1912 New Zealand rugby league tour of Australia

The 1912 New Zealand rugby league tour of Australia was a tour by the New Zealand national rugby league team.

Squad edit

The touring party included, backs; Arthur Carlaw (vice-captain), James Barber, George Bradley, Billy Curran, Jim Gilmour, Arthur Hardgrave, Bill Kelly, Don Kenealy, Lance Moir, Charles Webb, Stan Weston and forwards; Arthur Francis (captain), Tom Brownlee, Billy Dervan, Charles Dunning, Dave Evans, Harold Hayward, Morgan Hayward, Robert Irvine, Cecil King and Jim Rukutai.

They were managed by Barry Brigham and Tom MacReynolds.

Captain Arthur Francis left the squad before the final game against New South Wales. Francis took up a contract with Wigan, leaving on the same boat for England as Herb Gilbert, Steve Darmody and Bill Farnsworth.[1]

Fixtures edit

Before the tour New Zealand defeated Auckland 38–16.[2]

New Zealand arrived in Sydney after midnight and only 14 hours before kick off of their first match.[1]

Date Opponent Venue Result Score Attendance Report
New South Wales Agricultural Ground, Sydney Loss 8-27
New South Wales Sydney Win 12-7
Queensland Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane Win 15-8
Queensland Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane Win 16-10
Combined XIII Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane Loss 10-13
Newcastle Newcastle Win 4-20
New South Wales Sydney Loss 3-14

The Combined XIII included five players from New South Wales, including Dally Messenger. However, because the team was organised by the Queensland Rugby League, it is not considered an official Australian match.

The players were scheduled to sail immediately after their final game as the New Zealand Rugby League had organised a match in Wellington. However the players rebelled and demanded a break from their hectic schedule. The NZRL subsequently held an inquest and fined the players 10 shillings each.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c John Coffey and Bernie Wood, The Kiwis: 100 Years of International Rugby League, Hodder Moa, Auckland, 2007, p.p. 45-46.
  2. ^ Coffey, John and Bernie Wood Auckland, 100 years of rugby league, 1909-2009, 2009. ISBN 9781869693664.