1974 Great Britain Lions tour

Last updated

1974 Great Britain Lions tour
Date26 May 1974 –
13 August 1974
Manager Reg Parker
Coach(es) Jim Challinor
Tour captain(s) Chris Hesketh
Top point scorer(s) John Gray (111)
Top try scorer(s) David Redfearn (18)
Summary
PWDL
Total
28 210007
Test match
06030003
Opponent
PWDL
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
3 1 0 2
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
3 2 0 1
Tour chronology
Previous tour 1970
Next tour 1979

The 1974 Great Britain Lions tour was the Great Britain national rugby league team's 15th tour of Australasia and took place from May to August 1974. A total of 28 matches were played against local club and representative sides during the tour, including a three match Test match series against Australia and New Zealand respectively.

Contents

Touring squad

In March 1974, a 26-man squad was selected for the tour, with Chris Hesketh appointed as captain. [1]

After the squad was selected, Keith Fielding withdrew from the tour as his wife was expecting a baby in June. He was replaced by John Butler. [2] Mike Nicholas was also forced to withdraw due to injuries sustained in the 1974 Challenge Cup final, and was replaced by Jimmy Thompson. [3]

Bill Ramsey and Maurice Richards were called up to replace injured players during the tour. [4]

During an injury crisis while in New Zealand, tour coach Jim Challinor was forced to come out of retirement just 6 days after turning 40. Although he scored a try in the game against South Island in Greymouth, he suffered an injury during the game that would ultimately result in the loss of a kidney.

Forward John Gray would cause a sensation in Australia and New Zealand with his goal kicking. To that point in rugby league's history, goal kicking was generally the, now known to be less accurate, front-on toe poking style of kick. Gray was the first around the corner kicker seen in Australia. He explained that it was easy to do as it was no different to kicking a soccer ball. Despite being more accurate, the style which is the standard in 2024 took its time to take hold in Australia and although there were around the corner kickers like Ross Conlon and dual rugby international Michael O'Connor in the 1980s, the style didn't really take off until the 1990s thanks to the accuracy of New Zealand kickers such as Matthew Ridge and Daryl Halligan as well as top line Rugby Union kickers such as Grant Fox (All Blacks) and Michael Lynagh (Australia). Gray would go on to play for both North Sydney and Manly-Warringah in the Sydney Premiership during the mid-late 1970s.

* (as sub) and Tests not included in Appearances

NamePosition(s)ClubAppearances
(as sub)
Tests
(as sub)
TriesGoalsDrop goalsPointsNotes
Kevin Ashcroft Hooker Wolvescolours.svg Warrington 13 (1)(1)2006
John Atkinson Wing Rhinoscolours.svg Leeds 880024
Alan Bates Scrum-half , Loose forward Ramscolours.svg Dewsbury 18(3)2006
John Bates Second-row Ramscolours.svg Dewsbury 2 (3)0000
John Bevan Wing , Centre , Fullback Wolvescolours.svg Warrington 12 (1)4150045
Keith Bridges Hooker , Prop Fevcolours.svg Featherstone Rovers 6 (2)10000
John Butler Utility Rochdale colours.svg Rochdale 14 (3)60018
Jim Challinor Centre Saintscolours.svg St Helens 11003
Paul Charlton Fullback Redscolours.svg Salford 10 (1)640012
Eric Chisnall Second-row , Prop , Hooker Saintscolours.svg St Helens 13 (1)43009
Terry Clawson Prop Oldhamcolours.svg Oldham 94024048
Colin Dixon Utility Redscolours.svg Salford 11 (2)640012
Les Dyl Centre , Wing Rhinoscolours.svg Leeds 125140042
David Eckersley Fullback , Centre Saintscolours.svg St Helens 11 (1)1 (1)312033
Ken Gill Stand-off , Centre Redscolours.svg Salford 11 (2)380024
John Gray Prop , Second-row , Hooker Wigancolours.svg Wigan 10 (1)5 (1)2521111
Chris Hesketh (c) Centre , Stand-off Redscolours.svg Salford 10 (4)640012
Jim Mills Prop Widnes colours.svg Widnes 12 (1)32006
Roger Millward Utility HKRcolours.svg Hull Kingston Rovers 8 (1)2 (1)818060
Steve Nash Scrum-half Fevcolours.svg Featherstone Rovers 8 (2)650116
George Nicholls Loose forward , Second-row Saintscolours.svg St Helens 12640012
Steve Norton Loose forward , Second-row Castleford colours.svg Castleford 12 (2)2 (1)50015
Bill Ramsey Prop , Hooker , Second-row Bullscolours.svg Bradford Northern 5 (1)(1)25016
David Redfearn Wing , Centre Bullscolours.svg Bradford Northern 134172055
Maurice Richards Wing , Fullback Redscolours.svg Salford 8260018
Paul Rose Second-row , Loose forward , Prop HKRcolours.svg Hull Kingston Rovers 11 (1)(1)50015
Jimmy Thompson Second-row , Prop , Hooker Fevcolours.svg Featherstone Rovers 13 (2)61003
David Watkins Centre , Fullback Redscolours.svg Salford 5 (2)1212030
David Willicombe Centre , Wing , Fullback Faxcolours.svg Halifax 11 (3)180024

