Rugby League Tri-Nations
Encyclopedia
The Rugby League Tri-Nations (known as the Gillette Tri-Nations for sponsorship reasons) was a rugby league
tournament involving the top three nations in the sport: Australia, Great Britain
and New Zealand
. First contested in 1999 (as the Tri-Series), it is a logical continuation of the format originally used for the Rugby League World Cup
in which the best teams in the world play in a round-robin tournament
leading to a final. The World Cup itself is now contested by a much larger number of nations. In 2009 the competition was replaced by a Four Nations
series.
The tournament begins in the middle of October, after the National Rugby League
grand final. Australia and New Zealand play each other at this time, and Great Britain enters the tournament after the Super League
grand final.
During the tournament, some teams have also played additional Test matches. In the southern hemisphere New Zealand has played Tonga
, and in the northern hemisphere Australia and New Zealand have played France
.
in Australia and New Zealand. When the Great Britain only narrowly defeated the Queensland Cup premiers, the Burleigh Bears
, it became apparent that they would not pose a serious threat to the other two teams. Accordingly, a very small crowd attended the Test between the Kangaroos and the Lions at Suncorp Stadium
. Fearing a similar crowd for the tournament final, organisers moved that match from Sydney to Auckland
. With the Rugby League World Cup
being held in 2000, the Tri-nations tournament was put on hold indefinitely.
Australia was to dominate international rugby league over the next three years, winning the World Cup, defeating Great Britain 2-1 and 3-0 in Kangaroo Tours in 2001 and 2003, and defeating Great Britain and New Zealand by large margins in the mid-year Tests of 2002 and 2003. There was much criticism of the state of international rugby league in the media at this time. In response, Brisbane Broncos
coach, Wayne Bennett
, proposed that the Tri-nations tournament be resurrected (albeit without a final). Accordingly, a revamped Tri-nations tournament was played in 2004.
With the exception of the first match between Australia and New Zealand, the 2004 Tri-Nations
was held in the United Kingdom. Each of the qualifying games was highly competitive, especially Australia's loss to Great Britain
, who finished at the top of the Tri-Nations table. Although Australia soundly defeated Great Britain
in the final, the tournament was widely considered to be a success, making a profit of £750,000.
The 2005
Tri-Nations opened with games in both Australia and New Zealand, before moving to the United Kingdom for the remainder of the tournament. Although some of the matches were not as close as the previous tournament, all three teams were in contention for the final by the last group match. New Zealand
won the final, defeating Australia 24-0 at Elland Road
in Leeds
. This was Australia's first defeat in an international test series in 27 years.
The 2006
Tri-nations tournament was held in Australia and New Zealand. Controversy erupted as Nathan Fien was determined to be ineligible to play for New Zealand. This resulted in a loss of two competition points that New Zealand gained from their win against Great Britain in Christchurch. Great Britain then went on to beat Australia in Sydney 23-12, their first win in Australia since 1992, leaving the series wide open. However Great Britain went on to suffer heavy defeats in their last two games, leaving Australia and New Zealand to again contest the final. Australia won 16-12, the game having gone to golden point extra time after finishing 12-12 after 80 minutes.
The United Kingdom and France hosted the new Four Nations
series in 2009. Great Britain would not compete in the tournament, with England
replacing them. The Rugby League International Federation
announced on 10 November 2006 that the France
would participate in the 2009 tournament.
* Nation where most games were played, including the final.
NOTE: Does not include finals matches, only qualifiers.
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...
tournament involving the top three nations in the sport: Australia, Great Britain
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"....
and 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...
. First contested in 1999 (as the Tri-Series), it is a logical continuation of the format originally used for the Rugby League World Cup
Rugby League World Cup
The Rugby League World Cup is an international rugby league competition contested by members of the Rugby League International Federation . It has been held nearly once every 4 years on average since its inaugural tournament in France in 1954...
in which the best teams in the world play in a round-robin tournament
Round-robin tournament
A round-robin tournament is a competition "in which each contestant meets all other contestants in turn".-Terminology:...
leading to a final. The World Cup itself is now contested by a much larger number of nations. In 2009 the competition was replaced by a Four Nations
Rugby League Four Nations
The Rugby League Four Nations is an annual rugby league football tournament run in partnership between the Australian Rugby League, Rugby Football League and New Zealand Rugby League representing the top three nations in the sport: Australia, England and New Zealand. A fourth partner, France,...
series.
