regular travel to Australia and Europe.


=== Australian competition and international expansion ===
=== Expansion into international competition ===


Expendables began establishing its international reputation through participation in Australia's professional tournament circuit.
Expendables entered the Australian Super 7's Professional division by 2016.


The team's presence in the Australian Super 7's Paintball Series is documented from at least 2016, when it entered the fourth round of the professional competition. [2]
During this period, the team developed relationships with experienced international professional players and coaches.


During this period, Expendables developed relationships with professional players and coaches from the United States.
These relationships became important to its participation in the 2017 Millennium Series, where Expendables assembled a multinational roster combining New Zealand and Australian players with established American professionals.


These relationships became particularly important when the team expanded its programme into Europe in 2017.
=== Fundraising for European competition ===


=== Fundraising for the 2017 European season ===
In April 2017, David and Diane Hopkins established a fundraising campaign through the New Zealand platform Givealittle to help finance Expendables' European competition programme.


In April 2017, David and Diane Hopkins established a fundraising campaign through the New Zealand platform Givealittle to support Expendables' European Millennium Series campaign.
The campaign described Expendables as a Feilding-based team already competing in Australia and Europe.


The campaign described Expendables as a Feilding-based team competing in both Australia and Europe. [3]
It reported that the team had won the opening round of both tournament series during 2017. [2]


It reported that the team had won the opening round of both competitions in 2017 and was seeking financial assistance to participate in the remaining events.
The fundraising campaign sought financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs for the remaining European tournaments.


The funds were intended to contribute towards international airfares and accommodation.
The campaign provides contemporary evidence of the financial challenges involved in maintaining an international tournament programme from New Zealand.
 
The campaign provides contemporary evidence of the costs associated with operating a New Zealand-based tournament team across multiple international circuits.


== San Diego Dynasty collaboration ==
== San Diego Dynasty collaboration ==


=== Development of the relationship ===
=== Origins of the relationship ===


Expendables established a significant competitive relationship with members of [[San Diego Dynasty]], one of the leading professional paintball teams in the United States.
Expendables developed a significant competitive relationship with members of [[San Diego Dynasty]], one of the leading professional paintball teams in the United States.


American professional player [[Ryan Greenspan]] documented the relationship in several articles published during the 2017 Millennium Series season.
American professional player [[Ryan Greenspan]] documented the relationship in a series of firsthand accounts published during 2017.


According to Greenspan, members of Dynasty had increasingly participated with international teams because of the costs associated with entering a complete American professional squad in European tournaments.
According to Greenspan, Dynasty players had increasingly participated as guest players on European teams after the costs of entering a complete Dynasty roster in overseas competitions became less economically viable.


Expendables recruited Greenspan, Marcello Margott and Yosh Rau to join its European roster in 2017. [4]
Expendables recruited Greenspan, [[Marcello Margott]] and [[Yosh Rau]] to join its 2017 Millennium Series roster. [3]


The arrangement combined an established New Zealand squad with experienced American professional players.
Greenspan also identified [[Blake Yarber]] as having coached Expendables for approximately two years before the 2017 European campaign.


Greenspan described Expendables as an ambitious New Zealand team already competing successfully in Australia's Super 7's series.
The arrangement combined an established New Zealand team with experienced American professional players.


The team sought to gain additional experience by competing in Europe against established semi-professional and professional opponents.
The team's association with Dynasty was sufficiently prominent that contemporary tournament reporting sometimes identified the entry as "Expendables Feilding (Dynasty)". [4]


=== Coaching and player development ===
=== International player development ===


The relationship extended beyond the participation of American players in individual tournaments.
The collaboration extended beyond occasional appearances by American players.


Greenspan identified Blake Yarber as having been involved with the team's development before its 2017 European campaign.
Greenspan and Margott described the development of the team's New Zealand players through regular exposure to European competition and professional-level training.


In a July 2017 account, Marcello Margott described the team's objective as earning promotion from the Millennium Series Semi-Professional division to the professional category for the following season. [5]
The American participants brought experience gained through the NXL and previous international tournaments.


Margott also described the development of Expendables' core New Zealand players through their experience competing against European teams.
Expendables also provided an opportunity for American professionals to compete in Europe while representing a New Zealand-based team.


The collaboration contributed to Expendables' successful 2017 Millennium Series campaign and its subsequent participation in the NXL Europe professional division.
The relationship contributed to the team's successful 2017 Millennium Series campaign and its subsequent entry into NXL Europe's professional division in 2018.


=== Professional players associated with Expendables ===
=== Dynasty players associated with Expendables ===


Several American professional players associated with San Diego Dynasty competed for Expendables during its international campaigns.
American professional players documented in Expendables' international rosters included:
 
The documented players included:


* [[Ryan Greenspan]]
* [[Ryan Greenspan]]
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* [[Blake Yarber]]
* [[Blake Yarber]]


The team's 2018 NXL Europe Prague Open registration confirms all five players appearing together on the Expendables roster. [6]
All five appeared on the team's official PBLeagues roster for the 2018 NXL Europe Prague Open. [5]
 
Other internationally recognised participants included Rusty Glaze, who was registered as team staff at several European events.
 
The relationship represented an example of professional players from an established American organisation supporting the development of an international team while competing under its New Zealand identity.
 
== Players and team personnel ==
 
=== New Zealand players and organisers ===


Rusty Glaze, who was associated with Dynasty's coaching and team operations, was also registered as Expendables staff at the event.
The following New Zealand players have been documented in the team's history:


The multinational roster retained the team's New Zealand identity and included New Zealand and Australian players alongside the American professionals.
* '''David Hopkins''' - Team founder and organiser. Registered as a player at the 2018 NXL Europe Chartres, Basildon-London and Paris-Chantilly events.
* '''Thomas Hopkins''' - New Zealand player documented in the team's 2017 European campaign and registered at the 2018 Prague and Paris-Chantilly Opens.
* '''Ivan Christison''' - New Zealand player registered at all four 2018 NXL Europe events. Also identified in contemporary reporting by Ryan Greenspan, which used the spelling Christiansen.


Contemporary European paintball coverage frequently noted the participation of Dynasty players with Expendables.
The listed players were involved in different periods and events. Their inclusion does not indicate participation in every tournament entered by Expendables.


A March 2017 tournament report published by Paintball Ruined My Life identified the Mediterranean Cup Semi-Professional champions as "Expendables Feilding (Dynasty)". [7]
=== International players ===


This relationship became a distinguishing feature of the team's international competition history.
Expendables has included players from multiple countries.


== New Zealand competitions ==
Documented international participants include:
 
* [[Ryan Greenspan]] (United States)
* [[Marcello Margott]] (United States)
* [[Yosh Rau]] (United States)
* [[Tyler Harmon]] (United States)
* [[Blake Yarber]] (United States)
* Matthew Kling (Australia)
* Laura Bolam (United Kingdom)
 
Matthew Kling was registered at all four 2018 NXL Europe events.
 
Laura Bolam was registered as staff at the Basildon-London Open and as a player at the Paris-Chantilly Open.
 
The international roster changed between tournaments, and participation at one event should not be treated as proof of participation at every subsequent competition.
 
=== Coaching and staff ===
 
The team's documented coaching and support personnel have included:
 
* '''David Hopkins''' - Founder and team organiser; also a registered tournament player.
* '''Blake Yarber''' - American professional player and coach associated with the team's development before and during its European campaigns.
* '''Rusty Glaze''' - Registered team staff at the 2018 Chartres, Prague and Basildon-London Opens.
* '''Laura Bolam''' - Registered team staff at the 2018 Basildon-London Open and player at the Paris-Chantilly Open.
 
The PBLeagues registration for the 2018 Basildon-London Open lists Rusty Glaze as staff but does not record him as checked in.
 
These roles reflect individual tournament records and should not be interpreted as continuous appointments throughout the team's history.
 
== New Zealand competition ==


=== Auckland Paintball Cup 2015 ===
=== Auckland Paintball Cup 2015 ===


Expendables participated in the Auckland Paintball Cup held on 7 and 8 March 2015.
Expendables competed in the Auckland Paintball Cup on 7 and 8 March 2015.


The team competed in the Open X-Ball division, finishing third among seven participating teams, according to its historical PBLeagues record. [1]
The team entered the Open X-Ball division and finished third among seven entrants, according to its historical PBLeagues record. [1]


=== Asylum Paintball Cup 2015 ===
=== Asylum Paintball Cup 2015 ===
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Expendables returned to Auckland for the Asylum Paintball Cup on 26 and 27 September 2015.
Expendables returned to Auckland for the Asylum Paintball Cup on 26 and 27 September 2015.


