X-Nico

unusual facts about New Zealand Kiwis



Auckland Lions

The New Zealand Kiwis coach at the time, Brian McClennan, served as Director of Football for the first few weeks of the season before stepping down to concentrate on the National side.

Auckland rugby league team

Auckland representative sides traditionally wear a blue jersey with a white double 'V', in the same style of the New Zealand Kiwis jersey but with blue instead of black, this is still the jersey worn by the Auckland Vulcans NSW Cup team.

Brett Mullins

In 1997, Mullins played from the bench in the Super League only Australian team in their 12-30 loss to New Zealand at the North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.

Chris Cahill

He is the brother of Australian international Tim Cahill, who currently plays for New York Red Bulls and cousin of Ben Roberts (New Zealand Kiwis), Joe Stanley (New Zealand All Blacks), and Jeremy Stanley (New Zealand All Blacks).

Ernest Mair

New Zealand lost the series 0-3 against the Great Britain Lions and also lost a test match against Wales.

Graeme Hughes

He also had a stint as Channel 7 commentator for Australian Tests in 1992-93 against Great Britain and New Zealand, before moving to New Zealand to call the Auckland Warriors matches in 1995 for Sky NZ, He hosted Ten Network's coverage of the Seoul Olympics.

Graeme Norton

Norton came back into national prominence when he was appointed assistant coach of the New Zealand Kiwis by Brian McClennan in 2005.

Greg Alexander

After making his test debut in the 26-6 first test win against New Zealand at the Queen Elizabeth II Park in Christchurch and playing in the 8-0 second test win at Rotorua, Alexander lost his place in the side with coach Bob Fulton preferring his 1987 premiership winning halfback from Manly-Warringah, Des Hasler, in the position for the third and final test.

Hitro Okesene

He played at either Prop or Hooker and represented the New Zealand Kiwis on five occasions both on the 1994 tour of Australia and Papua New Guinea and at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup.

Riki Cowan

Cowan represented Auckland and the New Zealand Māori side before being selected to play for the New Zealand Kiwis in 1984.

Romi Ropati

Ropati is a member of a famous rugby league family and he had three older brothers who played internationally for the New Zealand Kiwis (Joe, Tea and Iva).


see also