Results

Australia

26 May 1974
Darwin YorkRLFCcolours.png 2 – 41 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Goals:
Lionel Tewes (1)
Report
Tries:
John Atkinson (3), Steve Nash (2), David Redfearn (2), Paul Charlton, Roger Millward, George Nicholls, David Watkins
Goals:
Terry Clawson (3)
David Watkins (1)
Richardson Park, Darwin
Attendance: 6,500

Darwin Firsts: Evan Hooper, Bruce Spencer, Glen Birch, Warwick Carroll, Des Williams, John Grunnett, Lionel Tewes, Jim Lund, Rod Connelly, Dennis Denmeade, Huri Tukukino, Kerry Gardiner, Dennis Postens. Reserves – Eddie Fry, Dennis McDowell, Noel Theodore, Kevin Jurek. Coach – Ron Nobbs

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Redfearn, David Watkins, Chris Hesketh (c), John Atkinson, Ken Gill, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Keith Bridges, Jim Mills, Paul Rose, Colin Dixon, George Nicholls. Reserves – Roger Millward, Alan Bates, John Butler, John Gray


30 May 1974
North Queensland Cairns Cyclones Colours.svg 5 – 30 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Ron Workman
Goals:
Frank Daisy (1)
Report
Tries:
Kevin Ashcroft, John Atkinson, Colin Dixon, Les Dyl, David Watkins, David Willicombe
Goals:
Terry Clawson (6)
Cairns Showgrounds, Cairns
Attendance: 7,588
Referee: Nick Euclid

North Queensland: Frank Daisy, Doug Muir, McMillan, Wayne Bullock, Somerville, G. Bevan, Cowell, D. Whiting, Ron Workman (c), Laurie Irvin, Shields, Peter Luppi, Wilson. Reserves – Wooley. Coach –

Great Britain: David Eckersley, John Atkinson, Les Dyl, David Willicombe, John Bevan, John Butler, Alan Bates, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, John Gray, Eric Chisnall, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton. Reserves – Chris Hesketh (c), David Watkins, Jimmy Thompson, John Bates


2 June 1974
Central Queensland Central Comets colours.svg 0 – 38 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Report
Tries:
John Bevan (2), Les Dyl (2), David Willicombe (2), Chris Hesketh, Paul Rose
Goals:
Terry Clawson (5/7)
David Eckersley (2)
Rockhampton Showgrounds, Rockhampton
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Peter Goener

Central Queensland: John Pollock, Les Williams, John Paap, Ron Milne, Morgan, Alan Hardisty (c), Clayton Dunman, Col McCullum, Rob Harris, Tony Arnold, Mike Pannowitz, Rob Kerr, Tony Perkins,. Reserves – Anthony Hall. Coach –

Great Britain: David Eckersley, Les Dyl, David Willicombe, Chris Hesketh (c), John Bevan, Ken Gill, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Keith Bridges, Eric Chisnall, Jimmy Thompson, Paul Rose, George Nicholls. Reserves – Jim Mills


4 June 1974
Wide Bay St. George colours.svg 12 – 24 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Kevin Harkin, Greg Heading
Goals:
Noel Cavanagh (3)
Report
Tries:
David Redfearn (2), Paul Charlton, Colin Dixon
Goals:
David Watkins (6/7)
Eskdale Park, Maryborough
Attendance: 3,200
Referee: Sid Volling

