1927 Auckland Rugby League season

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Newton Rangers champion team of 1927.png

The 1927 Auckland Rugby League season was its 18th. Newton defeated Ponsonby by 6 points to 3 in the championship final to win the Monteith Shield after both teams finished the season tied with identical 8 win, 1 draw, 3 loss records. This was the second time Newton had won the championship in 18 efforts, with the first being in 1912 and was to be their last after they merged decades later with City Rovers and the combined team ceased in the early 2000s. Richmond won the Roope Rooster knockout trophy for the second consecutive season. Newton Rangers defeated Richmond to win the Stormont Shield.

Contents

Ellerslie won the Norton Cup by winning the second division competition, known as the B Grade at this time. They were undefeated and also won the Stallard Cup which was the B Grade knockout trophy. Interestingly the league played a 'promotion-relegation' match, with Ellerslie by virtue of winning the Norton Cup for winning the B Grade playing off with Grafton, who had finished last in the A Grade. Ellerslie won 11–3 over Grafton thus winning the right to compete in the A grade competition in the 1928 season. Despite this there was still considerable discussion at the annual general meeting the following year as to whether or not Ellerslie be admitted to the A Grade. It was eventually decided that they would be, with Grafton dropping to the B Grade.

Other trophies awarded (at the 1928 annual general meeting of the Auckland Rugby League) were the Davis Points Shield to Richmond, the Thistle Cup to Newton, and a special cup for the best forward to W.Clark from Newton.

Preceded by 18th Auckland Rugby League season
1927
Succeeded by

Auckland rugby league news

Club teams by grade participation

Team1stB Div.2nd3rd Open3rd Int.4th5th6th A6th BSchoolsTotal
Richmond Rovers 10102111119
Devonport United 10111101107
Ponsonby United 10110210006
City Rovers 10101011106
Grafton Athletic 10110101005
Kingsland Rovers 01101000104
Point Chevalier 01001001104
Marist Old Boys 10100000103
Newton Rangers 10001010003
Māngere United 01110000003
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 01010010003
Ellerslie United 01001100003
Akarana 00000011103
Parnell 01001000002
Otahuhu Rovers 01000000012
Remuera 00100000001
Glen Eden 00010000001
New Lynn 00010000001
Onehunga Convent00000000011
Onehunga Primary School00000000011
Newmarket Primary School00000000011
Papatoetoe Primary School00000000011
Total779797667670

Transfers

A McIntyre who had been playing in Sydney joined the Newton club.

Annual meetings of Auckland Rugby League

The annual report for the 1927 season stated that the total revenue for Auckland Rugby League was £5,597, with £4,216 taken at the gates. [1] At the annual meeting of the Junior Management Committee of the Auckland Rugby League on 23 March it was stated in their report that junior players exceeded 1,500. It was also reported that the Remuera League Club was being revived. They had fielded two junior teams in 1914, and appeared to have the numbers to enter two junior teams in the 1927 season. [2]

George Rhodes.png

On 10 August the Auckland Rugby League Chairman, Mr. W.J. Hammill tendered his resignation for business reasons. He had occupied the position for five years. He was congratulated on his contribution to the game and made a life member of the League. Mr. George Rhodes was elected as the new chairman of the Management Committee. [3]

Representative season

Auckland began the season with a match against the returning members of the New Zealand team that had toured England from August 1926 to January 1927. There was some controversy in that Joe Menzies had played for the 'New Zealand team' despite being from the South Auckland (Waikato) province and the New Zealand Rugby League questioned the Auckland Rugby League on the selection. One possible reason for his selection may have been the fact that Arthur Singe had been banned for life after going on strike during the tour along with 6 other players. This meant that there was one less Auckland forward to pick for the match. Auckland won the game 24–21. They went on a southern tour later in the season and played matches against Canterbury, West Coast, Otago, and Wellington. After their return to Auckland they played against Buller and South Auckland. The Buller side was coached by Bill Davidson who had spent many years playing for City Rovers, Auckland, and played for New Zealand from 1919 to 1921. He had later moved to the Canterbury region where he was involved in sporting administration. He later returned to Auckland and coached Ponsonby in the 1938 season. Auckland lost the Northern Union Challenge Cup to South Auckland in their final game of the season.

Monteith Shield (first grade championship)

Monteith Shield standings

TeamPldWDLFAPts
Newton Rangers 13101218812821
Ponsonby United 1391319011119
Devonport United 1270520711414
Marist Old Boys 1170415511414
Richmond Rovers 124171371409
City Rovers 113171341827
Grafton Athletic 120012813030

Monteith Shield results

After two completed rounds Newton and Ponsonby were both tied on 19 competition points. This necessitated a final between the two sides and this was won by Newton 6–3.

Round 1

Jim O'Brien and J Stormont (ex-Marist players) had both retired from the game and were spectators at the match between Marist and Grafton. However, after watching they decided to come out of retirement and resume playing for their old team. Meanwhile Craddock Dufty returned to play for Newton after 5 years with Grafton Athletic. Les Bull refereed his 50th match involving senior rugby league teams in Auckland and was the third man to do this after Archie Ferguson (1912–22) and Billy Murray (1913-25).

7 MayCity23–19DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: George Wade, Lou Brown 2, Ben Davidson, George Perry
Con: Nelson Bass 3
Pen: Nelson Bass
[4] Try: Allan Seagar, Len Scott, J Beattie 2, Jim O'Brien
Con: Allan Seagar 2
Attendance: 9000
Referee: William Mincham
7 MayMarist20–8GraftonCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: F Hanson, Jim Johnson, Bill Noble, Hec Brisbane 2, Bernard Sweeney
Con: F Hanson
[5] Try: F Austin, H Hudson
Con: Ralph Longville
Attendance: 9000
Referee: G McCowatt
7 MayNewton13–8RichmondAuckland Domain 2 
3:00Try: Unknown x 3
Con: Unknown x 2
[6] Try: Unknown x 2
Con: Unknown x 1
Referee: Les Bull

Round 2

Prior to round 2 Wigan made an offer to Lou Brown of the City side, while Ben Davidson had reportedly received one from Hull. Future New Zealand coach Bill Telford debuted for Richmond and scored a try in their 15–15 draw with City. In the same match brothers Ken and Ray Hyland clashed heads diving to save a try with the result that Ken had to leave the field and Ray had to bandage his bleeding head to continue.