The team's participation is documented by both historical tournament records and contemporary reporting from DYE Paintball.
The team competed in the Open X-Ball division.
 
Original match records document a 3-2 victory against [[Phoenix Tahiti]] and a 2-2 draw against Hard2Overcome.


A tournament account published by DYE describes Expendables as an opponent during the competition and records a 2-2 draw against the team. [8]
The historical results also show matches against Auckland Faction, ADHD, HK Reaper Crew and Hijinx. [6]


The complete final tournament classification has not been established.
The complete final tournament placing has not been established.


=== Auckland Paintball Cup 2016 ===
=== Auckland Paintball Cup 2016 ===


Expendables competed at the Auckland Paintball Cup on 16 and 17 April 2016.
Expendables competed in the Auckland Paintball Cup on 16 and 17 April 2016.
 
The team entered Division 2 X-Ball and finished second among eight entrants.
 
Its official match results included a 5-1 victory against Phoenix Tahiti and a 4-3 victory against ADHD.
 
Expendables advanced to the championship final against Disposal Unit, losing 4-2. [7]


The team entered Division 2 X-Ball and finished second among eight competing teams. [1]
The event represented another podium finish in the New Zealand tournament circuit.


=== Asylum Paintball Cup 2016 ===
=== Asylum Paintball Cup 2016 ===


Expendables also participated in the Asylum Paintball Cup on 3 and 4 September 2016.
Expendables participated in the Asylum Paintball Cup on 3 and 4 September 2016.
 
The team competed in Division 2 X-Ball.


The team competed in Division 2 X-Ball, although a final placement is not available in its historical tournament record. [1]
Its registration is documented through PBLeagues, although the final placing has not been recovered. [1]


=== New Zealand Race Series 2023 ===
=== New Zealand Race Series 2023 ===


Expendables participated in the 2023 New Zealand Race Series, which included tournaments held at Arena Paintball in Feilding.
Expendables competed in the New Zealand Race Series during 2023.


The team incorporated international players during the season, including Tahitian player [[Ralph Tsing]].
The team included international guest players, including Tahitian competitor [[Ralph Tsing]].


Tsing represented Expendables in the first two rounds of the competition before organising a separate [[Phoenix Tahiti]] entry for the final round.
Tsing represented Expendables in the first two rounds before assembling a separate [[Phoenix Tahiti]] squad for the final round.


The final event was held at Arena Paintball in October 2023 and featured nine teams.
The final event was held at Arena Paintball in Feilding in October 2023.


Expendables advanced to the final against Ballistics Unit.
Expendables advanced to the championship match against Ballistics Unit and won the final 3-0.


The team won the championship match 3-0, securing first place at the event.
According to a contemporary interview published by Air Tahiti Nui, Expendables also won the overall 2023 New Zealand Race Series championship. [8]
 
According to a contemporary Air Tahiti Nui interview with Tsing, Expendables also won the overall 2023 New Zealand Race Series championship. [9]


== Australian Super 7's Paintball Series ==
== Australian Super 7's Paintball Series ==
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=== Early participation ===
=== Early participation ===


Expendables competed regularly in Australia's Super 7's Paintball Series, one of the principal professional speedball competitions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Expendables developed an international presence through Australia's Super 7's Paintball Series.


The team entered the professional division against established Australian squads, including Sydney SWAT, Perth Crisis, East Side Raw and Sydney Explicit.
The team competed in the professional division against established Australian squads, including Sydney SWAT, Perth Crisis, Sydney Explicit and East Side Raw.


The team's official historical results extend from at least 2016 into the early 2020s. [2]
Its historical results are preserved in the official Super 7's season rankings. [9]


=== 2016 season ===
=== 2016 season ===


Expendables entered the fourth round of the 2016 Super 7's professional season.
Expendables participated in the fourth round of the 2016 Super 7's Professional competition.


The team received 40 ranking points for the event.
The team earned 40 ranking points for the event.


The official series records show this as its only appearance during the 2016 season. [2]
The official series records identify this as its only recorded appearance during the season.


=== 2017 season ===
=== 2017 season ===


Expendables completed the four-round Australian Super 7's professional season in 2017.
Expendables completed all four rounds of the 2017 Australian Super 7's Professional season.


The team won the opening round and finished third in the overall championship standings.
The team won the opening round and finished third in the overall standings.


The official season results were:
Its recorded points were:


* Round 1: 30 points
* Round 1: 30
* Round 2: 24 points
* Round 2: 24
* Round 3: 28 points
* Round 3: 28
* Round 4: 24 points
* Round 4: 24


Expendables finished with 106 ranking points.
Expendables finished with 106 ranking points.


Perth Crisis won the season championship with 116 points, followed by Sydney SWAT with 110 points. [2]
Perth Crisis won the championship with 116 points, followed by Sydney SWAT with 110 points. [9]


The opening-round victory was also documented in Expendables' contemporary fundraising campaign for its European programme. [3]
The opening-round victory was also documented in Expendables' fundraising campaign for its European season. [2]


=== 2018 professional championship ===
=== 2018 professional championship ===
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Expendables won the 2018 Australian Super 7's Professional season championship.
Expendables won the 2018 Australian Super 7's Professional season championship.


The team competed in all four rounds, recording the following points:
The team's results across the four rounds were:


* Round 1: 30 points
* Round 1: 30 points
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Expendables finished first overall with 112 ranking points.
Expendables finished first overall with 112 ranking points.


Sydney SWAT finished second with 110 points, while Perth Crisis finished third with 100 points. [2]
Sydney SWAT finished second with 110 points, followed by Perth Crisis with 100 points. [9]


The result secured the Australian professional season title for the New Zealand team.
The victory represented a national professional season championship in Australia for the New Zealand team.


The championship coincided with Expendables' participation in the NXL Europe professional division, including its victory at the Prague Open.
The result coincided with Expendables' successful 2018 European campaign and its later participation at World Cup Asia in Malaysia.
 
Expendables therefore won both an Australian professional season championship and a European professional tournament during 2018.


=== 2019 season ===
=== 2019 season ===


Expendables continued competing in the Australian Super 7's professional division during 2019.
Expendables continued competing in the Australian Super 7's Professional division during 2019.
 
Its official season results were:
 
* Round 1: 24 points
* Round 2: 24 points
* Round 3: 24 points
* Round 4: 28 points


The team finished second overall with 100 ranking points.
The team recorded 100 ranking points across four rounds, finishing second overall.


East Side Raw won the championship with 110 points, while Perth Crisis finished third with 98 points. [2]
East Side Raw won the championship with 110 points, while Perth Crisis placed third with 98. [9]
 
The official standings mark Expendables' scores as subject to the competition's ranking-point adjustment rules concerning multiple American professional players.


=== 2020 and 2021 appearances ===
=== 2020 and 2021 appearances ===


Expendables continued appearing in the Australian Super 7's rankings during the following years.
Expendables continued appearing in the Australian Super 7's rankings during 2020 and 2021.


The official records list the team in the 2020 professional competition, which completed only one round.
The official records show limited competition activity in those seasons, with only one round recorded for each year.


Expendables also appeared in the single recorded professional round of the 2021 season, receiving 24 ranking points. [2]
The team's results should therefore not be interpreted as full four-round championship campaigns.
 
The limited number of rounds recorded for those years should not be confused with a complete four-event championship.


== European competition ==
== European competition ==
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=== Millennium Series 2017 ===
=== Millennium Series 2017 ===


Expendables entered the 2017 Millennium Series in the Semi-Professional division, competing under the name Expendables Feilding.
Expendables entered the 2017 Millennium Series in the Semi-Professional division.


The European season consisted of four tournaments:
The team competed under the name Expendables Feilding.
 
The championship featured four events:


* Mediterranean Cup, Puget-sur-Argens, France
* Mediterranean Cup, Puget-sur-Argens, France
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* World Cup, Paris-Chantilly, France
* World Cup, Paris-Chantilly, France


The team competed with a combination of New Zealand players and experienced American professional guests.
Expendables assembled a multinational roster combining New Zealand players with American professionals associated with San Diego Dynasty.


==== Mediterranean Cup ====
==== Mediterranean Cup ====
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Expendables won the Semi-Professional division at the Mediterranean Cup in March 2017.
Expendables won the Semi-Professional division at the Mediterranean Cup in March 2017.