Wide Bay: Bangle, Greg Heading, Irvine, Philip Braithwaite, Liam Duggan, Ward, Stephenson, Gary Pearson, Kevin Poulter, Noel Cavanagh (c), Tom Duggan, Doug Plastow, Kim McKenna. Reserves – Des Smith, Frank Paulger, Kevin Harkin, Deepler. Coach –

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Redfearn, David Watkins (c), David Willicombe, John Bevan, Roger Millward, Alan Bates, Jim Mills, Kevin Ashcroft, John Gray, Jimmy Thompson, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton. Reserves – John Butler, Eric Chisnall


6 June 1974
Ipswich Firsts Ipswich Colours.svg 8 – 36 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Peter Hyland (2)
Goals:
Len Chemello (1)
Report
Tries:
John Atkinson (2), Les Dyl (2), John Butler, George Nicholls, Paul Rose, David Willicombe
Goals:
John Gray (4/6)
David Eckersley (2)
Ipswich Showgrounds, Ipswich
Attendance: 3,778
Referee: Ted Barrett

Ipswich Firsts: Brian Sheraton, Mike Green, John White (c), Richard Wilkie, Alan Coles, Brian Scott, Ross O'May, Peter Simpson, Peter Hyland, Daryl Harrower, Ian Hoffman, John Smith, Tom Browne. Reserves – Len Chemello, Raven. Coach –

Great Britain: David Eckersley, Les Dyl, Chris Hesketh (c), John Butler, John Atkinson, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, John Gray, Keith Bridges, Paul Rose, John Bates, Eric Chisnall, George Nicholls. Reserves – David Willicombe, Steve Norton


9 June 1974
Queensland Firsts Queensland colours.svg 12 – 13 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Ross Strudwick
Goals:
Ian Pearce (4)
Drop goals:
Ross Strudwick (1)
Report
Tries:
John Bevan, Colin Dixon
Goals:
David Watkins (2)
Terry Clawson (1)
Drop goals:
Steve Nash (1)
Lang Park, Brisbane
Attendance: 26,000
Referee: Don Lancashire

Queensland: Ian Pearce, Warren Orr, Peter Leis, Gerard Fitzpatrick, Harry Pickering, Geoff Richardson, Ross Strudwick, John Crilly, John Lang, Greg Veivers (c), David Wright, Ray Higgs, Rod Halley. Reserves – Lew Platz. Coach – Barry Muir

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, John Atkinson, David Watkins, Chris Hesketh (c), John Bevan, Roger Millward, Steve Nash, Jim Mills, Keith Bridges, Terry Clawson, Colin Dixon, Jimmy Thompson, George Nicholls. Reserves – Paul Rose


First Test

15 June 1974
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg12 – 6Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain
Tries:
Warren Orr
Goals:
Graeme Langlands (4)
[5]
Goals:
Terry Clawson (2)
David Watkins (1)
Lang Park, Brisbane
Attendance: 30,280
Referee: Don Lancashire Flag of Australia (converted).svg
AustraliaPositionGreat Britain
Graeme Langlands (c) FB Paul Charlton
David Waite WG David Redfearn
Bob Fulton CE David Watkins
Michael Cronin CE Chris Hesketh (c)
Warren Orr WG John Bevan
Geoff Richardson FE/SO Roger Millward
Tom Raudonikis HB/SH Steve Nash
Bob O'Reilly PR Terry Clawson
Elwyn Walters HK Keith Bridges
Arthur Beetson PR Jim Mills
Ray Higgs SR Jimmy Thompson
Paul Sait SR Colin Dixon
Ron Coote LK/LF George Nicholls
Int. David Eckersley
Int. John Gray
Graeme Langlands Coach Jim Challinor

16 June 1974
Toowoomba Toowoomba Clydesdales colours.svg 16 – 42 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Russell Bliss, Dan Delaney
Goals:
Wayne Lindenberg (5/6)
Report
Tries:
Les Dyl (4), David Eckersley (2), John Atkinson, John Gray
Goals:
John Gray (9/10)
Athletic Oval, Toowoomba
Attendance: 4,160
Referee: G. Blair