14 MayMarist12–8DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Hec Brisbane 3, Jim O'Brien [7] Try: Stan Webb, Len Scott
Con: Neville St George
Attendance: 2000
Referee: H Taylor
14 MayCity15–15RichmondCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Bill Hamilton, George Wade, Maurice Wetherill
Con: Nelson Bass
Pen: Nelson Bass
[8] Try: Gordon Campbell, Frederick Bass, Bill Telford
Con: Edmund Carroll 3
Attendance: 2000
Referee: Les Bull
14 MayPonsonby5–5NewtonGrey Lynn Park 
3:00Try: Frank Delgrosso
Con: Frank Delgrosso
[9] Try: A McIntrye
Con: Craddock Dufty
Referee: William Mincham

Round 3

Ponsonby v City showing Tim Peckham and Billy Ghent. Ponsonby v City, 21 May, 1927.png
Ponsonby v City showing Tim Peckham and Billy Ghent.

Jim O'Brien and Stewart were both sent off for fighting near the Richmond try line in the Marist v Richmond match. Grafton only had 12 players make the trip to Devonport Domain where they were thrashed by Devonport 47–3. Nelson Bass tore his knee cartilage in the match between City and Ponsonby and was forced into early retirement. [10] Arthur Rae made his first grade refereeing debut in the match between Devonport and Grafton on the Devonport Domain.

21 MayPonsonby17–14CityCarlaw Park 1 
2:45Try: Leonard Riley 2, Bert Payne
Con: Frank Delgrosso 3
Pen: Frank Delgrosso
[11] Try: Ben Davidson 2, Billy Ghent, George Wade
Con: Ben Davidson
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: A Sanders
21 MayRichmond15–3MaristCarlaw Park 2 
2:45Try: Stewart, Jim Parkes, Ralph Jenkinson
Con: Edmund Carroll 2
Pen: Edmund Carroll
[12] Try: Bernard SweeneyAttendance: 10,000
Referee: Bert Emirali
21 MayDevonport47–3GraftonDevonport Domain 
2:45Try: Len Scott 4, Stanley Rule 2, J Beattie 2, Allan Seagar, Horace Dixon 2
Con: J Hemingway 2, Ernest Ruby, Julius Laing, Bill Cleaver
Pen: Neville St George
[13] Try: AngeloReferee: Arthur Rae

Round 4

Marist v Ponsonby 1927.png
Ponsonby v Marist. Ponsonby v Marist, 28 May, 1927.png
Ponsonby v Marist.
28 MayPonsonby18–10MaristCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Len Ward, Lou Hutt, Joseph Peckham, Victor Fagan
Con: Frank Delgrosso
Pen: Frank Delgrosso
Drop: Eric Grey
[14] Try: Hec Brisbane, Jim Johnson
Con: Norman King 2
Attendance: 8000
Referee: Les Bull
28 MayNewton32–17CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Alan Clarke, M Little 2, George Morman 2, Craddock Dufty 2, McLeod
Con: Craddock Dufty 3
Pen: Craddock Dufty
[15] Try: Lou Brown 2, Ben Davidson, Penalty Try, Frank Ferrall
Con: Ben Davidson
Attendance: 8000
Referee: Arthur Rae
28 MayRichmond10–2GraftonGrey Lynn Park 
3:00Try: Stan Prentice, Stewart
Con: L Taylor
Pen: Edmund Carroll
[16] Pen: Ralph LongvilleReferee: H Taylor

Round 5

The Devonport v Richmond match was played on the Friday as part of the King's Birthday celebrations. It was notable for the fact that 4 players were ordered off. Neville St George who had had words with the referee was sent from the field, two minutes later Stewart from Richmond joined him and Stan Prentice (Richmond), and Jim O'Brien (Devonport) soon followed. Leslie Knott scored two tries for Marist. At the end of the season he became the Auckland singles tennis champion and New Zealand doubles champion before moving to Australia to advance his career.

3 JuneDevonport17–13RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
2:45Try: Hemingway, Horace Dixon, J Beattie, Jim O'Brien, Ernest Ruby
Pen: Neville St George
[17] Try: Ralph Jenkinson, J Swift, Gordon Campbell
Con: Edmund Carroll
Pen: Edmund Carroll
Attendance: 3000
Referee: Bert Emirali
4 JunePonsonby36–14GraftonCarlaw Park 2 
2:45Try: Joseph Peckham, George Gardiner, Frank Delgrosso 2, Sydney Usher 3, Wilfred McNeil
Con: George Gardiner 4, Tim Peckham, H Riley
[18] Try: Ernie Herring 2
Con: Lucas
Pen: Lucas 3
Attendance: 6000
Referee: H McKubrey
4 JuneMarist12–7NewtonCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Norman King, Leslie Knott 2, Hec Brisbane [19] Try: Roy Hardgrave
Pen: Craddock Dufty 2
Attendance: 6000
Referee: Arthur Rae

Round 6

City were without the services of Lou Brown, Maurice Wetherill, G Brown, Nelson Bass and Alf Townsend and were soundly beaten by Marist. Frank Delgrosso of Ponsonby was ordered off in their match with Devonport.

11 JuneDevonport9–6PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Allan Seagar, Neville St George, Len Scott [20] Try: Tim Peckham, Sydney UsherAttendance: 7000
Referee: William Mincham
11 JuneMarist33–8CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Jim O'Brien, Leslie Knott 2, Dick Moisley, Bernard Sweeney, Jack Keenan, Norman King, Hec Brisbane, Bob Crewther
Con: Jim O'Brien, Leslie Knott
Pen: Jim O'Brien
[21] Try: Bill Hamilton, J Lewis
Con: Ben Davidson
Attendance: 7000
Referee: Vic Simpson
11 JuneNewton19–14GraftonAuckland Domain 
3:00Try: Trevor Hall, M Little 2, George Morman, Hales
Con: M Herewini 2
[22] Try: Angelo, Courtenay 2, Bert Avery
Con: Ralph Longville
Referee: Taylor

Round 7

Len Mason, Lou Brown, F Brown and Wilson Hall.png

City had lost the services of Lou Brown and Ben Davidson who had both been signed by Wigan during the week. They would depart for England later in the month. In their match with Devonport two players for Newton left the field injured during the second half leaving them with 11 players.

