1910 Great Britain Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand
Encyclopedia
The 1910 Great Britain Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand was the first international tour of the Great Britain national rugby league team
, "The Lions". They played the second ever Ashes series against Australia before travelling to Auckland to take on New Zealand
. The tour was a huge promotional and financial success for the "Northern Union" game
and helped set the pattern for regular, alternating test match series between Britain and Australia.
The touring squad went south From Manchester in early April to then travel by ship for six weeks before reaching Australia. Led by Salford
captain James Lomas
, the tour was a huge success for the Lions who won all their test matches with Lomas topping the tour scoring charts with 136 points in 13 games.
10,000 people saw the match on 29 May whose margin never went beyond more than five points.
This was the third match and first win of the visitors' series against New South Wales, with their captain, Jim Lomas featuring prominently.
This day also featured a goal-kicking contest between the two sides' captains, Dally Messenger and Jim Lomas.
This match also featured a goal-kicking contest, between Dally Messenger, Jim Lomas and Herb Brackenrigg, which the latter won.
In the second test, Australia had gotten off to an early lead over the visitors at 11 nil. Jim Leytham's four tries in this match would remain an unbeaten Ashes record.
The British had thus won the series in two tests.
" team, comprising the best players of Australia and New Zealand would play a series of matches against the touring Britons. The Australian jersey's sky blue with maroon hoops had black hoops added to it for these matches.
The British team were conveyed on to the ground by a group of "Jack tar
s" in port at Sydney who took the place of the horses that were to pull the drag.
The first points came from an individual effort from Viv Farnsworth that led to him scoring in the corner. Great Britain replied with a penalty goal through Jim Lomas. Courtney got the next try, which Brackenrigg failed to convert. Then it was the visitors' turn to score, with a try to Leytham out wide. Lomas missed the kick, so Australasia were leading 8 – 5 at the half time break. They extended their lead to 13 – 5 before The British made a strong comeback to level the scores with a late try before full time.
At one stage Great Britain were leading 15 – 5 but at half time were trailing 15 – 17. They scored no more points in the second half, as Australasia overran them.
In the evening following the match, the touring Britons left for New Zealand on the Maheno. The next time the two sides would meet was during the 1911-12 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain
.
before being given a mayoral reception
the following morning. New Zealand wore the colours of Red and Yellow with Black bands for the Test match. It was the only time that they wore these colours.
The first match was played in weather described as atrocious against a New Zealand Māori team captained by Whiri Winiata and featuring Albert Asher
who had played with the victorious Australasia team back in Australia.
The first international try scored on New Zealand soil was by Halifax winger, Joe Riley and this was followed by a hat-trick of tries by Wigan centre Bert Jenkins. Great Britain led 23 - 0 at half-time. In the second half, Fred Smith scored a fourth try for the visitors.
The Auckland side was; Alf Chorley
, L Nolan, G Smith, Albert Asher
, Alf Jackson, Ronald MacDonald
, Len Farrant, Fred Jackson (c), Charles Dunning
, Jim Griffin, Alex Stanaway, H Fricker, George Seagar. Emergencies; Syd Riley, Arthur Carlaw, J Bennett, Jim Rukutai
, Bob Mitchell.
The touring side had been invited to play another match in Australia, so left Auckland for Sydney on the 1st of August on the Maheno after a hearty send-off. During the tour the Lions donated the Northern Union Cup
which was awarded to Auckland
for inter-provincial competition and is still contested today.
Great Britain national rugby league team
The Great Britain national rugby league team represents the United Kingdom in rugby league football. Administered by the Rugby Football League , the team is nicknamed "The Lions" or "Great Britain Lions"....
, "The Lions". They played the second ever Ashes series against Australia before travelling to Auckland to take on New Zealand
New Zealand national rugby league team
The New Zealand national rugby league team has represented New Zealand in rugby league football since intercontinental competition began for the sport in 1907. Administered by the New Zealand Rugby League, they are commonly known as the Kiwis, after the native bird of that name...
. The tour was a huge promotional and financial success for the "Northern Union" game
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
and helped set the pattern for regular, alternating test match series between Britain and Australia.
The touring squad went south From Manchester in early April to then travel by ship for six weeks before reaching Australia. Led by Salford
Salford City Reds
Salford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
captain James Lomas
James Lomas (rugby league)
James Lomas was a pioneering English rugby league footballer of the early 20th century. Hailing from Maryport, Cumberland, his career lasted for twenty-four years from 1899 to 1923. A three-quarter and prominent goal-kicker, Lomas captained the Great Britain national rugby league team.Lomas was...