The competition
The tournament has been organised in two different formats. In 1999 each team played the others once, before the top two teams played each other in a final. From 2004 each team has played the others twice before the tournament final. The top two teams are calculated using a league table. Teams receive:- 2 points for a win
- 1 point for a draw
- 0 points for a loss
The tournament begins in the middle of October, after the National Rugby League
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
grand final. Australia and New Zealand play each other at this time, and Great Britain enters the tournament after the Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
grand final.
During the tournament, some teams have also played additional Test matches. In the southern hemisphere New Zealand has played Tonga
Tonga national rugby league team
The Tonga national rugby league team is a national sporting side, representing Tonga in rugby league football. Rugby league is a popular sport in Tonga, and the national team has become one of the best performed nations in the world...
, and in the northern hemisphere Australia and New Zealand have played France
France national rugby league team
The France national rugby league team represent France in international rugby league tournaments. They are also sometimes referred to as "Les Tricolores" or more commonly "Les Chanticleers"...
.
History
The first Tri-Nations tournament was held in 19991999 Rugby League Tri-Nations
-Tournament standings:-Final:Teams:NEW ZEALAND: 1. Richie Barnett ; 2. Nigel Vagana , 3. Ruben Wiki , 5. Willie Talau , 5. Leslie Vainikolo ; 6. Henry Paul , 7. Robbie Paul ; 8. Joe Vagana , 9. Richard Swain , 10. Craig Smith , 11. Stephen Kearney , 12...
in Australia and New Zealand. When the Great Britain only narrowly defeated the Queensland Cup premiers, the Burleigh Bears
Burleigh Bears
The Burleigh Heads Rugby League Football Club are one of the oldest rugby league football clubs on the Gold Coast, Australia. Originally formed in 1934 playing out of Rudd Park, the club relocated to Pizzey Park in 1971, their current home ground....
, it became apparent that they would not pose a serious threat to the other two teams. Accordingly, a very small crowd attended the Test between the Kangaroos and the Lions at Suncorp Stadium
Suncorp Stadium
Lang Park is the original name of the site located in the Brisbane suburb of Milton, Queensland, Australia, now occupied by the major sports facility known by its sponsorship name, Suncorp Stadium...
. Fearing a similar crowd for the tournament final, organisers moved that match from Sydney to Auckland
Auckland
The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...
. With the Rugby League World Cup
Rugby League World Cup
The Rugby League World Cup is an international rugby league competition contested by members of the Rugby League International Federation . It has been held nearly once every 4 years on average since its inaugural tournament in France in 1954...
being held in 2000, the Tri-nations tournament was put on hold indefinitely.
Australia was to dominate international rugby league over the next three years, winning the World Cup, defeating Great Britain 2-1 and 3-0 in Kangaroo Tours in 2001 and 2003, and defeating Great Britain and New Zealand by large margins in the mid-year Tests of 2002 and 2003. There was much criticism of the state of international rugby league in the media at this time. In response, Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
coach, Wayne Bennett
Wayne Bennett (rugby league coach)
Wayne James Bennett AM is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the current head coach for the Newcastle Knights of the NRL...
, proposed that the Tri-nations tournament be resurrected (albeit without a final). Accordingly, a revamped Tri-nations tournament was played in 2004.
With the exception of the first match between Australia and New Zealand, the 2004 Tri-Nations
2004 Rugby League Tri-Nations
-Tournament standings:-Final:-Non-series Tests:During the series, Australia and New Zealand played additional Tests against France.-----Additional Matches:...
was held in the United Kingdom. Each of the qualifying games was highly competitive, especially Australia's loss to Great Britain
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"....
, who finished at the top of the Tri-Nations table. Although Australia soundly defeated Great Britain
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"....
in the final, the tournament was widely considered to be a success, making a profit of £750,000.