18 JunePonsonby15–13RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Victor Fagan, Lou Hutt, Eric Grey
Con: Frank Delgrosso 2
Pen: Frank Delgrosso
[23] Try: Ralph Jenkinson, Ken Hyland, Stewart
Con: L Taylor
Drop: Jenkinson
Attendance: 5000
Referee: H Taylor
18 JuneCity22–11GraftonCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: George Wade 2, Joe Hadley, George Perry, Billy Ghent, Frank Ferrall
Con: Joe Hadley, Billy Ghent
[24] Try: Bert Avery 2, Allan
Con: Lucas
Attendance: 5000
Referee: Les Bull
18 JuneDevonport32–8NewtonDevonport Domain 
3:00Try: Allan Seagar 2, Alf Scott, Neville St George, Bill Cleaver, Horace Dixon, J Beattie, Len Scott
Con: Alf Scott 3, Julius Laing
[25] Try: Trevor Hall, Leslie Katterns
Pen: Craddock Dufty
Attendance: 1000
Referee: William Mincham

Round 8

City were further weakened after Alf Townsend was transferred to Dunedin permanently for work during the week. In the Marist match with Grafton, Norman King broke a bone in his hand and had to leave the field.

25 JuneNewton19–11RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: M Little, Henry, Roy Hardgrave, Craddock Dufty, George Morman
Con: Craddock Dufty 2
[26] Try: L Taylor 2, Jim Parkes
Con: L Taylor
Attendance: 7000
Referee: Les Bull
25 JuneDevonport10–3CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Len Scott, Horace Dixon
Pen: Bert Laing, Neville St George
[27] Try: George WadeAttendance: 7000
Referee: Percy Rogers
25 JuneMarist34–9GraftonAuckland Domain 
3:00Try: Norman King, Leslie Knott 2, Jim O'Brien, Hec Brisbane, Bernard Sweeney 2, Jack Keenan
Con: Charles Gregory 5
[28] Try: Bert Avery
Con: Ralph Longville
Pen: Lucas, Ralph Longville
Referee: H Neal

Round 9

Richmond Rovers 1927.png

City sought to strengthen their side due to the large number of players who had departed. They signed Godkin, a Bay of Plenty rugby player, Pascoe a Manukau rugby player, and E Spencer a league representative from the Waimairi club in Canterbury. Te Huia Hawira Mason also joined the City side from Huntly (Len Mason's brother). Devonport captain Jim O'Brien was ordered off in their loss to Marist. At the conclusion of the match the referee (H. Taylor) was escorted from the field by two police officers as several spectators crowded and heckled him. Opponents Jack Kirwan and his namesake Jim O'Brien (Marist) had tried to plead his case to the referee to allow him to stay on the field and the Devonport later wrote a letter to the Marist club thanking them. Taylor had replaced Wally Ripley as referee after Ripley fell ill before the match. The match between Newton and Ponsonby at the Auckland Domain was postponed due to the ground being unfit for play. He was suspended for their following match. The following weekend saw all games suspended and the postponed match played at Carlaw Park. Ironically rain fell throughout the match and the field "was badly churned up as the game progressed". [29]

2 JulyMarist16–6DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
2:45Try: Jock Graham 3, Jim Johnson
Con: Charles Gregory 2
[30] Try: J Beattie, Harry DouglasAttendance: 11,000
Referee: H Taylor
2 JulyRichmond16–11CityCarlaw Park 2 
2:45Try: Jim Parkes, Bill Davis, Bill Telford, J Swift
Con: L Taylor
Pen: L Taylor
[31] Try: George Wade, Billy Ghent, Godkin
Pen: Maurice Wetherill
Attendance: 11,000
Referee: Arthur Rae
9 JulyNewton14–3PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
2:45Try: Alan Clarke, A McIntyre, Roy Hardgrave, C Rhodes
Con: Craddock Dufty
[32] Try: R AllenAttendance: 3500
Referee: Les Bull

Round 10

Richmond lost captain Jim Parkes who was moving back to Christchurch to join the Hornby club. The match between Devonport and Grafton was postponed due to the unfit nature of the field at the Auckland Domain. It was played on the following weekend at Devonport with other fixtures from that round not played due to the Auckland Rugby League making Carlaw Park available for the soccer match between New Zealand and Canada. Ponsonby fielded 3 brothers, future New Zealand international Tim Peckham, and his older brother Joseph, and younger brother Kenneth.

16 JulyMarist5–2RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Norman King
Con: Charles Gregory
[33] Pen: L TaylorAttendance: 9000
Referee: Arthur Rae
16 JulyPonsonby15–8CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Sydney Usher, Joseph Peckham 2, Kenneth Peckham, C Moore [34] Try: George Wade 2
Con: Te Huia Hawira Mason
Attendance: 9000
Referee: B Emirali
23 JulyDevonport32–8GraftonDevonport Domain 
3:00Try: Stan Webb 2, Allan Seagar 3, J Beattie 2, Len Scott
Con: Alf Scott 2, Albert Laing, Bert Laing
[35] Try: Christmas, Bert Avery
Con: R Longville
Referee: H McKubrey

Round 11

30 JulyPonsonby13–0MaristCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: H Riley, Tim Peckham, C Moore
Con: George Gardiner 2
[36] Attendance: 8000
Referee: William Mincham
30 JulyNewton14–8CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Roy Hardgrave, Wally Somers, Trevor Hall, A McIntyre
Con: Craddock Dufty
[37] Try: Maurice Wetherill, C Pascoe
Con: F Austin
Attendance: 8000
Referee: H Taylor
30 JulyRichmond21–3GraftonVictoria Park 
3:00Try: Frederick Bass, W Hanlon, J Swift 2, Bill Davis
Con: L Taylor
[38] Try: C TimminsReferee: Percy Rogers