, the tour was a huge success for the Lions who won all their test matches with Lomas topping the tour scoring charts with 136 points in 13 games.
Touring squad
The team originally scheduled to tour consisted of eighteen internationals: nine English, eight Welsh and one Scottish.England
- Albert AveryAlbert AveryAlbert E. Avery was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Oldham, playing at , or /, i.e...
, forward for OldhamOldham RoughyedsOldham Roughyeds is an English professional rugby league club based in Oldham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Championship One. Oldham is one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895.... - Frank BoylenFrank BoylenFrank Boylen was an Irish born rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at club level played rugby union for West Hartlepool R.F.C., and at representative level played rugby league for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Hull, playing...
, forward for Hull - Billy BattenBilly BattenWilliam "Billy" Batten, was an English rugby league footballer of the early 20th century. He played at , and for Great Britain, England, Hunslet, and Hull, and was one of the new game's first superstars...
, three-quarter back for HunsletHunslet HawksHunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:... - Ephraim CurzonEphraim CurzonEphraim Curzon was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and Lancashire, and at club level for Salford, playing at , or , i.e...
, forward for SalfordSalford City RedsSalford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup... - Bill Jukes, forward for HunsletHunslet HawksHunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:...
- Herbert KershawHerbert KershawHerbert Kershaw was an English rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played rugby union for Yorkshire, and at club level for Wakefield RFC, and at representative level played rugby league for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire,...
, forward for Wakefield TrinityWakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts... - Jim LeythamJim LeythamJames "Jim" Leytham was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1890s, 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, England, and Lancashire, and at club level for Lancaster, and Wigan, playing at , i.e...
, three-quarter-back for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - (c) Jim Lomas, three-quarter-back for SalfordSalford City RedsSalford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
- Tommy NewbouldThomas NewbouldThomas "Tommy" 'Trapper' Henry Newbould was an English rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at club level played rugby union for Yorkshire, and at club level , and at representative level played rugby league for Great Britain, England and Yorkshire, and...
, half-back for Wakefield TrinityWakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts... - Dick RamsdaleDick RamsdaleRichard "Dick" Ramsdale was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, playing at , or /, i.e...
, forward for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Joe RileyJoe Riley (rugby league)Joseph "Joe" G. Riley was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and 1910s who at representative level played for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Halifax, playing at , i.e. number 3 or 4...
, three-quarter back for HalifaxHalifax RLFCHalifax RLFC is one of the most historic rugby league clubs in the game, formed over a century ago, in 1873 in the Yorkshire town of Halifax. Known as 'Fax', the official club colours are blue and white hoops, blue shorts and blue socks . They share The Shay stadium with football club FC Halifax Town... - Jim SharrockJim SharrockJim Sharrock was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, playing at , i.e...
, full-back for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Fred SmithFred Smith (rugby league)Fred Smith was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Hunslet, playing at /, or /, i.e...
, half-back for HunsletHunslet HawksHunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:... - Billy WardBilly Ward (rugby league)Billy Ward was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , i.e...
, forward for LeedsLeeds RhinosLeeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League... - Fred WebsterFred Webster (rugby league)Frederick "Fred" Webster was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , or , i.e...
, forward for LeedsLeeds RhinosLeeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League... - Billy Winstanley, forward for LeighLeigh CenturionsLeigh Centurions is an English professional rugby league club based in Leigh, Greater Manchester who play in the Co-operative Championship.The club was founded in 1878 as Leigh Rugby Football Club and is one of the original twenty-two clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in...
Wales
- James Davies, half-back for HuddersfieldHuddersfield GiantsHuddersfield Giants are a professional rugby league club from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire who play in the European Super League competition. They play their home games at the Galpharm Stadium which is shared with Huddersfield Town F.C....
- Bert JenkinsBert JenkinsBert Jenkins was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s, '10s and '20s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Wigan, playing at ....
, three-quarter-back for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Chick JenkinsChick JenkinsW. E. 'Chick' Jenkins was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at club level played rugby union for Pontypool RFC, and at representative level played rugby league for Great Britain , and Wales, and at club level for Ebbw Vale, playing at , i.e...