The 2005
2005 Rugby League Tri-Nations
New Zealand 38 defeated Australia 28 New Zealand 38 (C. Toopi 3, N. Cayless, N. Vangana, B. Webb tries; S. Jones 7 goals) defeated Australia 28 New Zealand 38 (C. Toopi 3, N. Cayless, N. Vangana, B. Webb tries; S. Jones 7 goals) defeated Australia 28 (B. Tate 2, M.Gasnier 2, M. King, A. Johns...
Tri-Nations opened with games in both Australia and New Zealand, before moving to the United Kingdom for the remainder of the tournament. Although some of the matches were not as close as the previous tournament, all three teams were in contention for the final by the last group match. 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...
won the final, defeating Australia 24-0 at Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
in Leeds
Leeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
. This was Australia's first defeat in an international test series in 27 years.
The 2006
2006 Rugby League Tri-Nations
The 2006 Rugby League Tri-Nations was hosted for the second time by Australia and New Zealand. Sponsored by Gillette the tournament followed the same format as in 2004 and 2005, with each team meeting the other two teams twice, and the top two teams at the end of the group stages proceeding to the...
Tri-nations tournament was held in Australia and New Zealand. Controversy erupted as Nathan Fien was determined to be ineligible to play for New Zealand. This resulted in a loss of two competition points that New Zealand gained from their win against Great Britain in Christchurch. Great Britain then went on to beat Australia in Sydney 23-12, their first win in Australia since 1992, leaving the series wide open. However Great Britain went on to suffer heavy defeats in their last two games, leaving Australia and New Zealand to again contest the final. Australia won 16-12, the game having gone to golden point extra time after finishing 12-12 after 80 minutes.
The United Kingdom and France hosted the new Four Nations
Rugby League Four Nations
The Rugby League Four Nations is an annual rugby league football tournament run in partnership between the Australian Rugby League, Rugby Football League and New Zealand Rugby League representing the top three nations in the sport: Australia, England and New Zealand. A fourth partner, France,...
series in 2009. Great Britain would not compete in the tournament, with England
England national rugby league team
The England national rugby league team represent England in international rugby league football tournaments. The team has now seen a revival, having largely formed from the Great Britain team, who also represented Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The team is run under the auspices of the Rugby Football...
replacing them. The Rugby League International Federation
Rugby League International Federation
The Rugby League International Federation is the world governing body of rugby league football. It was formed in 1998 in Sydney, Australia. Its purpose is to, "foster, develop, extend, govern and administer the game of Rugby League throughout the world". Its headquarters are in Sydney, Australia,...
announced on 10 November 2006 that the France
France national rugby league team
The France national rugby league team represent France in international rugby league tournaments. They are also sometimes referred to as "Les Tricolores" or more commonly "Les Chanticleers"...
would participate in the 2009 tournament.
Tri Nations Final
| Year | Tri Nations Final | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 1999 Rugby League Tri-Nations -Tournament standings:-Final:Teams:NEW ZEALAND: 1. Richie Barnett ; 2. Nigel Vagana , 3. Ruben Wiki , 5. Willie Talau , 5. Leslie Vainikolo ; 6. Henry Paul , 7. Robbie Paul ; 8. Joe Vagana , 9. Richard Swain , 10. Craig Smith , 11. Stephen Kearney , 12... |
 Australia 22-20 New Zealand  |
Auckland |
| 2004 2004 Rugby League Tri-Nations -Tournament standings:-Final:-Non-series Tests:During the series, Australia and New Zealand played additional Tests against France.-----Additional Matches:... |
Australia 44-4 Great Britain  |
Leeds |
| 2005 2005 Rugby League Tri-Nations New Zealand 38 defeated Australia 28 New Zealand 38 (C. Toopi 3, N. Cayless, N. Vangana, B. Webb tries; S. Jones 7 goals) defeated Australia 28 New Zealand 38 (C. Toopi 3, N. Cayless, N. Vangana, B. Webb tries; S. Jones 7 goals) defeated Australia 28 (B. Tate 2, M.Gasnier 2, M. King, A. Johns... |
New Zealand 24-0 Australia |
Leeds |
| 2006 2006 Rugby League Tri-Nations The 2006 Rugby League Tri-Nations was hosted for the second time by Australia and New Zealand. Sponsored by Gillette the tournament followed the same format as in 2004 and 2005, with each team meeting the other two teams twice, and the top two teams at the end of the group stages proceeding to the... |
Australia 16-12 a.e.t. New Zealand |