Toowoomba: Pat McCarthy (c), Russell Bliss, Terry Arnold, Alan Smith, Greg Scholl, Tyran Andrews, Wayne Lindenberg, Tony Brunner, Dan Delaney, Bob Coster, Steve McCosker, Greg Platz, Graham McCulloch. Reserves – Ron Lindenberg, Rohan Hancock. Coach –

Great Britain: David Eckersley, John Atkinson, Les Dyl, David Willicombe, John Bevan, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, John Gray, Kevin Ashcroft, Eric Chisnall, John Bates, Paul Rose, John Butler. Reserves –


18 June 1974
Brisbane Firsts Saintscolours.svg 20 – 15 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Gerard Fitzpatrick (2), Wayne Bennett, Ian Thinee
Goals:
Ian Dauth (4)
Report
Tries:
Eric Chisnall, David Eckersley, John Gray
Goals:
David Watkins (2)
John Gray (1)
Brisbane Exhibition Grounds, Brisbane
Attendance: 7,880
Referee: Henry Albert

Brisbane Firsts: Wayne Bennett, Warren Orr, Gerard Fitzpatrick, Eric Lilley, Ian Dauth, Geoff Richardson, Tony White, Greg Veivers (c), John Lang, Russell Hughes, David Wright, Ian Thinee, Jeff Fyfe. Reserves – Hugh O'Doherty, Graeme Atherton. Coach – Henry Holloway

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, John Atkinson, Chris Hesketh (c), David Watkins, Les Dyl, Ken Gill, Steve Nash, John Gray, Kevin Ashcroft, Colin Dixon, George Nicholls, Eric Chisnall, Paul Rose. Reserves – David Eckersley, Steve Norton


20 June 1974
NSW North Coast Canterbury colours.svg 9 – 19 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Mick Ryan
Goals:
John Kelly (3)
Report
Tries:
John Bevan (2), John Atkinson, Jim Mills, Paul Rose
Goals:
Terry Clawson (1)
David Eckersley (1)
McKittrick Park, Grafton
Attendance: 3,460
Referee: Tom Gustard

North Coast: Michael Ross, Mark Hogan, Mick Ryan, Dick Ensby, Des Anderson, Bob McDermott, John Kelly, Ken Johnston, Errol Ruprecht, Ray Webb, Danny Morton, Steve Hage, Barry Bryant (c). Reserves – Barry Morrison, Warren Thompson. Coach – Ron Boden

Great Britain: David Eckersley, John Atkinson, David Willicombe, Les Dyl, John Bevan, John Butler, Alan Bates, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, Jim Mills, Jimmy Thompson, Paul Rose, George Nicholls. Reserves – John Bates


23 June 1974
North Division NSW Balmain colours.svg 14 – 38 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Ray Lanesbury, Ken Orr
Goals:
Phil Harris (4)
Report
Tries:
Paul Charlton (2), Eric Chisnall, Chris Hesketh, Roger Millward, Steve Nash, David Redfearn, David Willicombe
Goals:
Roger Millward (7)
Scully Park, Tamworth
Attendance: 10,640
Referee: Adrian Wilson

Northern Division: Phil Harris, Bill Russell, Ashley Barnett, Gary Sampson, Gary Lingwood, Ron Starr, Ray Stewart, John Donnelly, Ray Lanesbury, Paul Hassab (c), J. Scott, Ken Orr, Geoff Sheedy. Reserves – Wayne Hetherington, John Lennan. Coach – Don Adams

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Willicombe, David Eckersley, Chris Hesketh (c), David Redfearn, Roger Millward, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, Jim Mills, Eric Chisnall, George Nicholls, Steve Norton. Reserves – Ken Gill, John Bates


26 June 1974
West Division NSW Ireland colours.svg 10 – 25 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Norm Armstrong
Goals:
Nelson Smith (3)
Drop goals:
Robbie Pilon (1)
Report
Tries:
Ken Gill (2), Les Dyl, Steve Norton, David Redfearn
Goals:
John Gray (5)
Wade Park, Orange
Attendance: 6,238
Referee: Kevin Honeybrook

Western Division: Paul Sams, D. Kent, Peter Walkom, Ron McDonald, Norm Armstrong, Paul Dowling, Robbie Pilon, David Ritchie, Billy Rose, Greg Fearnley, Terry Ellery, Nelson Smith, D. Ross. Reserves – I. Toohey, Peter Frew. Coach – Johnny King