, three-quarter-back for Ebbw ValeEbbw Vale RLFCEbbw Vale Rugby League Football Club was a professional rugby league club based in Ebbw Vale, Wales playing in the Welsh League and Northern Union. Based at Bridge End Field, Ebbw Vale were one of the first professional Welsh teams, and the last to disband in 1912 after the failure of the Welsh... - George RuddickGeorge RuddickGeorge Ruddick was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at club level played rugby union for Brecon RFC, and at representative level played rugby league for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Broughton Rangers, playing at , or , i.e...
, forward for Broughton RangersBroughton RangersBroughton Rangers was a British rugby football, and subsequently a rugby league club. It was based in Broughton, Salford.-History:Broughton Rangers was founded in 1877 as Broughton and added Rangers for its second season...
- Frank ShugarsFrank ShugarsFrank Shugars was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at club level level played rugby union for Penygraig RFC, and at representative level played rugby league for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Warrington, playing at , i.e...
, forward for WarringtonWarrington WolvesWarrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003.... - Johnny Thomas, half-back for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
- Frank Young, full-back for LeedsLeeds RhinosLeeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
Australian leg
The Australian leg of the tour took place during the 1910 NSWRFL season, the third season of rugby league football in Australia since its split from rugby union.Versus New South Wales
Before the test series, the British played three matches against New South Wales, losing the first 14 – 28 and the second 20 – 27.10,000 people saw the match on 29 May whose margin never went beyond more than five points.
This was the third match and first win of the visitors' series against New South Wales, with their captain, Jim Lomas featuring prominently.
Ashes series
Sydney's Royal Agricultural Showground was the venue for the first Ashes test on Australian soil. Five former Wallaby team mates made their rugby league test debuts for Australia in this match: Charles Russell, John Barnett, Bob Craig, Jack Hickey, and Chris McKivat.| Australia | Position | Great Britain |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Russell Charles Russell (rugby) Charles "Boxer" Joseph Russell was a pioneer Australian rugby union and rugby league footballer and coach. He represented his country in both sports and was one Australia's early dual-code rugby internationals... |
FB | Jim Sharrock Jim Sharrock Jim Sharrock was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, playing at , i.e... |
| Charles Woodhead | WG | Jim Leytham Jim Leytham James "Jim" Leytham was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1890s, 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, England, and Lancashire, and at club level for Lancaster, and Wigan, playing at , i.e... |
| Jack Hickey | CE | (c) Jim Lomas |
| (c) Herbert Messenger | CE | Bert Jenkins Bert Jenkins Bert Jenkins was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s, '10s and '20s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Wigan, playing at .... |
| Albert Broomham | WG | Billy Batten Billy Batten William "Billy" Batten, was an English rugby league footballer of the early 20th century. He played at , and for Great Britain, England, Hunslet, and Hull, and was one of the new game's first superstars... |
| Bill Farnsworth Bill Farnsworth Bill Farnsworth was an Australian rugby league footballer of the 1910s. In NSWRFL season 1910, he won the premiership with Newtown and was also selected to represent Australia and New South Wales, he also represented Australasia.... |
FE | Johnny Thomas Johnny Thomas (rugby league) John "Johnny"/"Johny" Thomas was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s, '10s and '20s who at club level played rugby union for Maesteg RFC, and Cardiff RFC, and at representative level played rugby league for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for... |
| Chris McKivat Chris McKivat Christopher Hobart McKivat was an Australian rugby union and rugby league player – a dual-code rugby international. He represented the Wallabies in over 20 Tests and tour matches from 1907 to 1909 and the Kangaroos in 5 Tests from 1910 to 1912... |
HB | Tommy Newbould |
| Bill Noble Bill Noble Bill Noble was an Australian international representative rugby league footballer. He played club football in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership's very first season with Newtown. That year he was also selected to play for Australia, making his full international debut against New... |
PR | Billy Ward Billy Ward (rugby league) Billy Ward was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , i.e... |
| John Barnett John Barnett (rugby) John Thomas "Jumbo" Barnett was a pioneer Australian rugby union and rugby league player and won an Olympic gold medal winning in rugby at the 1908 Summer Olympics... |
HK | Fred Webster Fred Webster (rugby league) Frederick "Fred" Webster was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , or , i.e... |
| Bill Spence | PR | Bill Jukes |
| Ed Courtney | SR | Dick Ramsdale Dick Ramsdale Richard "Dick" Ramsdale was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, playing at , or /, i.e... |
| Con Sullivan Con Sullivan Con Sullivan was a New Zealand international rugby league footballer of the early twentieth century who played for various Australasian representative sides.-Playing career:... |
SR | Ephraim Curzon Ephraim Curzon Ephraim Curzon was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and Lancashire, and at club level for Salford, playing at , or , i.e... |
| Robert Craig | LF | Albert Avery Albert Avery Albert E. Avery was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Oldham, playing at , or /, i.e... |
This day also featured a goal-kicking contest between the two sides' captains, Dally Messenger and Jim Lomas.
