1977 Pacific Cup

Background

The 1977 Pacific Cup was run by the New South Wales Rugby League, following the success of the inaugural 1975 Pacific Cup. The tournament involved three Australian state sides as well as Papua New Guinea, who did not yet have Test match status, and the New Zealand Māori.{{cite book

Squads

Each team was allowed to choose a 22-man squad for the tournament.

• New Zealand Māori: Reg Tamihere, Noel Rollo, James Leuluai, Pesa Sua, Ray Harris, Dennis Key, Murray Netzler, Neil Aspin, John Wilson, Josh Liavaa, T. Tolea, Ian Bell, K. Jenkinson (Auckland); Dick Uluave (Manawatu); C. Morgan, Warren Rangi, Harry Waikai, Rick Muru, Pop Raihe (c) (Waikato); Jack Knuckey (Taranaki); Eddie Orchard (Bay of Plenty); R. Tiananga (Hamilton).

• Papua New Guinea: Dikana Boge, Tara Gau, Bob Greathead, Garia Kora, Steve Malum, Paul Tore, John Wagambie (c), Asi Winnie (Southern Region); Joe Gandel, Sukope Iko, Paul Kombinari, Jack Metta, Alan Rero, Stainer Sapu, Joe Tomerup, Linus Gene (Highlands Region); Openi Geno, Vai Karava, Kaiva Kako (Northern Region); Peter Pais, David Pukuntap, David Tangoa (Islands Region).

Team of the Tournament

Following the final, a 17-man squad was named consisting of the best players in the tournament. Papua New Guinea lock John Wagambie was named the player of the tournament.

• New Zealand Māori: John Wilson, Ray Harris, Eddie Orchard, Dennis Key, Murray Netzler, Ian Bell, Warren Rangi;
• Papua New Guinea: Bob Greathead, John Wagambie, Alan Rero, Tara Gau
• Western Australia: Martin Ridley, John Fielding, Alec Lockley
• Northern Territory: Brian Allia, Bob Dowie
• Victoria: Dave McFee

Results

An opening ceremony was held at Turangawaewae Marae in Huntly.

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

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Final

References

References

1. (17 August 1977). "All Maoris from north". [[The Press]].
2. (8 September 1977). "Stars' exclusion an injustice". [[Post-Courier]].
3. (30 September 1977). "League cup to Maoris". [[The Press]].
4. (19 September 1977). "Maori league walk-over". [[The Press]].
5. (22 September 1977). "W. Australia, Maoris in league final?". [[The Press]].
6. (28 September 1977). "Maoris retain the cup with ease". [[Papua New Guinea Post-Courier]].