Sydney |
Preliminary Tri-Nations League Results
| Year | Tri Nations Preliminary League Winner | Host Nation* |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 1999 Rugby League Tri-Nations -Tournament standings:-Final:Teams:NEW ZEALAND: 1. Richie Barnett ; 2. Nigel Vagana , 3. Ruben Wiki , 5. Willie Talau , 5. Leslie Vainikolo ; 6. Henry Paul , 7. Robbie Paul ; 8. Joe Vagana , 9. Richard Swain , 10. Craig Smith , 11. Stephen Kearney , 12... |
Australia |
New Zealand |
| 2004 2004 Rugby League Tri-Nations -Tournament standings:-Final:-Non-series Tests:During the series, Australia and New Zealand played additional Tests against France.-----Additional Matches:... |
Great Britain |
Great Britain |
| 2005 2005 Rugby League Tri-Nations New Zealand 38 defeated Australia 28 New Zealand 38 (C. Toopi 3, N. Cayless, N. Vangana, B. Webb tries; S. Jones 7 goals) defeated Australia 28 New Zealand 38 (C. Toopi 3, N. Cayless, N. Vangana, B. Webb tries; S. Jones 7 goals) defeated Australia 28 (B. Tate 2, M.Gasnier 2, M. King, A. Johns... |
New Zealand |
Great Britain |
| 2006 2006 Rugby League Tri-Nations The 2006 Rugby League Tri-Nations was hosted for the second time by Australia and New Zealand. Sponsored by Gillette the tournament followed the same format as in 2004 and 2005, with each team meeting the other two teams twice, and the top two teams at the end of the group stages proceeding to the... |
Australia |
Australia |
Aggregate table
| Team | Played | Won | Drew | Lost | For | Against | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 334 | 240 | 94 | |
| 14 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 299 | 296 | 3 | |
| 14 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 211 | 307 | ||
NOTE: Does not include finals matches, only qualifiers.
- N.B. No competition for and against points were allocated for New Zealand v Great Britain from 28 October 2006, due to New Zealand fielding an ineligible player..
Try scorers
| Tries scored | Name |
|---|---|
| 9 | Darren Lockyer Darren Lockyer Darren Lockyer is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He was the captain of the Australian national team, the Queensland State of Origin team and his National Rugby League club, the Brisbane Broncos. His professional career spanned between 1995 and 2011... (Aus), Nigel Vagana Nigel Vagana Nigel Vagana is a retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand and Samoa international representative centre, he retired as the Kiwis' all-time top try-scorer with 19... (NZ) |
| 8 | Brent Webb Brent Webb Brent Webb is an Australian-born New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Leeds in the Super League. Webb plays as a full-back and is a former New Zealand international.-Early years:... (NZ) |
| 7 | Mark Gasnier Mark Gasnier Mark Gasnier is an Australian former rugby league player, a state and national representative centre three-quarter. He played eleven top-grade seasons with the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL, interrupted by two seasons of rugby union played with the French club Stade Français. He was a... (Aus) |
| 6 | Brian Carney (GB), Luke Rooney Luke Rooney Luke Rooney is an Australian professional rugby union footballer for RC Toulonnais in the Top 14 competition as of 2012. His previous teams include Melbourne Rebels and the Penrith Panthers.-Rugby League:... (Aus) |
| 5 | Matt Cooper (Aus), Anthony Minichiello Anthony Minichiello Anthony Minichiello is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who, to date, has played his entire career for the Sydney Roosters of the National Rugby League. He plays at fullback and on the Wing. Minichiello has represented New South Wales and Australia... (Aus), Keith Senior Keith Senior Keith Senior is an English professional rugby league or who most recently played for the Leeds Rhinos in Super League. He has won every honour in the English domestic game. He holds the record for the most Super League appearances & the most Super League tries... (GB), Clinton Toopi Clinton Toopi Clinton Toopi is a professional rugby footballer who is currently playing for the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. His usual position is centre.-Playing career:... (NZ), Manu Vatuvei Manu Vatuvei Manu Vatuvei is a New Zealand rugby league player for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition. His position of choice is on the wing. He is the cousin of Japanese Rugby Union player Ruatangi Vatuvei. Vatuvei was a member of the New Zealand Kiwis squad that won the 2008... (NZ) |