Round 12

6 AugustNewton20–10MaristCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Roy Hardgrave, M Little, Wally Somers, W Henry
Con: Craddock Dufty 3
Pen: Craddock Dufty
[39] Try: Jim O'Brien, Leslie Knott
Con: Charles Gregory
Pen: Charles Gregory
Attendance: 8000
Referee: Les Bull
6 AugustPonsonby31–7GraftonCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Frank Delgrosso 3, George Gardiner, Kenneth Peckham, Victor Fagan, Tim Peckham
Con: George Gardiner 3, Tim Peckham
Pen: George Gardiner
[40] Try: Angelo
Con: Lucas
Pen: Ralph Longville
Attendance: 8000
Referee: H McKubrey
6 AugustDevonport18–8RichmondDevonport Domain 
3:00Try: Ernest Ruby, J Beattie 2, Stanley Rule
Con: Alf Scott 3
[41] Try: K Hyland, Frederick Bass
Con: Edmund Carroll
Referee: William Mincham

Round 13

Bert Avery Retirement.png

Bert Avery was carried off the field with concussion in the Newton match against Grafton. He had been attempting to tackle M Herewini who tried to hurdle him and made contact with Avery's head. Avery was taken to Auckland Hospital where he eventually recovered. His brother Henry who was also a league played died later in the week after a bout of pneumonia and Bert Avery decided to retire after many years playing for and captaining Grafton and New Zealand.

13 AugustPonsonby9–6DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Kenneth Peckham, George Gardiner, Sydney Usher [42] Try: J Beattie, Stanley RuleAttendance: 7000
Referee: William Mincham
13 AugustMaristPPDCityAuckland Domain 2 
3:00 [43] Referee: Vic Simpson
13 AugustNewton26–2GraftonVictoria Park 
3:00Try: Alan Clarke 2, Trevor Hall, A McIntyre, D McLeod, Wally Somers
Con: Craddock Dufty 4
Pen: Craddock Dufty
[44] Pen: LucasReferee: H Taylor

Round 14

20 AugustNewton5–3DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: M Little
Pen: Craddock Dufty
[45] Try: Len Scott Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Percy Rogers
20 AugustPonsonby19–5RichmondCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: George Gardiner, Kenneth Peckham, Eric Grey, Frank Delgrosso, Wilfred McNeil
Con: George Gardiner 2
[46] Try: Stan Prentice
Con: Bill Telford
Attendance: 4000
Referee: W Ripley
20 AugustCity5–0GraftonVictoria Park 
3:00Try: Billy Ghent
Con: E Spencer
[47] Referee: H McKubrey

Final

27 AugustNewton6–3PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Pen: Craddock Dufty 2
Drop: M Herewini
[48] Try: Wilfred McNeilAttendance: 12,000
Referee: Les Bull

Roope Rooster knockout competition

Round 1

Craddock Dufty and captain W Clarke were both out injured from the Newton side for their match with Marist. Hamilton went off injured for City meaning they had to finish the match with Richmond with 12 players. The scores were tied at the end of the match 17–17 so 5 minutes extra time was played with Bill Telford scoring and Edmund Carroll converting to win the game for Richmond. This was the first time extra time had been used to decide a game in an Auckland Rugby League senior competition. Usually matches were replayed the following week.

3 SeptemberMarist27–13NewtonCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Jim O'Brien, Leslie Knott, Bill Noble 2, George Drew, Hec Brisbane, Bernard Sweeney
Con: Charles Gregory, Leslie Knott, Owen Cronin
[49] Try: Roy Hardgrave, A McIntyre, M Little
Con: M Herewini
Pen: M Herewini
Attendance: 6000
Referee: A Sanders
3 SeptemberRichmond22–17 (17–17)CityCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: L Taylor 2, J Swift, Ralph Jenkinson, Turton, Bill Telford
Con: L Taylor, Edmund Carroll
[50] Try: C Pascoe, George Wade
Con: E Spencer 2
Pen: E Spencer 2
Attendance: 6000
Referee: H Taylor
3 SeptemberPonsonby27–16GraftonVictoria Park 
3:00Try: Sydney Usher 2, Len Ward 2, Kenneth Peckham, Allen, George Gardiner
Con: Frank Delgrosso, Eric Grey, Lou Hutt
[51] Try: Allen 2, Forbes, Martin
Con: Lucas, Ralph Longville
Referee: William Mincham

Semi finals

The Auckland representative team had left for their southern tour and so all teams were fielding greatly weakened sides. Holmes, a rugby representative three-quarter signed for Devonport just before their game with Ponsonby.

10 SeptemberDevonport21–5PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: P Holmes 2, Alf Scott, Allan Seagar, Len Scott
Con: Allan Seagar 2, Simmonds
[52] Try: George Gardiner
Con: George Gardiner
Referee: H Taylor
10 SeptemberRichmond15–0MaristCarlaw Park 2 
3:00Try: Turley, Ralph Jenkinson 2
Con: L Taylor 2
Pen: L Taylor
[53] Referee: Les Bull

Final

Richmond v Devonport, 17 Sep, 1927.png

A. Finlayson switched codes to join Richmond signing one minute before kick off so as to keep the switch secret. The following week he applied for reinstatement into rugby union. Richmond won the Roope Rooster for the second consecutive year. It was a case of déjà vu with another 1 pt victory over Devonport who they had beaten the year before.

17 SeptemberRichmond7–6DevonportCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: L Taylor
Pen: L Taylor 2
[54] Try: Len Scott 2Referee: Percy Rogers

Stormont Memorial Shield

Newton won the match by 25 points to 14, but the match was noteworthy due to the large number of injuries suffered. G. Norman the Newton captain was concussed and had his jaw broken, Dick Stack fractured his leg, W. Rhodes broke his collar-bone, and Wally Somers sprained his ankle. The first three players were all taken to Auckland Hospital, while Somers was taken home. [55] Stacks leg injury was so bad in fact that his leg had to be amputated and he spent many months in hospital. There were several matches in the following season used to raise funds for him and his family.