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Redfearn, Chris Hesketh (c), Les Dyl, John Atkinson, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, Jimmy Thompson, Keith Bridges, Jim Mills, John Gray, Eric Chisnall, Steve Norton. Reserves – David Willicombe, John Butler


29 June 1974
NSW Firsts New South Wales colours.svg 12 – 9 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Tom Raudonikis, Jeff Shield, Lionel Williamson
Goals:
Michael Cronin (2)
Report
Tries:
Ken Gill
Goals:
David Eckersley (3)
Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Attendance: 16,112
Referee: Keith Page

New South Wales: Russell Fairfax, David Waite, Michael Cronin, Ray Branighan, Lionel Williamson, Jeff Shield, Tom Raudonikis, Bob McCarthy, George Piggins, Ron Turner, Rod Reddy, Gary Stephens, Ron Coote (c). Reserves – Terry Randall, Keith Harris. Coach – Graeme Langlands

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Willicombe, David Eckersley, Chris Hesketh (c), David Redfearn, Ken Gill, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, Jim Mills, Eric Chisnall, Steve Norton, George Nicholls. Reserves – Jimmy Thompson, Keith Bridges,


30 June 1974
Illawarra Firsts Illawarra colours.svg 22 – 26 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Tony Branson, Allan Fitzgibbon, Greg Mullane, Allan McMahon
Goals:
Dave Cotter (5)
Report
Tries:
Ken Gill (2), Alan Bates, Roger Millward, David Redfearn, Paul Rose
Goals:
John Gray (4)
Wollongong Showground, Wollongong
Attendance: 8,364
Referee: Les Ballard

Illawarra Firsts: Dave Cotter, Allan McMahon, Phil Doherty, Greg Mullane, John Penno, Les Mara, Warwick Shirlaw, Cliff Watson (c), John Floyd, Charlie Bennett, John Jansen, Roger Irving, Allan Fitzgibbon. Reserves – Tony Branson, Klaus Reh. Coach – Norm Provan

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, John Butler, David Eckersley, Ken Gill, David Redfearn, Roger Millward, (c), Alan Bates, John Gray, Jimmy Thompson, Jim Mills, Paul Rose, Eric Chisnall, Colin Dixon. Reserves – John Bevan, Steve Nash


Second Test

In a virtual repeat of the 2nd Ashes Test on the 1973 Kangaroo tour, Graeme Langlands was forced to coach from the sidelines due to injury with Manly-Warringah's goal-kicking fullback Graham Eadie selected as his replacement. And like that day almost 8 months earlier in Leeds, it was the visitors who would level the series with Great Britain scoring a 16–11 win in front of 48,008 fans in Sydney.

6 July 1974
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg11 – 16Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain
Tries:
Ron Coote
Bob Fulton
John Lang
Goals:
Michael Cronin (1/3)
Graham Eadie (0/2)
[6]
Tries:
Eric Chisnall
Colin Dixon
Ken Gill
Goals:
John Gray (3)
Drop goals:
John Gray (1)
Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Attendance: 48,006
Referee: Keith Page Flag of Australia (converted).svg
AustraliaPositionGreat Britain
Graham Eadie FB Paul Charlton
David Waite WG Les Dyl
Bob Fulton CE David Eckersley
Michael Cronin CE Chris Hesketh (c)
Warren Orr WG Roger Millward
Geoff Richardson FE/SO Ken Gill
Tom Raudonikis HB/SH Steve Nash
Bob O'Reilly PR Jim Mills
John Lang HK John Gray
Arthur Beetson (c) PR Jimmy Thompson
Gary Stephens SR Eric Chisnall
Paul Sait SR Colin Dixon
Ron Coote LK/LF George Nicholls
Ray Branighan Int. Steve Norton
Bob McCarthy Int.
Graeme Langlands Coach Jim Challinor

7 July 1979
Monaro Saintscolours.svg 7 – 34 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Geoff Noble
Goals:
John Ballesty (2)
Report
Tries:
John Butler (2), Roger Millward (2), George Nicholls, Steve Norton, Bill Ramsay, Maurice Richards
Goals:
Roger Millward (5)
Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan
Attendance: 10,584
Referee: Tom Spain