| Australia | Position | Great Britain |
|---|---|---|
| Doug McGregor | FB | Jim Sharrock Jim Sharrock Jim Sharrock was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, playing at , i.e... |
| Charles Woodhead | WG | Billy Batten Billy Batten William "Billy" Batten, was an English rugby league footballer of the early 20th century. He played at , and for Great Britain, England, Hunslet, and Hull, and was one of the new game's first superstars... |
| Jack Hickey | CE | Jim Lomas (c) |
| (c) Herbert Messenger | CE | Joe Riley |
| Bill Heidke Bill Heidke Wilhelm Gustaf 'Bill' Heidke was a pioneer Australian rugby league player. He was a backline player for the Australian national team. He played in 4 Tests between 1908 and 1910 as captain on 1 occasion.-Rugby union career:... |
WG | Jim Leytham Jim Leytham James "Jim" Leytham was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1890s, 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, England, and Lancashire, and at club level for Lancaster, and Wigan, playing at , i.e... |
| Bill Farnsworth Bill Farnsworth Bill Farnsworth was an Australian rugby league footballer of the 1910s. In NSWRFL season 1910, he won the premiership with Newtown and was also selected to represent Australia and New South Wales, he also represented Australasia.... |
FE | Fred Smith Fred Smith (rugby league) Fred Smith was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Hunslet, playing at /, or /, i.e... |
| Chris McKivat Chris McKivat Christopher Hobart McKivat was an Australian rugby union and rugby league player – a dual-code rugby international. He represented the Wallabies in over 20 Tests and tour matches from 1907 to 1909 and the Kangaroos in 5 Tests from 1910 to 1912... |
HB | Tommy Newbould |
| Herb Brackenrigg | PR | George Ruddick George Ruddick George Ruddick was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at club level played rugby union for Brecon RFC, and at representative level played rugby league for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Broughton Rangers, playing at , or , i.e... |
| Robert Craig | HK | Herbert Kershaw Herbert Kershaw Herbert Kershaw was an English rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played rugby union for Yorkshire, and at club level for Wakefield RFC, and at representative level played rugby league for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire,... |
| Edward Buckley | PR | Fred Webster Fred Webster (rugby league) Frederick "Fred" Webster was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , or , i.e... |
| Bob Tubman | SR | Bill Jukes |
| John Barnett John Barnett (rugby) John Thomas "Jumbo" Barnett was a pioneer Australian rugby union and rugby league player and won an Olympic gold medal winning in rugby at the 1908 Summer Olympics... |
SR | Billy Winstanley |
| Harold Nicholson | LF | Dick Ramsdale Dick Ramsdale Richard "Dick" Ramsdale was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, playing at , or /, i.e... |
This match also featured a goal-kicking contest, between Dally Messenger, Jim Lomas and Herb Brackenrigg, which the latter won.
In the second test, Australia had gotten off to an early lead over the visitors at 11 nil. Jim Leytham's four tries in this match would remain an unbeaten Ashes record.
The British had thus won the series in two tests.
Versus Australasia
It was decided that after the Ashes series, a combined "AustralasiaAustralasia rugby league team
-1911-12:Following individual tours by New Zealand and Australia in 1907-08 and 1908-09 respectively, the Northern Rugby Football Union invited an 'Australasian' team to tour Great Britain during the 1911-12 season...
" team, comprising the best players of Australia and New Zealand would play a series of matches against the touring Britons. The Australian jersey's sky blue with maroon hoops had black hoops added to it for these matches.
The British team were conveyed on to the ground by a group of "Jack tar
Jack Tar
Jack Tar was a common English term used to refer to seamen of the Merchant or Royal Navy, particularly during the period of the British Empire. Both members of the public, and seafarers themselves, made use of the name in identifying those who went to sea...
s" in port at Sydney who took the place of the horses that were to pull the drag.