The victory was documented in contemporary reports by Ryan Greenspan and Paintball Ruined My Life. [4][7]
The result was documented by Ryan Greenspan and contemporary tournament reporting. [3][4]
 
Greenspan described the team defeating Lucky 15s Staffordshire in a closely contested final.


He highlighted a late contribution from Yosh Rau that helped secure the victory.
The team defeated Lucky 15s Staffordshire in the final.


The tournament marked a successful start to Expendables' European campaign.
The victory represented the team's first event title of the 2017 Millennium Series season.


==== European Masters ====
==== European Masters ====


Expendables continued its Millennium Series campaign at the European Masters in Bitburg, Germany, in May 2017.
Expendables continued its European campaign at the European Masters in Bitburg, Germany.


The team won the Semi-Professional division, recording its second consecutive tournament victory.
The team won the Semi-Professional division, securing its second consecutive tournament victory.


The result was confirmed in firsthand accounts by Ryan Greenspan and Marcello Margott. [5]
Greenspan and Marcello Margott documented the team's participation and success in firsthand accounts. [10]


Historical Millennium Series match records also document Expendables defeating Ranger Warsaw 4-0 in the quarterfinals at the event. [10]
Historical Millennium Series match records also document Expendables defeating Ranger Warsaw 4-0 in the quarterfinals.


==== Campaign Cup ====
==== Campaign Cup ====


Expendables competed at the London-Gatwick Campaign Cup in June 2017.
Expendables competed at the London-Gatwick Campaign Cup in July 2017.


The team entered the event following consecutive victories in France and Germany.
The team won the Semi-Professional division, completing three consecutive victories in the first three events of the season.


Marcello Margott described the team's preparations and its objective of securing promotion to the professional division for 2018. [5]
Ryan Greenspan confirmed the result in an article titled "Hat Trick", published on 10 July 2017. [11]


The team progressed from the preliminary stage as a leading seed.
He described the team's victory in the final, secured with a 4-0 score.


The event formed part of Expendables' successful overall championship campaign.
The result effectively secured Expendables' position at the top of the season standings before the final event.


==== World Cup and season championship ====
==== World Cup and season championship ====


Expendables completed the 2017 Millennium Series at the World Cup in Paris-Chantilly in September.
Expendables completed its 2017 Millennium Series campaign at the World Cup in Paris-Chantilly.
 
The official final standings confirmed Expendables Feilding as the Semi-Professional season champion. [12]


The team finished first in the overall Semi-Professional season standings.
The team finished ahead of Cologne Hurricanes and Bad Boys Oss.


The official Millennium Series final ranking placed Expendables Feilding ahead of Cologne Hurricanes and Bad Boys Oss. [11]
The championship followed three consecutive event victories earlier in the season.


Winning the season championship secured Expendables' position among the leading Semi-Professional teams in Europe and preceded its entry into the professional division in 2018.
The achievement preceded Expendables' promotion to the professional division for the 2018 NXL Europe season.


=== NXL Europe 2018 ===
=== NXL Europe 2018 ===


Expendables moved into the professional division of NXL Europe for the 2018 season.
Expendables competed in the professional division of NXL Europe during 2018.


The team competed against internationally established professional squads, including Edmonton Impact, Houston Heat, Moscow Red Legion and Toulouse TonTons.
The team entered four events against established international professional squads, including Edmonton Impact, Houston Heat, Moscow Red Legion and Toulouse TonTons.


The four-event season comprised tournaments in Chartres, Prague, Basildon-London and Paris-Chantilly.
The original NXL Europe season rankings record the following results:
 
Expendables' official original season results were:


* Chartres Open: 4th of 18
* Chartres Open: 4th of 18
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* Paris-Chantilly Open: 15th of 18
* Paris-Chantilly Open: 15th of 18


The original NXL Europe season standings record Expendables finishing fifth overall with 533 points. [12]
Expendables finished fifth overall in the 2018 NXL Europe Professional season rankings, earning 533 points. [13]
 
The original standings include the team's Prague victory, which is omitted from some later reconstructed historical rankings.


==== Chartres Open ====
==== Chartres Open ====


Expendables began the 2018 season at the NXL Europe Chartres Open in France, held from 13 to 15 April.
Expendables began the 2018 NXL Europe season at the Chartres Open in France, held from 13 to 15 April.


The team reached the professional division's final four.
The team finished fourth among 18 Professional X-Ball entrants.


Expendables finished fourth among 18 competing teams.
The registered players were:


The result was independently reported by Finnish paintball journalist Kimmo Kainulainen. [13]
* Ivan Christison
* Ryan Greenspan
* David Hopkins
* Matthew Kling
* Marcello Margott
* Yosh Rau
* Blake Yarber
 
Rusty Glaze was registered as staff. [14]
 
Expendables reached the semifinals after victories including wins against Moscow Red Legion.
 
The team lost the semifinal against Houston Heat and finished fourth following a defeat against Toulouse TonTons.


==== Prague Open ====
==== Prague Open ====


Expendables won the Professional X-Ball division at the 2018 NXL Europe Prague Open, held in the Czech Republic from 25 to 27 May.
Expendables won the Professional X-Ball division at the NXL Europe Prague Open, held in the Czech Republic from 25 to 27 May 2018.


The competition featured 18 professional teams.
The tournament featured 18 professional teams.


The official PBLeagues roster listed eight players:
The complete officially registered eight-player roster was:


* Ivan Christison (New Zealand)
* Ivan Christison (New Zealand)
* [[Ryan Greenspan]] (United States)
* Ryan Greenspan (United States)
* [[Tyler Harmon]] (United States)
* Tyler Harmon (United States)
* Thomas Hopkins (New Zealand)
* Thomas Hopkins (New Zealand)
* Matthew Kling (Australia)
* Matthew Kling (Australia)
* [[Marcello Margott]] (United States)
* Marcello Margott (United States)
* [[Yosh Rau]] (United States)
* Yosh Rau (United States)
* [[Blake Yarber]] (United States)
* Blake Yarber (United States)
 
Rusty Glaze was registered as team staff. [6]


The roster combined New Zealand and Australian players with several established American professionals associated with San Diego Dynasty.
Rusty Glaze was registered as staff. [5]


Expendables completed the preliminary stage with two victories and two defeats.
The team completed the preliminary stage with two victories and two defeats.
 
The team's results included a 5-0 victory over Offenburg Comin at Ya and a 6-1 victory over All Starz Red Storm.


In the elimination rounds, Expendables defeated:
In the elimination rounds, Expendables defeated:
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* Toulouse TonTons, 6-1
* Toulouse TonTons, 6-1


The team faced Edmonton Impact in the championship final.
Expendables faced Edmonton Impact in the championship final.


Expendables won the final 5-4, securing first place in the professional division. [6]
The New Zealand team won the final 5-4, securing the professional division title.


The tournament's leading teams were:
The tournament's leading teams were:
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* Fourth: Houston Heat
* Fourth: Houston Heat


The victory was independently reported by Kimmo Kainulainen on 27 May 2018.
The result was independently reported by Finnish paintball journalist Kimmo Kainulainen on 27 May 2018. [15]
 
The victory represented one of Expendables' most significant international achievements.
 
==== Basildon-London Open ====
 
Expendables competed in the NXL Europe Basildon-London Open from 5 to 8 July 2018.
 
The official registered roster included:


His report noted that Expendables represented New Zealand while fielding several members of the American Dynasty organisation. [14]
* Ivan Christison
* Ryan Greenspan
* David Hopkins
* Matthew Kling
* Marcello Margott
* Yosh Rau
* Blake Yarber


The Prague Open victory was one of the team's most significant international achievements.
Laura Bolam and Rusty Glaze were registered as staff.


==== Basildon-London Open ====
Bolam was checked in, while Glaze was listed but not checked in. [16]


Expendables continued the 2018 NXL Europe season at the Basildon-London Open in the United Kingdom.
Expendables advanced from the preliminary stage but lost 5-4 to Moscow Red Legion in the first elimination round.


The team advanced beyond the preliminary stage but finished ninth overall in the professional division. [12]
The team finished ninth among 18 entrants.


==== Paris-Chantilly Open ====
==== Paris-Chantilly Open ====


Expendables completed its European season at the Paris-Chantilly Open in France.
Expendables completed the 2018 NXL Europe season at the Paris-Chantilly Open from 27 to 30 September.
 