Monaro: Jon Stone, Paul Ryan, Richard Moncrieff, Pat Fairhall, Tim Edwards, John Ballesty, Geoff Noble, Jim Morgan (c), Jamie Jones, Gary Kerr, John Bruce, Brian Bourke, Don McKay. Reserves – Bill Monie, Bob Belford. Coach –

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, Maurice Richards, John Butler, David Eckersley, Roger Millward, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, Jimmy Thompson, Eric Chisnall, Bill Ramsay, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton, George Nicholls. Reserves – Steve Nash, Chris Hesketh (c)


10 July 1974
Riverina Western Suburbs colours.svg 10 – 36 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Bob Adamson, John Wright
Goals:
Jim Bonus (2)
Report
Tries:
David Redfearn (3), Maurice Richards (2), John Butler, Jim Mills, Steve Norton
Goals:
David Eckersley (3)
Bill Ramsay (3)
Eric Weissel Oval, Wagga Wagga
Attendance: 8,000
Referee: Graham Barby

Riverina: John Shea, Graham Saddler, Greg Hamilton, Jim Bonus, Dick Timbs, Bob Priest (c), Bob Adamson, Dave Howell, Mike Johnston, Harry Sanson, John Wright, Neville Wornes, Rob Schultz. Reserves – Norm Geaghan, Neil Scobie. Coach – Graham Kennedy

Great Britain: David Eckersley, David Redfearn, Les Dyl, David Willicombe, Maurice Richards, John Butler, Alan Bates, Eric Chisnall, Bill Ramsay, Jim Mills, Paul Rose, Jimmy Thompson, Steve Norton. Reserves – Chris Hesketh (c), Paul Charlton


13 July 1974
Newcastle Firsts Newcastle foundation colours.svg 14 – 24 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Mark Scobie, Warren Scotman
Goals:
Keith Hemsworth (4)
Report
Tries:
John Bevan (2), David Willicombe (2), George Nicholls, Paul Rose
Goals:
Bill Ramsay (2)
David Eckersley (1)
Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle
Attendance: 16,130
Referee: Adrian Wilson

Newcastle Firsts: Keith Hemsworth, Warren Scotman, Mark Scobie, Kevin Myers, Rod Sneesby, Robbie Wise, Dennis Ward, George Skeers, Norm Henderson, David White, Allan Thomson (c), Jeff Roach, Peter Howlett. Reserves – Greg Owens, Roger Mullard. Coach – Johnny Raper

Great Britain: David Eckersley, Maurice Richards, David Willicombe, John Bevan, Les Dyl, John Butler, Alan Bates, Jimmy Thompson, Bill Ramsay, Jim Mills, Colin Dixon, Paul Rose, George Nicholls. Reserves – Chris Hesketh (c), Kevin Ashcroft


Third Test

20 July 1974
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg22 – 18Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain
Tries:
Ron Coote
Graeme Langlands
Bob McCarthy
Lionel Williamson
Goals:
Graeme Langlands (5)
[7]
Tries:
Les Dyl
Maurice Richards
Goals:
John Gray (6)
Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Attendance: 55,505
Referee: Keith Page Flag of Australia (converted).svg
AustraliaPositionGreat Britain
Graeme Langlands (c) FB Paul Charlton
Lionel Williamson WG Maurice Richards
Bob Fulton CE Les Dyl
Michael Cronin CE Chris Hesketh (c)
Ray Branighan WG John Bevan
Tim Pickup FE/SO Ken Gill
Tom Raudonikis HB/SH Steve Nash
Arthur Beetson PR Jimmy Thompson
Ron Turner HK John Gray
John O'Neill PR Terry Clawson
Bob McCarthy SR Eric Chisnall
Gary Stephens SR Colin Dixon
Ron Coote LK/LF George Nicholls
Int. Roger Millward
Int. Paul Rose
Graeme Langlands Coach Jim Challinor

21 July 1974
Southern NSW Wigancolours.svg 16 – 10 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Colin Bagnall, Ron Henry
Goals:
Jim Hall (5)
Report
Tries:
Steve Norton, Maurice Richards
Goals:
David Redfearn (2)
Grahame Park, Gosford
Attendance: 6,500
Referee: Tom Gustard

Southern NSW: Stan Ralph, Steve Maxwell, Michael Farquhar, Michael Cronin (c), Ron Henry, Colin Bagnall, Chris Anderson, Jim Hall, David McKenzie, Phil Flack, Daryl Palmer, Jim Cronin, Trevor Andrews. Reserves – Warwick Randall, Steve McKenzie. Coach – Ray Corkery