The first points came from an individual effort from Viv Farnsworth that led to him scoring in the corner. Great Britain replied with a penalty goal through Jim Lomas. Courtney got the next try, which Brackenrigg failed to convert. Then it was the visitors' turn to score, with a try to Leytham out wide. Lomas missed the kick, so Australasia were leading 8 – 5 at the half time break. They extended their lead to 13 – 5 before The British made a strong comeback to level the scores with a late try before full time.
At one stage Great Britain were leading 15 – 5 but at half time were trailing 15 – 17. They scored no more points in the second half, as Australasia overran them.
In the evening following the match, the touring Britons left for New Zealand on the Maheno. The next time the two sides would meet was during the 1911-12 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain
1911-12 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain
The 1911-12 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain was the second ever Kangaroo tour and was actually a tour by an "Australasia" team, which included four New Zealand players, rather than the Australian team alone...
.
New Zealand leg
The British team arrived in Auckland on 17 July and were met by officials of the newly-formed New Zealand Rugby LeagueNew Zealand Rugby League
The New Zealand Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in New Zealand. The NZRL was founded on the 25 April 1910 in preparation for a tour of Great Britain that same year....
before being given a mayoral reception
Mayor of Auckland City
The Mayor of Auckland City was the directly elected head of the Auckland City Council, the municipal government of Auckland City, New Zealand. The office existed from 1871 to 2010, when Auckland City Council was abolished and replaced with the Auckland Council....
the following morning. New Zealand wore the colours of Red and Yellow with Black bands for the Test match. It was the only time that they wore these colours.
The first match was played in weather described as atrocious against a New Zealand Māori team captained by Whiri Winiata and featuring Albert Asher
Albert Asher
Arapeta Paurini Wharepapa, or Albert Asher as he was more commonly known, was a New Zealand dual-code international rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1890s, 1900s, '10s and '20s...
who had played with the victorious Australasia team back in Australia.
The first international try scored on New Zealand soil was by Halifax winger, Joe Riley and this was followed by a hat-trick of tries by Wigan centre Bert Jenkins. Great Britain led 23 - 0 at half-time. In the second half, Fred Smith scored a fourth try for the visitors.
The Auckland side was; Alf Chorley
Alf Chorley
Alf Chorley was an English-born rugby league player who represented New Zealand.-Playing career:Chorley played for Halifax and Swinton before moving to New Zealand....
, L Nolan, G Smith, Albert Asher
Albert Asher
Arapeta Paurini Wharepapa, or Albert Asher as he was more commonly known, was a New Zealand dual-code international rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1890s, 1900s, '10s and '20s...
, Alf Jackson, Ronald MacDonald
Ronald MacDonald (rugby league)
Ronald MacDonald was a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country between 1909 and 1911.-Playing career:MacDonald, a halfback from Auckland, first represented New Zealand during the 1909 tour of Australia, playing in all three Test matches...
, Len Farrant, Fred Jackson (c), Charles Dunning
Charles Dunning (rugby league)
Charles Dunning was a New Zealand rugby footballer who was part of the professional 1907-1908 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain.-Rugby football:...
, Jim Griffin, Alex Stanaway, H Fricker, George Seagar. Emergencies; Syd Riley, Arthur Carlaw, J Bennett, Jim Rukutai
Jim Rukutai
Puhipi James "Jim" Rukutai was a New Zealand rugby league player and coach who both represented and coached his country. The Auckland Rugby League's minor premiership, the Rukutai Shield, is named after him.-Early years:...
, Bob Mitchell.
The touring side had been invited to play another match in Australia, so left Auckland for Sydney on the 1st of August on the Maheno after a hearty send-off. During the tour the Lions donated the Northern Union Cup
Rugby League Cup
The Rugby League Cup is a New Zealand rugby league trophy that is currently contested between districts on a challenge basis. The trophy was originally known as the Northern Union Cup...
which was awarded to Auckland
Auckland rugby league team
The Auckland rugby league team is the team which traditionally represents all of the clubs which play in the Auckland Rugby League competition. The Auckland Rugby League team has traditionally been a powerhouse of New Zealand domestic rugby league...
for inter-provincial competition and is still contested today.
Return leg
On their way back to England, a portion of the touring Britons stopped in Sydney for one more game against a New South Wales second XIII, as there was already a New South Wales team playing against Queensland in Brisbane.External links
- Ashes Series 1910 at rugbyleagueproject.org