The official roster included nine players:
 
* Laura Bolam (United Kingdom)
* Ivan Christison (New Zealand)
* Ryan Greenspan (United States)
* David Hopkins (New Zealand)
* Thomas Hopkins (New Zealand)
* Matthew Kling (Australia)
* Marcello Margott (United States)
* Yosh Rau (United States)
* Blake Yarber (United States)
 
No staff members were listed on the event roster. [17]
 
The registration illustrates the changing composition of Expendables' international squad, with Bolam appearing as a player after previously registering as staff.


The team finished fifteenth among 18 professional entrants.
The team finished fifteenth among 18 professional entrants.


The result concluded a season in which Expendables had won the Prague Open and finished fifth overall in the original NXL Europe professional rankings. [12]
The season concluded with Expendables fifth in the overall NXL Europe professional rankings.
 
== Asian competition ==
 
=== World Cup Asia 2018 ===
 
Expendables competed at the 2018 Paintball World Cup Asia, held from 7 to 9 December at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi, Malaysia.
 
The tournament was organised by the Paintball Asia League Series in cooperation with Raskal Sports.
 
The event marked the return of World Cup Asia to Langkawi after several years away from the venue.
 
Approximately 40 teams participated across Professional, Open, Amateur and Open Mechanical divisions. [18]
 
Expendables competed in the Professional division against international teams including Russian Legion, KTM X-Bow and Datis.
 
The event attracted established professional players and teams from Europe, North America and Asia.
 
Expendables finished second in the Professional division.
 
The final rankings were:
 
* Champion: Russian Legion (Russia)
* Runner-up: Expendables (New Zealand)
* Third: KTM X-Bow (Malaysia / United States)
* Fourth: Datis (Iran)
 
The result was confirmed in a contemporary report published by Planet Eclipse on 13 January 2019. [19]
 
Video coverage published by AXMedia on 16 December 2018 also identified Expendables as the Professional division runner-up. [18]
 
The available coverage establishes the team's participation and final result, although a complete official player roster and the final match score have not yet been recovered.
 
The result completed a successful international season in which Expendables had won the Australian Super 7's Professional season championship, won the NXL Europe Prague Open and finished fifth in the overall European professional standings.


== United States competition ==
== United States competition ==
Line 385: Line 488:
=== NXL World Cup 2025 ===
=== NXL World Cup 2025 ===


Expendables competed in the 2025 National Xball League World Cup, held in Kissimmee, Florida, United States, in November.
Expendables competed at the 2025 National Xball League World Cup, held in Kissimmee, Florida, United States, from 12 to 16 November.


The team entered the Pro - Open 3v3 X-Ball division.
The team entered the Open 3v3 X-Ball division, which featured four teams.


Four teams participated in the competition.
Expendables completed the preliminary stage with two victories and one defeat.


Expendables progressed to the elimination rounds and defeated BLK 3-2 in the semifinals.
The team advanced to the semifinals against BLK, winning 3-2.


The team advanced to the final against Wyldside Distortion.
Expendables then faced Wyldside Distortion in the championship final.


Wyldside Distortion won the championship match 3-0, with Expendables finishing second overall. [15]
Wyldside Distortion won the final 3-0, leaving Expendables second overall. [20]


The result represented another international World Cup podium for the New Zealand team.
The result represented another international World Cup podium for the New Zealand squad.


The official NXL rankings recorded Expendables second in the division, behind Wyldside Distortion and ahead of BLK and KC Missouri Allstars. [15]
The complete roster for this event has not yet been established from publicly accessible registration records.


== Arena Paintball and regional development ==
== Arena Paintball and regional development ==
Line 405: Line 508:
=== Connection with Feilding ===
=== Connection with Feilding ===


Expendables has maintained a connection with the competitive paintball community in Feilding, New Zealand.
Expendables has maintained connections with competitive paintball in Feilding, New Zealand.


The team's early PBLeagues records identify Run and Gun Feilding as its associated playing field. [1]
The team's early registration identified Run and Gun Feilding as its associated playing field.


More recent activities have been associated with [[Arena Paintball]], a tournament and recreational paintball facility on Kimbolton Road in Feilding.
More recent activities have been associated with [[Arena Paintball]], a recreational and tournament paintball venue on Kimbolton Road in Feilding.


Arena Paintball has described itself publicly as the home of Expendables. [16]
Arena Paintball has described itself publicly as the home of Expendables and hosts national and international competition events. [21]


The facility hosts local, national and international competitive paintball events.
The exact historical relationship between Run and Gun Feilding and Arena Paintball has not yet been independently established.
 
The precise historical relationship between Run and Gun Feilding and Arena Paintball has not yet been established.


=== Relationship with Manawatu Titans ===
=== Relationship with Manawatu Titans ===


Expendables and [[Manawatu Titans]] are closely connected to the competitive paintball community in the Manawatū region.
Expendables is closely connected to [[Manawatu Titans]], another internationally active New Zealand team based in Feilding.


Both teams have been associated with the Hopkins family, Feilding and Arena Paintball.
Both names have been associated with the local competitive paintball community and Arena Paintball.


Manawatu Titans has emerged as a prominent international team identity, competing in the American NXL Semi-Pro division and Australia's professional Super 7's circuit.
Manawatu Titans has competed in the American NXL and Australian Super 7's professional circuits.


However, the teams should not be treated as identical or as a confirmed formal rebranding.
Although Manawatu Titans has become a prominent contemporary competition identity, the available records do not establish that it formally replaced or absorbed Expendables.


Both names have continued appearing as separate entries in competition records.
Both team names have continued appearing as separate tournament entries.


At the 2025 NXL World Cup, Expendables competed in Pro - Open 3v3 X-Ball, while Manawatu Titans entered other divisions.
At the 2025 NXL World Cup, Expendables entered the Open 3v3 competition while Manawatu Titans competed in other divisions.
 
The 2026 Arena Race Series also listed Expendables and Manawatu Titans as separate teams.


=== Arena Race Series 2026 ===
=== Arena Race Series 2026 ===


Expendables participated in the 2026 Arena Race Series, held at Arena Paintball in Feilding.
Expendables participated in the 2026 Arena Race Series held at Arena Paintball.


The series featured New Zealand and Australian teams.
The event included teams from New Zealand and Australia.


After the second round, Expendables occupied fourth place in the provisional standings with 303 points.
After the second round, Expendables was fourth in the provisional standings with 303 points.


The leading teams at that stage were:
Manawatu Titans led with 386 points, followed by Sydney SWAT and Cult.


* Manawatu Titans: 386 points
The separate rankings demonstrate continued use of both team identities. [21]
* Sydney SWAT: 359 points
* Cult: 350 points
* Expendables: 303 points
 
The standings were published by Arena Paintball on 12 July 2026. [16]
 
The two Feilding-based team identities were independently ranked within the same competition.


=== Feilding Paintball Club ===
=== Feilding Paintball Club ===


The wider development of organised paintball in Feilding also included Feilding Paintball Club Incorporated.
Organised paintball in the Feilding area has also included Feilding Paintball Club Incorporated.
 
Historical records show the club receiving assistance through local sport and community development programmes, including funding for paintball safety infrastructure during 2018 and 2019.


The registered club subsequently appeared in a 2021 New Zealand Gazette dissolution notice.
Historical public records document the club's receipt of community funding for safety infrastructure during 2018 and 2019.


The club's precise legal and organisational relationship with Expendables has not been independently established.
The registered club later appeared in a 2021 New Zealand Gazette dissolution notice.


It should therefore be distinguished from the tournament team rather than presented as the same organisation.
Its precise legal and organisational relationship with Expendables, Manawatu Titans or Arena Paintball has not been established.


== Tournament results ==
It should therefore be distinguished from the tournament teams.


The following table summarises selected documented tournament results.
== Selected tournament results ==


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
Line 502: Line 592:
| Millennium European Masters
| Millennium European Masters
| Germany
| Germany
| Semi-Professional
| 1st
|-
| 2017
| Millennium Campaign Cup
| United Kingdom
| Semi-Professional
| Semi-Professional
| 1st
| 1st
Line 546: Line 642:
| Professional
| Professional
| 1st overall
| 1st overall
|-
| 2018
| World Cup Asia
| Malaysia
| Professional
| 2nd
|-
|-
| 2019
| 2019
Line 568: Line 670:
| NXL World Cup
| NXL World Cup
| United States
| United States
| Pro - Open 3v3 X-Ball
| Open 3v3 X-Ball
| 2nd of 4
| 2nd of 4
|}
|}


The table includes selected confirmed results and is not intended as an exhaustive record of every tournament entered by the team.
The table includes selected documented tournament results and does not represent every competition entered by Expendables.