Great Britain: Steve Nash, David Redfearn, David Willicombe, John Bevan, Maurice Richards, Ken Gill, Roger Millward (c), Paul Rose, Kevin Ashcroft, Jimmy Thompson, John Butler, Steve Norton, Alan Bates. Reserves – David Watkins, Keith Bridges


New Zealand

24 July 1974
North Island New Zealand Kiwis colours.svg 17 – 37 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
R. Davies, Eddie Orchard, J. Tuineau
Goals:
D. Raihe (4)
Report
Tries:
David Redfearn (4), John Bevan (2), John Butler, Ken Gill, Les Dyl
Goals:
John Gray (5)
Davies Park, Huntly
Attendance: 2,800

North Island: V. Snowball, G. Carlyon, W. Rangi, R. Davies, Kevin Fisher, Harry Waikai, B. Berryman, Bill Raihe (c), Neil Aspin, J. Tuineau, D. Raihe, Graeme West, Paul Ravlich. Reserves – Jim Rutene, Eddie Orchard. Coach –

Great Britain: David Watkins (c), Maurice Richards, David Redfearn, Les Dyl, John Bevan, John Butler, Alan Bates, Paul Rose, Kevin Ashcroft, Keith Bridges, John Gray, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton. Reserves – Ken Gill, Bill Ramsay


First Test

27 July 1974
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg13 – 8Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain
Tries:
Ken Stirling
Goals:
Warren Collicoat (5)
[8]
Tries:
John Bevan, Steve Nash
Goals:
Terry Clawson (1)
Carlaw Park, Auckland
Attendance: 10,466
Referee: John Percival Flag of New Zealand.svg
New ZealandPositionGreat Britain
Warren Collicoat FB Paul Charlton
Mocky Brereton WG David Redfearn
Bill Johnsen CE Les Dyl
Eddie Kerrigan CE Chris Hesketh (c)
John O'Sullivan WG John Bevan
Dennis Williams FE/SO Ken Gill
Ken Stirling (c) HB/SH Steve Nash
Lyndsay Proctor PR Terry Clawson
Bill Burgoyne HK John Gray
Doug Gailey PR Jimmy Thompson
Tony Coll SR Colin Dixon
John Greengrass SR Steve Norton
Murray Eade LK/LF George Nicholls
Wayne Robertson Int. Kevin Ashcroft
Int.
George Menzies Coach Jim Challinor

30 July 1974
Māori  Tino Rangatiratanga Maori sovereignty movement flag.svg16 – 19 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
Dennis Key, Josh Liavaa
Goals:
Dane Sorensen (5)
Report
Tries:
Steve Nash, Maurice Richards, Jimmy Thompson
Goals:
Terry Clawson (5)
Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Bob Cooper

Māori: Paul Matete, David Liavaa, Pesa Sua, Dennis Williams, Eddie Kerrigan, Ray Harris, Dennis Key, Bill Raihe, William Burgoyne (c), Clarrie Whaange, Dane Sorensen, Josh Liavaa, Peter Gurnick. Reserves – Eddie Orchard, Kevin Tamati. Coach –

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Redfearn, Les Dyl, Chris Hesketh (c), Maurice Richards, John Butler, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, Jimmy Thompson, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton, George Nicholls. Reserves –


1 August 1974
Wellington Wellington colours.svg 11 – 39 Great Britain colours.svg Great Britain Lions
Tries:
M. Brandon
Goals:
Alan Brooks (4)
Report
Tries:
Roger Millward (2), Kevin Ashcroft, Alan Bates, John Bevan, Ken Gill, Steve Norton, Bill Ramsay, David Redfearn
Goals:
Roger Millward (6)
Basin Reserve, Wellington
Attendance: 5,000
Referee: M. Anderson

Wellington: Alan Brooks, Meredith, Thompson, M. Edmonds, M. Brandon, Nolan Tupaea, Cohen, R, Farrell, Collier, Whetu Henry, Morris, Smith, Hannah. Reserves – Kevin Tamati. Coach –

Great Britain: Maurice Richards, David Redfearn, Roger Millward (c), John Butler, John Bevan, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, Jim Mills, Kevin Ashcroft, Jimmy Thompson, Bill Ramsay, Eric Chisnall, Steve Norton. Reserves – Colin Dixon


Second Test

Third Test

Statistics

Leading try scorer

Leading point scorer

Largest attendance

Largest non-test attendance


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<span class="mw-page-title-main">1975 Rugby League World Cup</span> 7th tournament for the Rugby League World Cup

The 1975 Rugby League World Cup was the seventh World Cup for men’s rugby league national teams and ran from 2 March to 12 November. Australia were the winners for a fourth time after topping the group table.