1 OctoberNewton25–14RichmondCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: G Rhodes, Craddock Dufty, Dick Stack, Alan Clarke, M Little, Roy Hardgrave
Con: Craddock Dufty 2
[56] Try: Trevor Hanlon, Turton
Con: Edmund Carroll
Pen: L Taylor 2, Edmund Carroll
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: Les Bull

A Grade/B Grade promotion-relegation match

At the conclusion of the A and B division competitions the last placed Grafton Athletic from the A Division played against the winners of the B Division Ellerslie for the right to compete in the A Division in 1928. Ellerslie won the match by 11 points to 3 thus earning themselves a place in A Division and forcing Grafton Athletic to play in the lower grade. This was the first time in Auckland Rugby League competition that such a match had been played.

17 SeptemberEllerslie11–3GraftonCarlaw Park 1 
1:30Try: W Johnston, R Johnston, Ivan Littlewood
Con: Kearns
[57] Try: Jack McGregor

Top try scorers and point scorers

Top try and point scorers for A Division, Roope Rooster and Stormont Shield competitions.

B Division (Norton Cup) standings and results

Ellerslie United rugby league 1927 champions of the Auckland rugby league B Grade.png

A large number of games did not have the scores reported in either The New Zealand Herald or the Auckland Star . As a result, the fixtures list is incomplete as is the final standings. Results are missing as follows, Kingsland x 2, Parnell x 1, Mangere x 4, Point Chevalier x 1, and Otahuhu x 1). In addition there were two cancelled matches. The round 4 match between Mangere and Kingsland did not have the result reported though it was said several weeks later that Kingsland was undefeated so they must have won the match. The Ellerslie match with Mangere on July 9 is missing the score so Ellerslie and Mangere teams for and against is incomplete.

B Division standings

TeamPldWDLFAPts
Ellerslie United 131300151*75*26
Kingsland Rovers 13*10021376020
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 13706746614
Parnell 12*3171031317
Māngere United 12*30763*79*6
Point Chevalier 13*219821395
Otahuhu Rovers 12*209631234

B Division (Norton Cup) fixtures

The Round 8 match between Mangere and Northcote was not played due to the condition of the ground at Mangere. However, after an inquiry it was stated that the Mangere team was willing to play and the referee said the match could go ahead. The Northcote team thought the match shouldn't be played and did not take the field. They also complained that they had to get changed underneath a gorse bush while a local official said there was a dressing room at Northcote's disposal. The league awarded the match to Mangere. The Round 15 match between Otahuhu and Northcote at the Auckland Domain was not played due to the condition of the field.

On May 14 Walker Park in Point Chevalier was used for the first time for a genuine senior grade match when Point Chevalier beat Māngere 9–5. It was approximately the 20th different ground to be used for senior rugby league in Auckland since its origins in 1908.

DateScoreScoreVenue
Round 17 May [58] Northcote7Mangere6Victoria Park
7 MayOtahuhu12Point Chevalier6Otahuhu Trotting Ground
7 MayEllerslie6Parnell5Ellerslie Reserve
Round 214 May [59] Kingsland8Parnell5Victoria Park
14 MayOtahuhu6Ellerslie8Otahuhu Reserve
14 MayPoint Chevalier9Māngere5Walker Park, Point Chevalier
Round 321 May [60] Ellerslie26Mangere7Ellerslie Reserve, 3pm
21 MayOtahuhu3Kingsland11Otahuhu Trotting Ground, 3pm
21 MayPoint Chevalier5Northcote6Walker Park, Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 428 May [61] Ellerslie6Northcote0Auckland Domain # 1, 3pm
28 MayOtahuhu8Parnell11Otahuhu Reserve
28 MayMangereLKingslandWMangere, 3pm
Round 54 June [62] Kingsland20Northcote6Victoria Park, 3pm
4 JuneEllerslie23Point Chevalier5Ellerslie Reserve, 3pm
4 JuneMangere15Parnell11Otahuhu Trotting Ground
Round 611 June [63] Otahuhu7Mangere6Otahuhu Reserve
11 JuneNorthcote8Parnell3Auckland Domain, 3pm
11 JuneKingsland11Point Chevalier5Victoria Park
Round 718 June [64] Otahuhu5Northcote8Otahuhu Reserve, 3pm
18 JuneEllerslie9Kingsland5Ellerslie Reserve, 3pm
18 JunePoint Chevalier ?Parnell ?Walker Park, Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 825 June [65] Point Chevalier19Otahuhu3Walker Park, Point Chevalier, 3pm
25 JuneMangereWBD*NorthcoteLBD*Mangere, 3pm
25 JuneEllerslie21Parnell20Auckland Domain # 1, 3pm
Round 92 July [66] Mangere ?Point Chevalier ?Mangere, 3pm
2 JulyEllerslie13Otahuhu0Ellerslie Reserve, 3pm
2 JulyKingsland23Parnell7Victoria Park, 3pm
Round 109 July [67] Northcote13Point Chevalier0Victoria Park, 3pm
9 JulyKingsland25Otahuhu0Auckland Domain # 2, 3pm
9 JulyMangereLEllerslieWOtahuhu Trotting Ground, 3pm
Round 1123 July [68] Mangere8Kingsland11Otahuhu Reserve, 3pm [69]
16 JulyParnell11Otahuhu7Victoria Park, 3pm
16 JulyEllerslie8Northcote0Ellerslie Reserve, 3pm
Round 1230 July [70] Mangere16Parnell8Auckland Domain # 2, 3pm
30 JulyKingslandWBDNorthcoteLBDAuckland Domain # 6, 3pm
30 JulyPoint Chevalier6Ellerslie13Walker Park, Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 136 Aug [71] Mangere ?Otahuhu ?Mangere Trotting Ground, 3pm
6 AugParnell11Northcote8Victoria Park, 3pm
6 AugPoint Chevalier8Kingsland20Walker Park, Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 1413 Aug [72] Ellerslie9Kingsland3Carlaw Park # 2, 3pm
13 AugNorthcote5Otahuhu2Auckland (Outer) Domain # 2, 3pm
13 AugPoint Chevalier11Parnell11Walker Park, Point Chevalier, 3pm
Round 1520 Aug [73] OtahuhuPPDNorthcotePPDAuckland Domain # 2, 3pm
20 AugEllerslie9Point Chevalier8Auckland Domain # 6
20 AugKingsland ?Mangere ?Otahuhu Trotting Ground, 3pm