== Significance ==
== Significance ==


Expendables Feilding has achieved success in multiple international tournament paintball circuits.
Expendables Feilding has achieved competitive results across several major international paintball circuits.


The team's 2017 Millennium Series Semi-Professional championship and 2018 NXL Europe Prague Open Professional victory established its record in European competition.
Its 2017 Millennium Series Semi-Professional championship, three consecutive European event victories and subsequent participation in NXL Europe's professional division marked an important period in its international development.


Its 2018 Australian Super 7's Professional season championship demonstrated sustained competitive results across an entire Australasian tournament season.
In 2018, the team won the Australian Super 7's Professional season championship, won the NXL Europe Prague Open Professional division and finished second at World Cup Asia.


Expendables also developed a notable international roster model, combining New Zealand players with established American professionals, particularly from San Diego Dynasty.
Expendables was also notable for its collaboration with members of San Diego Dynasty, combining New Zealand and Australian players with established American professionals.


The organisation's activities contributed to the participation of New Zealand-based teams in European professional paintball and supported continued competitive activity in the Manawatū region.
Its continued involvement in New Zealand competition and association with the Feilding paintball community have contributed to the development of international tournament participation from the Manawatū region.


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 592: Line 694:
* [[Feilding Paintball Club]]
* [[Feilding Paintball Club]]
* [[Ralph Tsing]]
* [[Ralph Tsing]]
* [[Phoenix Tahiti]]
* [[San Diego Dynasty]]
* [[San Diego Dynasty]]
* [[Paintball in New Zealand]]
* [[Paintball in New Zealand]]
* [[Paintball in Australia]]
* [[Paintball in Australia]]
* [[Paintball in Malaysia]]
* [[Millennium Series]]
* [[Millennium Series]]
* [[NXL Europe]]
* [[NXL Europe]]
* [[National Xball League]]
* [[National Xball League]]
* [[Super 7's Paintball Series]]
* [[Super 7's Paintball Series]]
* [[Paintball Asia League Series]]
* [[Paintball World Cup Asia]]
* [[New Zealand Race Series]]
* [[New Zealand Race Series]]


== References ==
== References ==


# [https://pbleagues.com/team/uBhjWTkMvslWprl3 PBLeagues: Expendables]. Historical team profile, registration information and tournament results.
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/uBhjWTkMvslWprl3 PBLeagues: Expendables]. Historical team registration and tournament results, 2015–2018.
# [https://super7spaintball.com/results/ Super 7's Paintball Series: Historical Results]. Official Australian championship rankings, including Expendables' 2016–2021 appearances and 2018 championship.
# [https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/expendables4europe Givealittle: Expendables Europe Trip]. Fundraising campaign organised by David and Diane Hopkins, April 2017.
# [https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/expendables4europe Givealittle: Expendables Europe Trip]. Fundraising campaign organised by David and Diane Hopkins, April 2017.
# [https://www.ryangreenspan.com/millennium-mediterranean-cupbcfc35d5 Greenspan, Ryan. "Millennium Mediterranean Cup." 28 March 2017.] Firsthand account of the Expendables European campaign and San Diego Dynasty player involvement.
# [https://www.ryangreenspan.com/whirlwind399bc4a4 Greenspan, Ryan. "A Whirlwind Adventure."] Firsthand account of the 2017 European campaign and relationship with San Diego Dynasty.
# [https://www.marcellomargott.com/a-month-of-paintball-dynasty-team-usa-expendables Margott, Marcello. "A Month of Paintball: Dynasty, Team USA, Expendables." 7 July 2017.] Firsthand account of the team's Millennium Series participation and professional ambitions.
# [https://paintballruinedmylife.com/category/events/tournaments/millennium/ Paintball Ruined My Life. "Edmonton Impact Win Mediterranean Cup; Results." 26 March 2017.] Contemporary report naming Expendables Feilding as Semi-Professional champions.
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/roster/fLUGa2sqQVFB2tQd PBLeagues: Expendables at the 2018 Prague Open]. Official player roster, match schedule and results.
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/roster/fLUGa2sqQVFB2tQd PBLeagues: Expendables at the 2018 Prague Open]. Official eight-player roster, registered staff and tournament schedule.
# [https://paintballruinedmylife.com/category/events/tournaments/millennium/ Paintball Ruined My Life: "Edmonton Impact Win Mediterranean Cup; Results." 26 March 2017.] Contemporary report recording Expendables Feilding's Semi-Professional victory.
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/roster/YxoxbFSZHuI2KNmm PBLeagues: Expendables at Asylum Paintball Cup 2015]. Historical match results.
# [https://shop.dyepaintball.com/blogs/news/36938947-asylum-cup-auckland-trip-2015 DYE Paintball: "Asylum Cup, Auckland Trip 2015."] Contemporary account of Expendables' participation in the Auckland tournament.
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/roster/nJjuEd8dG89ftZuL PBLeagues: Expendables at Auckland Paintball Cup 2016]. Historical match results.
# [https://pf.airtahitinui.com/actualites/ambassador/paintball-ralph-tsing-enchaine-les-bons-resultats Air Tahiti Nui: "Paintball : Ralph Tsing enchaine les bons résultats." 31 October 2023.] Interview documenting Expendables' 2023 New Zealand Race Series championship.
# [https://pf.airtahitinui.com/actualites/ambassador/paintball-ralph-tsing-enchaine-les-bons-resultats Air Tahiti Nui. "Paintball : Ralph Tsing enchaine les bons résultats." 31 October 2023.]
# [https://millennium-series.epbf.info/team_profile.php?Team=Ranger+Warsaw Millennium Series: Ranger Warsaw Historical Team Profile]. Original 2017 match records documenting encounters with Expendables Feilding.
# [https://super7spaintball.com/results/ Super 7's Paintball Series: Historical Results]. Official Australian professional rankings, 2016–2021.
# [https://millennium-series.epbf.info/ Millennium Series: Official 2017 Season Results]. Historical final standings identifying Expendables Feilding as Semi-Professional season champions.
# [https://www.marcellomargott.com/a-month-of-paintball-dynasty-team-usa-expendables Margott, Marcello. "A Month of Paintball: Dynasty, Team USA, Expendables." 7 July 2017.]
# [https://pbleagues.com/scores/L403/seasonrankings2018.html PBLeagues: NXL Europe 2018 Original Season Rankings]. Historical Pro X-Ball standings recording Expendables fifth overall with 533 points.
# [https://www.ryangreenspan.com/hat-trick4f9b1170 Greenspan, Ryan. "Hat Trick." 10 July 2017.] Firsthand account confirming Expendables' third consecutive Millennium Series victory.
# [https://paintball.fi/kimmo-kainulainen/uutiset/1110/nxl-europen-chartresin-avausturnauksen-tulokset-2018 Kainulainen, Kimmo. "NXL Europen Chartresin avausturnauksen tulokset 2018." Paintball.fi.] Contemporary report on the 2018 Chartres Open.
# [https://millennium-series.epbf.info/ Millennium Series: Official 2017 rankings]. Historical standings identifying Expendables Feilding as Semi-Professional season champions.
# [https://paintball.fi/kimmo-kainulainen/uutiset/1120/expendables-prahan-nxl-turnauksen-voittoon-2018 Kainulainen, Kimmo. "Expendables Prahan NXL-turnauksen voittoon 2018." Paintball.fi, 27 May 2018.] Independent account of Expendables' Prague Open victory and international roster.
# [https://pbleagues.com/scores/L403/seasonrankings2018.html PBLeagues: Original NXL Europe 2018 season rankings]. Professional division standings recording Expendables fifth overall with 533 points.
# [https://pbleagues.com/league/316/seasonRankings/2025 PBLeagues: National Xball League 2025 Season Rankings]. Official World Cup Pro - Open 3v3 X-Ball results.
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/roster/jZ3SaR4xvtY732iM PBLeagues: Expendables at Chartres Open 2018]. Official player and staff registrations.
# [https://www.findglocal.com/NZ/Feilding/102027051785091/Arena-Paintball Arena Paintball: Historical public updates and 2026 Arena Race Series standings]. Includes the 12 July 2026 team rankings.
# [https://paintball.fi/kimmo-kainulainen/uutiset/1120/expendables-prahan-nxl-turnauksen-voittoon-2018 Kainulainen, Kimmo. "Expendables Prahan NXL-turnauksen voittoon 2018." Paintball.fi, 27 May 2018.] Contemporary report on the Prague Open victory.
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/roster/g1mMt9axRiSShJrI PBLeagues: Expendables at Basildon-London Open 2018]. Official roster and staff registrations.
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/roster/UZo88a5F4jXOyWgR PBLeagues: Expendables at Paris-Chantilly Open 2018]. Official player registrations.
# [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4a_-5h3Hn4 AXMedia / Bob Tahar. "Paintball World Cup Asia 2018 - Langkawi." Published 16 December 2018.] Contemporary tournament coverage and final rankings.
# [https://eclipsehq.blogspot.com/2019/01/wca-2018.html Planet Eclipse HQ Blog. "WCA 2018." 13 January 2019.] Contemporary report identifying Expendables as Professional division runner-up.
# [https://pbleagues.com/event/8928 PBLeagues: NXL World Cup 2025]. Official tournament results, including the Open 3v3 X-Ball competition.
# [https://www.findglocal.com/NZ/Feilding/102027051785091/Arena-Paintball Arena Paintball: Historical updates and 2026 Arena Race Series standings].