| 4 | Greg Inglis Greg Inglis Greg Inglis is an Australian professional rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative outside back, Inglis joined the Rabbitohs in 2011 after much controversy.Inglis is a versatile back, having played in several... (Aus), Stuart Reardon Stuart Reardon Stuart Reardon is an English professional rugby league footballer who is currently playing for AS Carcassonne in the French Elite One Championship. He plays as a fullback, wing or centre... (GB), Paul Johnson Paul Johnson -Sports:*Paul Johnson , head football coach at Georgia Tech*Paul Johnson [1896-1973], Major League outfielder*Paul Johnson , English cricketer*Paul Johnson , English footballer... (GB), Isoia Soliola (NZ), Brent Tate Brent Tate Brent Tate is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League... (Aus), |
| 3 | Vinnie Anderson Vinnie Anderson Vinnie Anderson is a professional rugby league footballer for the Salford City Reds of Europe's Super League competition. A New Zealand international representative loose-forward or stand-off, he previously played for St. Helens, the Warrington Wolves and NRL side, the New Zealand Warriors... (NZ), Karmichael Hunt Karmichael Hunt Karmichael Neil Matthew Hunt is an Australian professional multi-code football player, currently playing Australian rules football for the newly formed Gold Coast Suns in the Australian Football League .... (Aus), Mark O'Meley Mark O'Meley Mark O'Meley is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the European Super League team, Hull, and previously of the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League competition. He also previously played for the North Sydney Bears, the ill fated Northern Eagles and the Bulldogs... (Aus), Willie Tonga Willie Tonga Willie Tonga is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the North Queensland Cowboys of the NRL... (Aus), Jake Webster Jake Webster Jake Webster is a New Zealand National rugby league player. He plays the position of Centre and Wing for Hull Kingston Rovers Rugby League Club.-Australia:... (NZ) |
| 2 | Nathan Cayless Nathan Cayless Nathan Frederick Cayless is a retired New Zealand-Australian professional rugby league footballer, who was a long-time captain the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League. His position of choice was prop forward. He is also a former captain of the New Zealand national team, whom he led to... (NZ), Gareth Ellis Gareth Ellis Gareth Ellis is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League . He has represented at international level for Great Britain and England and primarily plays in the back row... (GB), Stuart Fielden Stuart Fielden Stuart Fielden is an English professional rugby league footballer for Wigan of Super League... (GB), Brad Fittler Brad Fittler Bradley Scott "Freddie" Fittler AM is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. The current coach of NSW City team in the City vs. Country clash, he coached in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters between 2007 and 2009. As a player, Fittler captained both New South Wales... (Aus), Matthew Gidley Matthew Gidley Matthew "Matt" Gidley is an Australian rugby league administrator and retired professional footballer. Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Gidley represented New South Wales and Australia. He is the currently CEO of Football Operations at the Newcastle Knights... (Aus), Shontayne Hape Shontayne Hape Shontayne Hape is a New Zealand-born rugby footballer, a dual-code rugby international. He plays rugby union at centre for London Irish and England. He has also previously played rugby league for the Bradford Bulls in Super League and New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League... (NZ), Sean Long Sean Long Sean Long is an English former professional rugby league and current rugby union footballer with Preston Grasshoppers. He has played for Wigan, Widnes and Hull but is best known for playing for St Helens in the Super League. Internationally he has represented England and Great Britain at /... (GB), Willie Mason Willie Mason William Marshall "Willie" Mason is an Australian professional rugby union footballer for Toulon in the Top 14 competition, having previously being a rugby league footballer for Hull KR in the European Super League.Mason signed a 3-year contract with Hull KR in September 2010, pending a successful... (Aus), Terry Newton Terry Newton Terry Newton was an English international rugby league player. He played for Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, and was one of a handful of players to feature in each of the first 15 seasons of Super League... (GB), Mat Rogers Mat Rogers Matthew S. "Mat" Rogers is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He also played rugby union at the highest levels, becoming a dual-code international. The son of the late Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks legend and CEO Steve Rogers, Mat played for the Sharks... (Aus), Wendell Sailor Wendell Sailor Wendell Jermaine Sailor is an Australian former professional rugby football player who represented his country in both rugby league and rugby union – a dual code international. He is an Australian Torres Strait Islander.Sailor's large frame and bullocking style changed the way wingers played rugby... (Aus), Motu Tony Motu Tony Iosefo Motu Tony is a Samoan-New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and previously played for Hull and Whitehaven... (NZ), Paul Wellens Paul Wellens Paul Simon Wellens is an English multi-award–winning rugby league footballer. Wellens plays for St. Helens in the European Super League. Wellens is a Great Britain and England international... (GB) |