Stallard Cup knockout competition

1927 Stallard Cup results
DateScoreScoreVenue
Round 13 Sep [74] Kingsland13Parnell8Auckland Domain # 5, 3pm
3 SepEllerslieWOtahuhuLEllerslie Reserve, 3pm
Final10 Sep [75] Ellerslie15Kingsland10Carlaw Park # 1, 1:30pm

Other club matches and lower grades

Lower grade competitions

Second grade (Wright Cup)

Devonport won the competition with a season record of played 14, won 13, lost 1, points for 252 and against 62. Devonport also won knock out competition (Foster Shield) when they beat Remuera 15 to 7 on October 8 at Carlaw Park. City withdrew after 3 rounds, Grafton Athletic (Maritime) withdrew after 4 rounds, and Marist withdrew after round 15 near the end of the season. Newton entered a side in the knockout competition but were knocked out by Devonport immediately 32 points to 0. Ponsonby lost their semi final to Devonport, while Mangere were the other losing semi finalists, going down to Remuera 12 to 5.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Devonport United 14130112526226
Remuera 1482311955718
Ponsonby United 1362121233314
Kingsland Rovers 14406290788
Richmond Rovers 132072481214
Māngere United 13207191424
Marist Old Boys 12105118852
Grafton Athletic 400103280
City Rovers 300200240

Third grade open (Walker Shield)

New Lynn won the competition by one point after a 3–3 draw with Grafton Athletic on July 30. The majority of match results were not reported so the standings are significantly incomplete. Grafton Athletic (Maritime) won the knockout competition when they defeated Devonport 12–3 on September 24. Grafton had beaten Glen Eden 3–2 in one semi final while Devonport beat Ponsonby 6–3 in the other semi final. Northcote withdrew from the championship after 7 rounds.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
New Lynn 122*1012395*
Grafton Athletic 12412144329
Ponsonby United 11401151328
Devonport United 10104143482
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 6102120262
Glen Eden 1100216170
Māngere United 1200113260

Third grade intermediate

There were several results not reported and the winner of the championship was never reported in any of the Auckland newspapers however in the 1949 Rugby League Annual it was stated that Richmond B had won this championship. Interestingly the following season at the Auckland Rugby League annual meeting when trophies were presented to winning teams in all grades there was none presented in this grade, possibly because it was an intermediate grade and only in its second year of competition. Richmond had won it in 1926 and won it again in 1928. The Richmond A team won the knockout competition when they defeated City in the final on October 8 by 20 points to 0. City had beaten Parnell 20–2 in one semi-final, while Richmond A won their semi-final 5–0 against Newton. Devonport withdrew from the championship after 16 rounds near the end of the season.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Richmond Rovers A 17110221623922
Richmond Rovers B 1510012973120
City Rovers 1760621026512
Devonport United 146052635612
Ellerslie United 16406226618
Parnell 17314227637
Kingsland Rovers 18306163986
Point Chevalier 14216534695
Newton Rangers 1610103251172

Fourth grade (Hospital Cup)

Richmond won the championship. Devonport won the knockout competitions when they beat Richmond 12–5 in the final on October 15. Richmond beat Remuera 19–0 in one semi final while Devonport beat Grafton Athletic (Maritime) in the other by 24 points to 2.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Richmond Rovers 1790012381418
Devonport United 1380131113016
Grafton Athletic 144052107478
Ponsonby United A 13314257447
Remuera 130262131432
Ponsonby United B 130253161612
Ellerslie United 13014271101

Fifth grade (Endean Shield)

Akarana won the championship. Not all of the results were reported so the standings are incomplete. They also won the knockout competition when they beat City in the final on October 15 by 7 points to 3. Newton withdrew from the competition after 4 rounds.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Akarana 147112681015
Richmond Rovers 147122592915
City Rovers 135033662410
Northcote & Birkenhead Ramblers 14217119405
Ponsonby United 13016118601
Newton Rangers 400200670

Sixth grade A

Akarana won the championship after beating Grafton Athletic (Maritime) 11 to 5 in the final on August 27. Devonport United won the Hammill Cup for winning the knockout competition when they beat Grafton Athletic in the final on October 22.

TeamPldWDLFAPts
Akarana 15732773817
Grafton Athletic 16635785915
Richmond Rovers 1432589668
Point Chevalier 1532335888
City Rovers 1331436517
Devonport United 1521544575

Sixth grade B (Myers Cup)

Richmond win the championship after beating Marist 6–0 on September 3. Marist won the knockout competition when they defeated Akarana 5–0 on October 8. Marist beat Richmond 7–6 in the semi-final. It was the Marist clubs first ever junior grade trophy.

TeamPldWDLBFAPts
Richmond Rovers 16120121301924
Marist Old Boys 16100221612520
Point Chevalier 144242608310
Akarana 15415235929
City Rovers 14108324752
Kingsland Rovers 1310635432
Devonport United 14016210881

Schoolboys competition

The championship winning Otahuhu side. 1927 Otahuhu rugby league Schools team.jpg
The championship winning Otahuhu side.

Otahuhu was a combination of students from several schools in the area and as such did not represent Otahuhu Primary School. The other schools were from the individual schools though the Papatoetoe school side had some players from the local Orphanage too. Newton Central Primary School entered a team in some matches late in the season and Newmarket Primary school entered a second side around the same time.

TeamPldWDLFAPts
Otahuhu Schools10901207918
Richmond Primary School107211452816
Newmarket Primary School106221313814
Papatoetoe Primary School10406401388
Onehunga Convent1010911942
Onehunga Primary School1010961802

Exhibition matches

Huntly v Newton

24 JulyHuntly14-12NewtonNgāruawāhia 
3:00Try: J Farrell, Grant Raynor, Smith, Stan Raynor
Con: Grant Raynor
[76] Try: Little, Mormon
Con: Craddock Dufty 2
Pen: Craddock Dufty
Referee: W Perry

Devonport v Ponsonby

The final match of the season was one played by Devonport against Ponsonby for charity. The money raised was given to the Mayor's unemployment fund.