== External links ==
== External links ==
Line 625: Line 736:
* [https://pbleagues.com/team/uBhjWTkMvslWprl3 Expendables on PBLeagues]
* [https://pbleagues.com/team/uBhjWTkMvslWprl3 Expendables on PBLeagues]
* [https://www.arenapaintball.co.nz/ Arena Paintball]
* [https://www.arenapaintball.co.nz/ Arena Paintball]
* [https://super7spaintball.com/results/ Super 7's Paintball historical results]


[[Category:Paintball teams]]
[[Category:Paintball teams]]
[[Category:Paintball in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Paintball in New Zealand]]

Revision as of 18:24, 14 October 2026

Expendables Feilding, also known as Expendables or NZ Expendables, is a competitive paintball team from Feilding, in the Manawatū region of New Zealand. Founded by David Hopkins, the team has competed internationally in New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States.

Expendables has participated in several major tournament circuits, including the Millennium Series, NXL Europe, the Australian Super 7's Paintball Series, the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS) and the National Xball League (NXL).

The team's major achievements include winning the 2017 Millennium Series Semi-Professional championship, the 2018 Australian Super 7's Professional season championship, and the 2018 NXL Europe Prague Open Professional division. Expendables also finished second in the Professional division at World Cup Asia 2018 in Malaysia.

The team has been associated with several members of the American professional paintball team San Diego Dynasty, who competed with Expendables during its European campaigns.

Expendables maintains historical connections with Arena Paintball and Manawatu Titans, another internationally active competitive team based in Feilding.

History

Formation and early development

Expendables was founded by David Hopkins in Feilding, New Zealand.

The team developed within the competitive paintball community of the Manawatū region, initially participating in domestic New Zealand tournaments before expanding into international competition.

The team's historical PBLeagues registration is dated 2 January 2015, with Feilding recorded as its home town and Run and Gun Feilding identified as its associated playing field. [1]

The registration represents an early surviving documentary record of Expendables, although the exact date of the team's establishment has not been independently confirmed.

By 2015, Expendables was competing in organised Auckland paintball tournaments.

The team subsequently developed an international competition programme involving regular travel to Australia and Europe.

Expansion into international competition

Expendables entered the Australian Super 7's Professional division by 2016.

During this period, the team developed relationships with experienced international professional players and coaches.

These relationships became important to its participation in the 2017 Millennium Series, where Expendables assembled a multinational roster combining New Zealand and Australian players with established American professionals.

Fundraising for European competition

In April 2017, David and Diane Hopkins established a fundraising campaign through the New Zealand platform Givealittle to help finance Expendables' European competition programme.

The campaign described Expendables as a Feilding-based team already competing in Australia and Europe.

It reported that the team had won the opening round of both tournament series during 2017. [2]

The fundraising campaign sought financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs for the remaining European tournaments.

The campaign provides contemporary evidence of the financial challenges involved in maintaining an international tournament programme from New Zealand.

San Diego Dynasty collaboration

Origins of the relationship

Expendables developed a significant competitive relationship with members of San Diego Dynasty, one of the leading professional paintball teams in the United States.

American professional player Ryan Greenspan documented the relationship in a series of firsthand accounts published during 2017.

According to Greenspan, Dynasty players had increasingly participated as guest players on European teams after the costs of entering a complete Dynasty roster in overseas competitions became less economically viable.

Expendables recruited Greenspan, Marcello Margott and Yosh Rau to join its 2017 Millennium Series roster. [3]

Greenspan also identified Blake Yarber as having coached Expendables for approximately two years before the 2017 European campaign.

The arrangement combined an established New Zealand team with experienced American professional players.

The team's association with Dynasty was sufficiently prominent that contemporary tournament reporting sometimes identified the entry as "Expendables Feilding (Dynasty)". [4]

International player development

The collaboration extended beyond occasional appearances by American players.

Greenspan and Margott described the development of the team's New Zealand players through regular exposure to European competition and professional-level training.

The American participants brought experience gained through the NXL and previous international tournaments.

Expendables also provided an opportunity for American professionals to compete in Europe while representing a New Zealand-based team.

The relationship contributed to the team's successful 2017 Millennium Series campaign and its subsequent entry into NXL Europe's professional division in 2018.

Dynasty players associated with Expendables

American professional players documented in Expendables' international rosters included:

All five appeared on the team's official PBLeagues roster for the 2018 NXL Europe Prague Open. [5]

Other internationally recognised participants included Rusty Glaze, who was registered as team staff at several European events.

The relationship represented an example of professional players from an established American organisation supporting the development of an international team while competing under its New Zealand identity.

Players and team personnel

New Zealand players and organisers

The following New Zealand players have been documented in the team's history:

  • David Hopkins - Team founder and organiser. Registered as a player at the 2018 NXL Europe Chartres, Basildon-London and Paris-Chantilly events.
  • Thomas Hopkins - New Zealand player documented in the team's 2017 European campaign and registered at the 2018 Prague and Paris-Chantilly Opens.
  • Ivan Christison - New Zealand player registered at all four 2018 NXL Europe events. Also identified in contemporary reporting by Ryan Greenspan, which used the spelling Christiansen.

The listed players were involved in different periods and events. Their inclusion does not indicate participation in every tournament entered by Expendables.

International players

Expendables has included players from multiple countries.

Documented international participants include:

Matthew Kling was registered at all four 2018 NXL Europe events.

Laura Bolam was registered as staff at the Basildon-London Open and as a player at the Paris-Chantilly Open.

The international roster changed between tournaments, and participation at one event should not be treated as proof of participation at every subsequent competition.

Coaching and staff

The team's documented coaching and support personnel have included:

  • David Hopkins - Founder and team organiser; also a registered tournament player.
  • Blake Yarber - American professional player and coach associated with the team's development before and during its European campaigns.
  • Rusty Glaze - Registered team staff at the 2018 Chartres, Prague and Basildon-London Opens.
  • Laura Bolam - Registered team staff at the 2018 Basildon-London Open and player at the Paris-Chantilly Open.

The PBLeagues registration for the 2018 Basildon-London Open lists Rusty Glaze as staff but does not record him as checked in.

These roles reflect individual tournament records and should not be interpreted as continuous appointments throughout the team's history.

New Zealand competition

Auckland Paintball Cup 2015

Expendables competed in the Auckland Paintball Cup on 7 and 8 March 2015.

The team entered the Open X-Ball division and finished third among seven entrants, according to its historical PBLeagues record. [1]

Asylum Paintball Cup 2015

Expendables returned to Auckland for the Asylum Paintball Cup on 26 and 27 September 2015.

The team competed in the Open X-Ball division.

Original match records document a 3-2 victory against Phoenix Tahiti and a 2-2 draw against Hard2Overcome.

The historical results also show matches against Auckland Faction, ADHD, HK Reaper Crew and Hijinx. [6]

The complete final tournament placing has not been established.

Auckland Paintball Cup 2016

Expendables competed in the Auckland Paintball Cup on 16 and 17 April 2016.

The team entered Division 2 X-Ball and finished second among eight entrants.

Its official match results included a 5-1 victory against Phoenix Tahiti and a 4-3 victory against ADHD.

Expendables advanced to the championship final against Disposal Unit, losing 4-2. [7]

The event represented another podium finish in the New Zealand tournament circuit.