| 1 | Louis Anderson Louis Anderson Louis Anderson is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for Warrington Wolves of Super League. A New Zealand international representative forward, he previously played for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition... (NZ), Shaun Berrigan Shaun Berrigan Shaun Berrigan is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Canberra Raiders of the NRL. Brother of fellow professional, Barry, Shaun has also played for the Brisbane Broncos, Hull and the New Zealand Warriors... (Aus), Petero Civoniceva Petero Civoniceva Petero Civoniceva is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently contracted to the Brisbane Broncos of the National Rugby League... (Aus), Alex Chan (NZ), Paul Deacon Paul Deacon Paul Deacon is a retired rugby league footballer. He previously played for Bradford Bulls from 1998 until joining his hometown club Wigan Warriors in 2010... (GB), David Faiumu David Faiumu David Faiumu is a professional rugby league footballer for the Huddersfield Giants of Super League... (NZ), Andy Farrell (GB), Lee Gilmour Lee Gilmour Lee Gilmour is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays for Huddersfield Giants of Super League.Gilmour's usual position is , but he has played on the and in the s when a back-line player suffered an injury.... (GB), Martin Gleeson Martin Gleeson Martin Gleeson is an English professional rugby league footballer, who plays for Hull in the Super League. A Great Britain and England international representative , and /, he previously played for Wigan Warriors, Huddersfield Giants, St. Helens and Warrington... (GB), Iestyn Harris Iestyn Harris Iestyn Rhys Harris is a Welsh former rugby league footballer, who is currently the assistant coach at Wigan Warriors. Harris is a former Man of Steel winner and has also represented Wales on numerous occasions at both codes of rugby... (GB), Justin Hodges Justin Hodges Justin Hodges is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Brisbane Broncos of the National Rugby League... (Aus), Richard Horne Richard Horne Richard Horne is an English-born Scotland international rugby league footballer with the European Super League team, Hull. His preferred position is /.... (GB), Andrew Johns Andrew Johns Andrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years... (Aus), Matthew Johns Matthew Johns Matthew Johns is an Australian rugby league football commentator and former professional player... (Aus), Stephen Kearney Stephen Kearney Stephen Peter Kearney, ONZM is a professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the current head coach of the Parramatta Eels in the NRL as well as the New Zealand national team... (NZ), Brett Kimmorley Brett Kimmorley Brett "Noddy" Kimmorley was an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs of the NRL. He has previously played for five other clubs and has also represented his country and state on several occasions... (Aus), Matt King (Aus), Ali Lauitiiti Ali Lauitiiti Ali Lauitiiti is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for English club Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. Both a Samoa and New Zealand international representative forward, he previously played in the National Rugby League for the Warriors... (NZ), Jamie Lowrie (NZ), Francis Meli Francis Meli Francis Meli is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for St. Helens in the Super League competition. Meli has represented both New Zealand and Samoa in internationals. His usual position is on the wing.... (NZ), Adrian Morley Adrian Morley Adrian Morley is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Warrington Wolves of Europe's Super League... (GB), Danny McGuire Danny McGuire Danny McGuire is an English professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. His preferred position is at /. He has played his entire career to date with the Rhinos, having come through the club's Academy.... (GB), Robbie Paul Robbie Paul Robert Rawiri 'Robbie' Hunter-Paul is a New Zealand rugby league player. He currently plays for Leigh Centurions in England. He played for the New Zealand national team 27 times. He is the younger brother of Leeds Carnegie player Henry Paul.