22 OctoberDevonport27–19PonsonbyCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Allan Seagar, Horace Hunt, Ernest Ruby, J Beattie, Alf Scott
Con: Allan Seagar 5
Pen: Allan Seagar
[77] Try: Allen 2, Frank Delgrosso 2, Victor Fagan
Con: Kenneth Peckham, Langley
Attendance: 5000

Other matches

The Ponsonby touring side to Rotorua outside Whakarewarewa Marae. Ponsonby tour to Rotorua 1927.png
The Ponsonby touring side to Rotorua outside Whakarewarewa Marae.
DateScoreScoreVenueAttendance
Junior representative trial match9 July [78] A Team5B Team3Carlaw Park # 1
Junior representative match15 Oct [79] Auckland Juniors15South Auckland Juniors0Carlaw Park
Parnell tour match9 July [80] Parnell27Rotorua3Rotorua
Parnell tour match9 JulyParnell Juniors20Rotorua Juniors6Rotorua
Ponsonby tour match23 July [81] Rotorua15Ponsonby22Rotorua
Ponsonby tour match5 Sep [82] Rotorua8Ponsonby11Rotorua
Richmond junior tour match1 Oct [83] Rotorua B0Richmond 3rd Grade8Rotorua

Representative season

The Auckland teams for the season were to be selected by Ernie Asher, Edward Vincent Fox, and Alan Blakey. The Auckland representative team won 6 of its 7 matches. They began the year with a victory over the Auckland representatives of the New Zealand team which had toured the England and recently returned home. They went on a 4 match tour during the year which saw victories over Canterbury, West Coast, Otago, and Wellington. They then played home matches against Buller and South Auckland. Buller was coached by former New Zealand and Auckland player Bill Davidson. [84] They beat Buller easily but then lost the Northern Union Challenge Cup after a loss to South Auckland.

Representative fixtures

Auckland v NZ in 1927.png

The first representative fixture of the season was played on 30 April between Auckland and the Auckland members of the 1926 New Zealand touring team of England.

Auckland v New Zealand (Auckland members)

AKL v NZ 30 April.png
30 AprilAuckland24–21New Zealand (Akl members)Carlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Ivan Littlewood, Claude List, Maurice Wetherill, Tim Peckham, Albert Payne, Alan Clarke
Con: Tim Peckham, Alan Clarke
Pen: Alan Clarke
[85] Try: Lou Brown 3, Joe Menzies, Jim Parkes
Con: Craddock Dufty 2
Pen: George Gardiner
Attendance: 14,000
Referee: Les Bull

Southern Tour

In September Auckland toured the south, playing 4 matches. The 18 man touring side was Charles Gregory, Craddock Dufty, M Little, George Wade, Claude List, Joe Wilson jun., Maurice Wetherill, Stan Prentice, Stan Webb, A McIntyre, Wally Somers, Jim O'Brien (Devonport), Lou Hutt, Alan Clarke, Trevor Hall, Horace Dixon, A Payne, and F Bass. Several players originally named were unable to make the trip including Hec Brisbane, Riley, Usher, Frank Delgrosso, and J Beattie.

Auckland v Canterbury (Northern Union C.C.)
10 SeptemberCanterbury13–24AucklandMonica Park, Christchurch 
3:00Try: C Robins, H Vivian 2
Con: Gordon Blazey
Pen: Gordon Blazey
[86] Try: Claude List, Stan Webb, Lou Hutt, Albert Payne 2, Horace Dixon
Con: Craddock Dufty 3
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: H Lawrence
West Coast/Buller v Auckland (Northern Union C.C.)
14 SeptemberWest Coast/Buller15–42AucklandVictoria Park, Greymouth 
3:00Try: Vern Goodall 2, Norm Griffiths
Con: Charlie McElwee 3
[87] [88] Try: Maurice Wetherill 2, Joe Wilson jun. 3, M Little 3, Craddock Dufty, J Payne, Frederick Bass, Claude List
Con: Joe Wilson jun. 2, Craddock Dufty
Attendance: 1000
Referee: L Hunter
Otago v Auckland (Northern Union C.C.)
17 SeptemberOtago13–20AucklandCaledonian Ground, Dunedin 
3:00Try: R Oliver 2, M Quinn
Con: Dan Sullivan
Pen: Bert Eckhoff
[89] Try: George Wade, M Little, Stan Webb, Jim O'Brien
Con: Craddock Dufty 4
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: G Packer
Wellington v Auckland
21 SeptemberWellington23–41AucklandNewtown Park, Wellington 
3:00Try: S Brace, O Halliday 3, G Love
Con: R Bowen 3
Pen: R Bowen
[90] [91] Try: Stan Webb, Frederick Bass, Joe Wilson jun., Horace Dixon 4, Trevor Hall, George Wade
Con: Craddock Dufty 6, Frederick Bass
Referee: C Wrack

Interisland fixture

North Island v South Island

North Island v South Island, 24 Sep, 1927.png
24 SeptemberNorth Island13–8South IslandCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Claude List, Stan Raynor 2
Con: Craddock Dufty 2
[92] Try: Woods, Hand
Con: Sullivan
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: William Mincham

Auckland v Buller

The Buller side was coached by former City Rovers, Auckland, and New Zealand player, Bill Davidson.

8 OctoberAuckland60–33BullerCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Joe Wilson jun., Claude List 3, J Beattie 3, Charles Gregory 3, Maurice Wetherill, Stan Webb, Albert Payne 2, Horace Dixon, Lou Hutt
Con: Craddock Dufty 2, Joe Wilson jun., Charles Gregory, E Spencer 2
[93] Try: Burns, Cameron 2, Jack, Stan Davis, Vern Goodall 2
Con: Vern Goodall 6
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: William Mincham

Auckland v South Auckland (Northern Union C.C.)

Auckland v Waikato, 17 Oct, 1927.png

In the first half Albert Payne was injured and as there was no forward reserve for Auckland Allan Seagar had to replace him with Lou Hutt moving in to the hooking position. He was outplayed there by future New Zealand representative Bob Stephenson.

