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. [1]
As he had been since 1978, Frank Stanton was the coach of the Australian team. Canterbury-Bankstwon hooker, Greek born George Peponis, was the tour captain.
The squad was made up mostly of those playing in the Sydney Premiership. Although not the only Queenslander in the squad, Chris Close was the sole player selected from Queensland, prior to his Man of the Match performance in the experimental 1980 State of Origin game.
The Australian's played seven games on the tour, winning five, losing one with one drawn game.
Sunday 1 June |
New Zealand  | 6 – 27 |  Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Goals: Michael O'Donnell (3) | [2] [3] | Tries: Alan Thompson Kerry Boustead Rod Reddy Craig Young Goals: Michael Cronin (6/8) |
         New Zealand |      Australia |
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Wednesday 4 June |
Māori  | 10 – 10 |  Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: James Leuluai Kevin Tamati Goals: Dennis Williams (2) | [4] [5] [6] | Tries: Graham Quinn Chris Close Goals: Graeme Wynn (2) Sent Off: Chris Close |
Friday 6 June |
Central Districts  | 0 – 23 | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Goals: | [7] [8] | Tries: Graham Quinn (2) Rohan Hancock Greg Brentnall Graeme Wynn Goals: Mick Cronin (4) |
Sunday 15 June |
| New Zealand | 6 – 15 | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Goals: Michael O'Donnell (3) | [13] [14] [15] | Tries: Les Boyd Michael Cronin Rod Reddy Goals: Michael Cronin (3) |
New Zealand | Australia |
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Largest Test Attendance
Largest non-test Attendance
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