-Early years:Born in Tokoroa, New Zealand, his junior... (NZ), Jamie Peacock Jamie Peacock James "Jamie" Peacock is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Leeds Rhinos of the European Super League... (GB), Frank Pritchard Frank Pritchard Frank Pritchard is an Australian born New Zealand professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs of the National Rugby League . He is of Samoan descent... (NZ), Paul Rauhihi Paul Rauhihi Paul Rauhihi is a retired professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. Rauhihi played in both the National Rugby League and Super League at prop forward.-New Zealand Career:... (NZ), Robert Richardson Robert Richardson Robert Bridge Richardson, ASC is an American cinematographer. He has won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography twice, for his work on JFK and The Aviator... (Aus), Jerome Ropati Jerome Ropati Jerome Ropati is a professional rugby league footballer for the New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League. Ropati was a member of the World Cup-winning New Zealand team in 2008... (NZ), Matthew Rua (NZ), Matt Sing Matt Sing Matthew Charles Sing is an Australian semi-retired professional rugby league footballer for the Central Comets in the Queensland Cup. His first grade career spanned much of the 1990s and 2000s... (Aus), Jason Smith (Aus), Willie Talau Willie Talau Viliamu Talau is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays for English club Salford City Reds of Super League... (NZ), Anthony Tupou Anthony Tupou Anthony Tupou is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks of the National Rugby League... (Aus), Joe Vagana Joe Vagana Joe Vagana is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. During his career Vagana played for the Auckland Warriors and the Bradford Bulls and also represented both Samoa and New Zealand in international competition... (NZ), Lesley Vainikolo Lesley Vainikolo Lesley Vainikolo is a dual code professional rugby football player who currently plays for Gloucester Rugby. He plays on the wing.... (NZ), Chev Walker Chev Walker Chev Walker is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Bradford Bulls of Super League. He has played both rugby league and rugby union professionally. Since 2007 he has played rugby league for Hull KR. Until 2010 when he signed a 1 year contract with the Bradford Bulls. Usually a ,... (GB), Paul Whatuira Paul Whatuira Paul Whatuira is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL... (NZ), Ruben Wiki Ruben Wiki Ruben Wiki, ONZM is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative centre-turned-prop forward, he retired with the record for most number of international appearances of any rugby league player in history... (NZ), Sonny Bill Williams Sonny Bill Williams Sonny William 'Sonny Bill' Williams is a New Zealand rugby union player and former rugby league player. He is only the second person to represent New Zealand in rugby union after first playing for the country in rugby league. In rugby union he usually plays as a centre... (NZ) |
Venues
| Stadium | City | Matches played |
|---|---|---|
| Mt Smart Stadium Mt Smart Stadium Mt Smart Stadium, formerly Ericsson Stadium, is a stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the home ground of National Rugby League team, the New Zealand Warriors... |
Auckland Auckland The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world... |
5 |
| Elland Road Elland Road Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C... |
Leeds Leeds Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial... |
2 |
| Galpharm Stadium Galpharm Stadium The Galpharm Stadium, formerly the Alfred McAlpine Stadium, is a multi-use sports in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, England. Since 1994, it has been the home ground of Huddersfield Town and Super League side, Huddersfield Giants.-The Stadium:... |
Huddersfield Huddersfield Huddersfield is a large market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, situated halfway between Leeds and Manchester. It lies north of London, and south of Bradford, the nearest city.... |
2 |
| JJB Stadium JJB Stadium The DW Stadium is a sports stadium in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, that is home to Wigan Athletic football club and Wigan Warriors rugby league club.... |
Wigan Wigan Wigan is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It stands on the River Douglas, south-west of Bolton, north of Warrington and west-northwest of Manchester. Wigan is the largest settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan and is its administrative centre. The town of Wigan had a total... |
2 |
| KC Stadium KC Stadium The KC Stadium, often shortened to the KC, is a multi-purpose facility in the city of Kingston upon Hull , England. Conceived as early as the late 1990s, it was completed in 2002 at a cost of approximately £44 million. It is named after the stadium's sponsors, telecommunications provider KC,... |