15 OctoberAuckland12–29South AucklandCarlaw Park 1 
3:00Try: Roy Hardgrave, Claude List, Joe Wilson jun., Allan Seagar [94] Try: J Whorskey 2, Everest, Hec McDonald, Tom Timms 3
Con: J Whorskey 2, Stan Rayner
Pen: Stan Rayner
Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Les Bull

Auckland representative matches played and scorers

NoNameClub TeamPlayTriesConPenDrop GoalPoints
1 Craddock Dufty Newton64130038
2 Claude List Kingsland5700021
3Albert (Bert) PaynePonsonby6600018
3 Horace Dixon Devonport6600018
5Joe Wilson jun.Mangere6510017
6 Maurice Wetherill City6400012
6M LittleNewton3400012
6 Stan Webb Devonport5400012
9 Charles Gregory Marist4310011
10J BeattieDevonport130009
11Frederick BassRichmond221008
12 Alan Clarke Newton311107
13George WadeCity320006
13 Lou Hutt Ponsonby720006
15 Tim Peckham Richmond111005
16E SpencerCity102004
17 Ivan Littlewood Ellerslie110003
17 Jim O'Brien Devonport510003
17 Trevor Hall Newton110003
17 Roy Hardgrave Newton110003
17 Allan Seagar Devonport110003
22Trevor HanlonRichmond100000
22 Stan Prentice Richmond400000
22 Neville St George Devonport100000
22 Wally Somers Newton400000
22A McIntyreNewton200000
22Stanley RuleDevonport100000
22Selby CrewtherEllerslie100000
22Ernest RubyDevonport100000

Related Research Articles

The Auckland Rugby League competition has been competed for since 1909 when the first organised match was played between North Shore and City Rovers. The following year an official champion was crowned for the first time, namely the City Rovers club who won the 1910 1st Grade title and were one of the 4 original teams at that time. Over the following 110 years many team and individual trophies have been awarded. The following is a list of the clubs and individuals that they have been awarded to at the premier-grade level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1920 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

The Auckland Rugby League was in its 12th season.

The 1921 season of Auckland Rugby League was its 13th. Seventy two teams played across its six main grades.

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The 1924 season of Auckland Rugby League was its 15th. Marist won the first grade championship for the first time in their history after defeating Devonport in the final by 20 points to 17 in front of a club record crowd of 17,000 at Carlaw Park. While City won the Roope Rooster competition for the 4th time.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">1928 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">1929 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">1933 Auckland Rugby League season</span>

The 1933 season of Auckland Rugby League was its 25th. The championship was won by Devonport United. This was their fifth title having previously won it in 1913, 1914, 1928 and 1932. The first two titles were prior to their merger with the nearby Sunnyside club when they were known as North Shore Albions, a name they later reverted to. They finished 1 point ahead of runner up Marist Old Boys. Devonport also won the Stormont Shield for the third time following victories in 1930 and 1931. They defeated Richmond Rovers in the final by 12 points to 7. Richmond had gained their place in the Stormont Shield match by winning the Roope Rooster with wins over Newton (29–15), Marist Old Boys (10–0), and City Rovers in the final by 26 points to 14. This was Richmond's third Roope Rooster title following wins in 1926 and 1927. Marist were awarded the Thistle Cup for the most competition points scored in the second round.

The 1934 Auckland Rugby League season was its 26th. The senior championship was won by Richmond Rovers who ran away with the title with an 11 win, 2 loss record. Such was their dominance that a 14th round was not played as Richmond had a 6-point lead over their nearest competitor Newton Rangers. Richmond also won the Roope Rooster knockout competition with a 20 to 13 win over Marist Old Boys in the final. Their remarkable season also included the Stormont Shield which they won 21 to 5 over Newton Rangers. This was the first ever time that an Auckland club had won all three senior grade titles in the same season. The Richmond reserve grade team also won the title which was remarkable in that they lost their first two matches before reeling off 12 consecutive wins to claim the title. They also won the Stallard Cup knockout competition when they beat City Rovers Reserves 21 to 9. Richmond also recorded two wins over the touring Western Suburbs side who had won the New South Wales premiership with 18–16 and 10–3 wins. This was easily the strongest set of results of any club at the senior level in Auckland Rugby League's history to this point and arguably to this day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stan Prentice</span> NZ international rugby league player

Stan Prentice (1903-1982) was an Auckland rugby league player who represented New Zealand in 5 test matches from 1928 to 1935. He was Kiwi #192 when he debuted against England in 1928 when he played in all 3 test matches. He then played in 2 tests against Australia in 1935. Prentice played 141 games for Richmond Rovers, captaining them in the later half of his career. He also represented Auckland on 20 occasions, as well as 5 times for the North Island. He later coached Mount Albert United to the 1939 Fox Memorial title and also coached Auckland in 1939 and 1948 as well as being a selector of the side through many seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stan Webb (rugby league)</span> An international rugby league player for New Zealand

Stanley George Webb was a New Zealand international rugby league player who represented them 15 times in 1925 and 1926. Webb was the 177th player to represent New Zealand. He also played 10 matches for Auckland from 1922 to 1927. Webb played club rugby league for Devonport United for 7 seasons, 1 season for Ellerslie and 1 season for a combined Ellerslie-Otahuhu senior side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alan Clarke (rugby league)</span> NZ international rugby league footballer

Alan Clarke was a rugby league player who represented New Zealand in one test match against England in 1932 at lock. In the process he became the 227th player to represent New Zealand. He also played rugby league for the North Island and Auckland representative sides as well as the Newton Rangers, and Marist Old Boys clubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neville St George</span> New Zealand rugby league footballer

Robert Neville St George was a rugby league footballer. He represented the New Zealand rugby league team in 2 test matches in 1925. In the process he became the 178th player to represent New Zealand. He also represented the North Island and Auckland representative side. St George played his club rugby league in Auckland for the Marist Old Boys side initially before moving to Devonport United where he spent most of his career.

James Lawrence O'Brien was a New Zealand rugby league player. He represented the New Zealand rugby league team in 1 match in 1925 against Queensland. In the process he became the 182nd player to represent New Zealand. He also represented Auckland 20 times from 1922 to 1927, and the North Island side in 1927. He played his club rugby league in Auckland for the North Shore Albions from 1921 to 1928, captaining them at times later in his career. He played for the Maritime club in 1920 and 1921 in his early years after returning from World War 1.

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Preceded by 18th Auckland Rugby League season
1927
Succeeded by