Asylum Paintball Cup 2016

Expendables participated in the Asylum Paintball Cup on 3 and 4 September 2016.

The team competed in Division 2 X-Ball.

Its registration is documented through PBLeagues, although the final placing has not been recovered. [1]

New Zealand Race Series 2023

Expendables competed in the New Zealand Race Series during 2023.

The team included international guest players, including Tahitian competitor Ralph Tsing.

Tsing represented Expendables in the first two rounds before assembling a separate Phoenix Tahiti squad for the final round.

The final event was held at Arena Paintball in Feilding in October 2023.

Expendables advanced to the championship match against Ballistics Unit and won the final 3-0.

According to a contemporary interview published by Air Tahiti Nui, Expendables also won the overall 2023 New Zealand Race Series championship. [8]

Australian Super 7's Paintball Series

Early participation

Expendables developed an international presence through Australia's Super 7's Paintball Series.

The team competed in the professional division against established Australian squads, including Sydney SWAT, Perth Crisis, Sydney Explicit and East Side Raw.

Its historical results are preserved in the official Super 7's season rankings. [9]

2016 season

Expendables participated in the fourth round of the 2016 Super 7's Professional competition.

The team earned 40 ranking points for the event.

The official series records identify this as its only recorded appearance during the season.

2017 season

Expendables completed all four rounds of the 2017 Australian Super 7's Professional season.

The team won the opening round and finished third in the overall standings.

Its recorded points were:

  • Round 1: 30
  • Round 2: 24
  • Round 3: 28
  • Round 4: 24

Expendables finished with 106 ranking points.

Perth Crisis won the championship with 116 points, followed by Sydney SWAT with 110 points. [9]

The opening-round victory was also documented in Expendables' fundraising campaign for its European season. [2]

2018 professional championship

Expendables won the 2018 Australian Super 7's Professional season championship.

The team's results across the four rounds were:

  • Round 1: 30 points
  • Round 2: 26 points
  • Round 3: 28 points
  • Round 4: 28 points

Expendables finished first overall with 112 ranking points.

Sydney SWAT finished second with 110 points, followed by Perth Crisis with 100 points. [9]

The victory represented a national professional season championship in Australia for the New Zealand team.

The result coincided with Expendables' successful 2018 European campaign and its later participation at World Cup Asia in Malaysia.

2019 season

Expendables continued competing in the Australian Super 7's Professional division during 2019.

The team recorded 100 ranking points across four rounds, finishing second overall.

East Side Raw won the championship with 110 points, while Perth Crisis placed third with 98. [9]

2020 and 2021 appearances

Expendables continued appearing in the Australian Super 7's rankings during 2020 and 2021.

The official records show limited competition activity in those seasons, with only one round recorded for each year.

The team's results should therefore not be interpreted as full four-round championship campaigns.

European competition

Millennium Series 2017

Expendables entered the 2017 Millennium Series in the Semi-Professional division.

The team competed under the name Expendables Feilding.

The championship featured four events:

  • Mediterranean Cup, Puget-sur-Argens, France
  • European Masters, Bitburg, Germany
  • Campaign Cup, London-Gatwick, United Kingdom
  • World Cup, Paris-Chantilly, France

Expendables assembled a multinational roster combining New Zealand players with American professionals associated with San Diego Dynasty.

Mediterranean Cup

Expendables won the Semi-Professional division at the Mediterranean Cup in March 2017.

The result was documented by Ryan Greenspan and contemporary tournament reporting. [3][4]

The team defeated Lucky 15s Staffordshire in the final.

The victory represented the team's first event title of the 2017 Millennium Series season.

European Masters

Expendables continued its European campaign at the European Masters in Bitburg, Germany.

The team won the Semi-Professional division, securing its second consecutive tournament victory.

Greenspan and Marcello Margott documented the team's participation and success in firsthand accounts. [10]

Historical Millennium Series match records also document Expendables defeating Ranger Warsaw 4-0 in the quarterfinals.

Campaign Cup

Expendables competed at the London-Gatwick Campaign Cup in July 2017.

The team won the Semi-Professional division, completing three consecutive victories in the first three events of the season.

Ryan Greenspan confirmed the result in an article titled "Hat Trick", published on 10 July 2017. [11]

He described the team's victory in the final, secured with a 4-0 score.

The result effectively secured Expendables' position at the top of the season standings before the final event.

World Cup and season championship

Expendables completed its 2017 Millennium Series campaign at the World Cup in Paris-Chantilly.

The official final standings confirmed Expendables Feilding as the Semi-Professional season champion. [12]

The team finished ahead of Cologne Hurricanes and Bad Boys Oss.

The championship followed three consecutive event victories earlier in the season.

The achievement preceded Expendables' promotion to the professional division for the 2018 NXL Europe season.

NXL Europe 2018

Expendables competed in the professional division of NXL Europe during 2018.

The team entered four events against established international professional squads, including Edmonton Impact, Houston Heat, Moscow Red Legion and Toulouse TonTons.

The original NXL Europe season rankings record the following results:

  • Chartres Open: 4th of 18
  • Prague Open: 1st of 18
  • Basildon-London Open: 9th of 18
  • Paris-Chantilly Open: 15th of 18

Expendables finished fifth overall in the 2018 NXL Europe Professional season rankings, earning 533 points. [13]

The original standings include the team's Prague victory, which is omitted from some later reconstructed historical rankings.

Chartres Open

Expendables began the 2018 NXL Europe season at the Chartres Open in France, held from 13 to 15 April.

The team finished fourth among 18 Professional X-Ball entrants.

The registered players were:

  • Ivan Christison
  • Ryan Greenspan
  • David Hopkins
  • Matthew Kling
  • Marcello Margott
  • Yosh Rau
  • Blake Yarber

Rusty Glaze was registered as staff. [14]

Expendables reached the semifinals after victories including wins against Moscow Red Legion.

The team lost the semifinal against Houston Heat and finished fourth following a defeat against Toulouse TonTons.

Prague Open

Expendables won the Professional X-Ball division at the NXL Europe Prague Open, held in the Czech Republic from 25 to 27 May 2018.

The tournament featured 18 professional teams.

The complete officially registered eight-player roster was:

  • Ivan Christison (New Zealand)
  • Ryan Greenspan (United States)
  • Tyler Harmon (United States)
  • Thomas Hopkins (New Zealand)
  • Matthew Kling (Australia)
  • Marcello Margott (United States)
  • Yosh Rau (United States)
  • Blake Yarber (United States)

Rusty Glaze was registered as staff. [5]

The team completed the preliminary stage with two victories and two defeats.

In the elimination rounds, Expendables defeated:

  • PPArena Pilsen, 6-3
  • Moscow Red Legion, 6-5
  • Toulouse TonTons, 6-1

Expendables faced Edmonton Impact in the championship final.

The New Zealand team won the final 5-4, securing the professional division title.

The tournament's leading teams were:

  • Champion: Expendables Feilding
  • Runner-up: Edmonton Impact
  • Third: Toulouse TonTons
  • Fourth: Houston Heat

The result was independently reported by Finnish paintball journalist Kimmo Kainulainen on 27 May 2018. [15]

The victory represented one of Expendables' most significant international achievements.

Basildon-London Open

Expendables competed in the NXL Europe Basildon-London Open from 5 to 8 July 2018.

The official registered roster included:

  • Ivan Christison
  • Ryan Greenspan
  • David Hopkins
  • Matthew Kling
  • Marcello Margott
  • Yosh Rau
  • Blake Yarber

Laura Bolam and Rusty Glaze were registered as staff.

Bolam was checked in, while Glaze was listed but not checked in. [16]

Expendables advanced from the preliminary stage but lost 5-4 to Moscow Red Legion in the first elimination round.

The team finished ninth among 18 entrants.

Paris-Chantilly Open

Expendables completed the 2018 NXL Europe season at the Paris-Chantilly Open from 27 to 30 September.

The official roster included nine players:

  • Laura Bolam (United Kingdom)
  • Ivan Christison (New Zealand)
  • Ryan Greenspan (United States)
  • David Hopkins (New Zealand)
  • Thomas Hopkins (New Zealand)
  • Matthew Kling (Australia)
  • Marcello Margott (United States)
  • Yosh Rau (United States)
  • Blake Yarber (United States)

No staff members were listed on the event roster. [17]

The registration illustrates the changing composition of Expendables' international squad, with Bolam appearing as a player after previously registering as staff.

The team finished fifteenth among 18 professional entrants.