Hull | 2 |
| Loftus Road Loftus Road Loftus Road is a football stadium in Shepherd's Bush, London. It is home to the English football team Queens Park Rangers of the Premier League and has a capacity of around 18,500. The four stands are called the Loftus Road End , Ellerslie Road Stand, South Africa Road Stand and the School End,... |
London | 2 |
| Suncorp Stadium Suncorp Stadium Lang Park is the original name of the site located in the Brisbane suburb of Milton, Queensland, Australia, now occupied by the major sports facility known by its sponsorship name, Suncorp Stadium... |
Brisbane Brisbane Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of... |
2 |
| Aussie Stadium Aussie Stadium Sydney Football Stadium is located in Moore Park, in Sydney, New South Wales. It was built in 1988, to be the city's premier "rectangular field" for rugby league, rugby union and football for major matches and domestic competition... |
Sydney | 2 |
| City of Manchester Stadium City of Manchester Stadium The City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England – also known as the Etihad Stadium for sponsorship purposes– is the home ground of... |
Manchester Manchester Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater... |
1 |
| Jade Stadium Jade Stadium Lancaster Park, formerly Jade Stadium and currently known as AMI Stadium through sponsorship rights, is a sports stadium situated in Waltham, a suburb of Christchurch in New Zealand.... |
Christchurch Christchurch Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's second-largest urban area after Auckland. It lies one third of the way down the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula which itself, since 2006, lies within the formal limits of... |
1 |
| North Harbour Stadium North Harbour Stadium North Harbour Stadium is a stadium, situated in Albany, in North Shore City, in New Zealand. It was opened in 1997, after nearly a decade of discussion, planning and construction. Rugby union, football and rugby League are the only sports played on the main ground, as it is rectangular in shape.... |
Auckland Auckland The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world... |
1 |
| Telstra Dome Telstra Dome Docklands Stadium is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment stadium in the Docklands precinct of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia... |
Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
1 |
| Telstra Stadium Telstra Stadium Stadium Australia, currently also known as ANZ Stadium due to naming rights, formerly known as Telstra Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium located in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct of Homebush Bay... |
Sydney | 1 |
| Westpac Stadium Westpac Stadium Westpac Stadium, is a major sporting venue in Wellington, New Zealand. Due to its shape and silver coloured external walls, it is colloquially known as The Cake-Tin to the locals and other New Zealanders... |
Wellington Wellington Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range... |
1 |
Trivia
- New ZealandNew Zealand national rugby league teamThe 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...
's win in the 2005 Rugby League Tri-Nations2005 Rugby League Tri-NationsNew Zealand 38 defeated Australia 28 New Zealand 38 (C. Toopi 3, N. Cayless, N. Vangana, B. Webb tries; S. Jones 7 goals) defeated Australia 28 New Zealand 38 (C. Toopi 3, N. Cayless, N. Vangana, B. Webb tries; S. Jones 7 goals) defeated Australia 28 (B. Tate 2, M.Gasnier 2, M. King, A. Johns...
was the first time that Australia had not won an international test series for 27 years.
- The tournament was not be held in 2007, as New Zealand instead completed a celebratory tour of Europe2007 All Golds TourThe 2007 All Golds Tour was conducted as part of the celebrations of a century of rugby league in New Zealand. It was a re-creation of the original New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain in 1907. The New Zealand Kiwis toured Great Britain and France playing four test matches. They lost the...
, commemorating 100 years of international rugby league. Australia played Tests against New Zealand in April and October.
- No team has gone through the tournament unbeaten.
- The winning team did not finish at the top of the table in the first three Tri-Nations series: New Zealand were placed first in 1999, followed by Great Britain in 2004 and Australia in 2005. Australia broke this trend in 2006.
See also
- Australia national rugby league team
- Great Britain national rugby league teamGreat Britain national rugby league teamThe 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"....
- New Zealand national rugby league teamNew Zealand national rugby league teamThe 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...