The 1977 Rugby League World Cup was the eighth World Cup held for men’s national rugby league teams and hosted in Australia and New Zealand and ran between 29 May and 25 June. Australia were Champions after beating Great Britain in the Final at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The 1979 European Rugby League Championship was a three-way tournament between the national rugby league football teams of England, France and Wales.

Players in Bold are members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Players in Italics have had their numbers retired by the team.

The 1972–73 Northern Rugby Football League season was the 78th season of rugby league football played in England. It would also be the last season whereby the British championship was decided by a play-off system until Super League III in 1998. Dewsbury were crowned champions after defeating Leeds in the Final. The 1972–73 season was also punctuated by the 1972 Rugby League World Cup which was played in France in October and November. At the end of this season the league re-formed into two divisions. The top 16 in the championship would form Division 1 and the bottom 14 Division 2.

The Captain Morgan Trophy was a knock-out trophy introduced by the Rugby League for season 1973–74. It was scrapped after only one season.

The 1980 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain and France was a tour by the New Zealand national rugby league team. The test series between the New Zealand national rugby league team and Great Britain was drawn one all, as was the test series between New Zealand and France.

The 1978 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France comprised the Australia national rugby league team's fourteenth tour of Great Britain and ninth tour of France and took place from September to December 1978. Coached by Frank Stanton and captained by Bob Fulton, the Australian team, also known as the Kangaroos, played a match against Wales before contesting the Ashes series against Great Britain, winning the third and deciding Test match. The tourists then moved on to France where they were narrowly beaten in both Tests, the last series the Kangaroos would lose until 2005. In addition to these six internationals, the Australians played sixteen other matches against local club and representative sides in both countries. The 1978 Kangaroo tour followed the tour of 1973 while the next tour would be staged in 1982.

The 1977 Rugby League World Cup involved players from the national rugby league football teams of four countries: Australia, France, Great Britain and New Zealand.

The 1980 Kangaroo Tour of New Zealand was a mid-season tour of New Zealand by the Australia national rugby league team. The Australians played seven matches on tour, including a two test series against the New Zealand national rugby league team. The tour began on 1 June and finished on 17 June.

This is a list of the five national teams who played the 1975 Rugby League World Cup.

This is a list of the teams which took part at the 1972 Rugby League World Cup.

This is a list of the squads which took part at the 1970 Rugby League World Cup.

The 1984 Great Britain Lions tour was the Great Britain national rugby league team's 17th tour of Australasia and took place from May to August 1984. A total of 24 matches were played against local club and representative sides during the tour, including a three match Test match series against Australia and New Zealand respectively, and one Test match against Papua New Guinea.

The 1979 Great Britain Lions tour was the Great Britain national rugby league team's 16th tour of Australasia and took place from May to August 1979. A total of 27 matches were played against local club and representative sides during the tour, including a three match Test match series against Australia and New Zealand respectively.

References

  1. Mather, Harold (5 March 1974). "Dream comes true for Hesketh". The Guardian. London. p. 25. ProQuest   185792319.
  2. Mather, Harold (13 March 1974). "Leeds are let down by backs". The Guardian. London. p. 21. ProQuest   185663378.
  3. "Oxley is league's choice". The Guardian. London. 16 May 1974. p. 28. ProQuest   185632872.
  4. "Brain damage suspected". The Canberra Times. 3 July 1974. p. 28 via Trove.
  5. "Ashes Series 1974 Series - Game 1". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  6. "Ashes Series 1974 Series - Game 2". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  7. "Ashes Series 1974 Series - Game 3". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  8. "New Zealand vs Great Britain 1974 Series - Game 1". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  9. "New Zealand vs Great Britain 1974 Series - Game 2". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  10. "New Zealand vs Great Britain 1974 Series - Game 3". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.