The season concluded with Expendables fifth in the overall NXL Europe professional rankings.

Asian competition

World Cup Asia 2018

Expendables competed at the 2018 Paintball World Cup Asia, held from 7 to 9 December at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi, Malaysia.

The tournament was organised by the Paintball Asia League Series in cooperation with Raskal Sports.

The event marked the return of World Cup Asia to Langkawi after several years away from the venue.

Approximately 40 teams participated across Professional, Open, Amateur and Open Mechanical divisions. [18]

Expendables competed in the Professional division against international teams including Russian Legion, KTM X-Bow and Datis.

The event attracted established professional players and teams from Europe, North America and Asia.

Expendables finished second in the Professional division.

The final rankings were:

  • Champion: Russian Legion (Russia)
  • Runner-up: Expendables (New Zealand)
  • Third: KTM X-Bow (Malaysia / United States)
  • Fourth: Datis (Iran)

The result was confirmed in a contemporary report published by Planet Eclipse on 13 January 2019. [19]

Video coverage published by AXMedia on 16 December 2018 also identified Expendables as the Professional division runner-up. [18]

The available coverage establishes the team's participation and final result, although a complete official player roster and the final match score have not yet been recovered.

The result completed a successful international season in which Expendables had won the Australian Super 7's Professional season championship, won the NXL Europe Prague Open and finished fifth in the overall European professional standings.

United States competition

NXL World Cup 2025

Expendables competed at the 2025 National Xball League World Cup, held in Kissimmee, Florida, United States, from 12 to 16 November.

The team entered the Open 3v3 X-Ball division, which featured four teams.

Expendables completed the preliminary stage with two victories and one defeat.

The team advanced to the semifinals against BLK, winning 3-2.

Expendables then faced Wyldside Distortion in the championship final.

Wyldside Distortion won the final 3-0, leaving Expendables second overall. [20]

The result represented another international World Cup podium for the New Zealand squad.

The complete roster for this event has not yet been established from publicly accessible registration records.

Arena Paintball and regional development

Connection with Feilding

Expendables has maintained connections with competitive paintball in Feilding, New Zealand.

The team's early registration identified Run and Gun Feilding as its associated playing field.

More recent activities have been associated with Arena Paintball, a recreational and tournament paintball venue on Kimbolton Road in Feilding.

Arena Paintball has described itself publicly as the home of Expendables and hosts national and international competition events. [21]

The exact historical relationship between Run and Gun Feilding and Arena Paintball has not yet been independently established.

Relationship with Manawatu Titans

Expendables is closely connected to Manawatu Titans, another internationally active New Zealand team based in Feilding.

Both names have been associated with the local competitive paintball community and Arena Paintball.

Manawatu Titans has competed in the American NXL and Australian Super 7's professional circuits.

Although Manawatu Titans has become a prominent contemporary competition identity, the available records do not establish that it formally replaced or absorbed Expendables.

Both team names have continued appearing as separate tournament entries.

At the 2025 NXL World Cup, Expendables entered the Open 3v3 competition while Manawatu Titans competed in other divisions.

Arena Race Series 2026

Expendables participated in the 2026 Arena Race Series held at Arena Paintball.

The event included teams from New Zealand and Australia.

After the second round, Expendables was fourth in the provisional standings with 303 points.

Manawatu Titans led with 386 points, followed by Sydney SWAT and Cult.

The separate rankings demonstrate continued use of both team identities. [21]

Feilding Paintball Club

Organised paintball in the Feilding area has also included Feilding Paintball Club Incorporated.

Historical public records document the club's receipt of community funding for safety infrastructure during 2018 and 2019.

The registered club later appeared in a 2021 New Zealand Gazette dissolution notice.

Its precise legal and organisational relationship with Expendables, Manawatu Titans or Arena Paintball has not been established.

It should therefore be distinguished from the tournament teams.

Selected tournament results

Year Tournament Country Division Result
2015 Auckland Paintball Cup New Zealand Open X-Ball 3rd of 7
2016 Auckland Paintball Cup New Zealand Division 2 X-Ball 2nd of 8
2017 Super 7's Paintball Series Australia Professional 3rd overall
2017 Millennium Mediterranean Cup France Semi-Professional 1st
2017 Millennium European Masters Germany Semi-Professional 1st
2017 Millennium Campaign Cup United Kingdom Semi-Professional 1st
2017 Millennium Series season championship Europe Semi-Professional 1st overall
2018 NXL Europe Chartres Open France Professional X-Ball 4th of 18
2018 NXL Europe Prague Open Czech Republic Professional X-Ball 1st of 18
2018 NXL Europe Basildon-London Open United Kingdom Professional X-Ball 9th of 18
2018 NXL Europe Paris-Chantilly Open France Professional X-Ball 15th of 18
2018 NXL Europe season championship Europe Professional X-Ball 5th overall
2018 Super 7's Paintball Series Australia Professional 1st overall
2018 World Cup Asia Malaysia Professional 2nd
2019 Super 7's Paintball Series Australia Professional 2nd overall
2023 New Zealand Race Series, final round New Zealand Race format 1st
2023 New Zealand Race Series season championship New Zealand Race format 1st overall
2025 NXL World Cup United States Open 3v3 X-Ball 2nd of 4

The table includes selected documented tournament results and does not represent every competition entered by Expendables.

Significance

Expendables Feilding has achieved competitive results across several major international paintball circuits.

Its 2017 Millennium Series Semi-Professional championship, three consecutive European event victories and subsequent participation in NXL Europe's professional division marked an important period in its international development.

In 2018, the team won the Australian Super 7's Professional season championship, won the NXL Europe Prague Open Professional division and finished second at World Cup Asia.

Expendables was also notable for its collaboration with members of San Diego Dynasty, combining New Zealand and Australian players with established American professionals.

Its continued involvement in New Zealand competition and association with the Feilding paintball community have contributed to the development of international tournament participation from the Manawatū region.

See also

References

  1. PBLeagues: Expendables. Historical team registration and tournament results, 2015–2018.
  2. Givealittle: Expendables Europe Trip. Fundraising campaign organised by David and Diane Hopkins, April 2017.
  3. Greenspan, Ryan. "A Whirlwind Adventure." Firsthand account of the 2017 European campaign and relationship with San Diego Dynasty.
  4. Paintball Ruined My Life. "Edmonton Impact Win Mediterranean Cup; Results." 26 March 2017. Contemporary report naming Expendables Feilding as Semi-Professional champions.
  5. PBLeagues: Expendables at the 2018 Prague Open. Official eight-player roster, registered staff and tournament schedule.
  6. PBLeagues: Expendables at Asylum Paintball Cup 2015. Historical match results.
  7. PBLeagues: Expendables at Auckland Paintball Cup 2016. Historical match results.
  8. Air Tahiti Nui. "Paintball : Ralph Tsing enchaine les bons résultats." 31 October 2023.
  9. Super 7's Paintball Series: Historical Results. Official Australian professional rankings, 2016–2021.
  10. Margott, Marcello. "A Month of Paintball: Dynasty, Team USA, Expendables." 7 July 2017.
  11. Greenspan, Ryan. "Hat Trick." 10 July 2017. Firsthand account confirming Expendables' third consecutive Millennium Series victory.
  12. Millennium Series: Official 2017 rankings. Historical standings identifying Expendables Feilding as Semi-Professional season champions.
  13. PBLeagues: Original NXL Europe 2018 season rankings. Professional division standings recording Expendables fifth overall with 533 points.
  14. PBLeagues: Expendables at Chartres Open 2018. Official player and staff registrations.
  15. Kainulainen, Kimmo. "Expendables Prahan NXL-turnauksen voittoon 2018." Paintball.fi, 27 May 2018. Contemporary report on the Prague Open victory.
  16. PBLeagues: Expendables at Basildon-London Open 2018. Official roster and staff registrations.
  17. PBLeagues: Expendables at Paris-Chantilly Open 2018. Official player registrations.
  18. AXMedia / Bob Tahar. "Paintball World Cup Asia 2018 - Langkawi." Published 16 December 2018. Contemporary tournament coverage and final rankings.
  19. Planet Eclipse HQ Blog. "WCA 2018." 13 January 2019. Contemporary report identifying Expendables as Professional division runner-up.
  20. PBLeagues: NXL World Cup 2025. Official tournament results, including the Open 3v3 X-Ball competition.
  21. Arena Paintball: Historical updates and 2026 Arena Race Series standings.
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