1998 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain

Background

New Zealand arrived in Great Britain for the first time since the 1995 World Cup, having already lost a test series 1–2 with Australia. It was the first full tour of Great Britain by a New Zealand side since 1993.

Many of the squad, including coach Frank Endacott, had been involved in the Auckland Warriors' 1998 season, where they had finished 15th out of 20 clubs. In addition to this the Auckland Rugby League were looking to sell the club during the tour.

Squad

A 22-man squad was named by coach Frank Endacott. Shortly before the tour, captain Matthew Ridge announced his retirement from international rugby league, and Quentin Pongia was appointed as his replacement. Centres Willie Talau and Richie Blackmore were unavailable due to injury.

The squad included two sets of brothers; the Iros, Kevin and Tony and the Pauls, Robbie and Henry.

Fixtures

They won the first two test matches 22–16 and 36–16 before being held to a 23-all draw in the third and final test match. Australian referee Bill Harrigan controlled all three Test matches.

In the second test match Great Britain were ahead 16–8 at halftime before letting in 28 points in the second half to lose the match and the series.

Aftermath

New Zealand next competed against Great Britain in the 1999 Tri-Nations but did not tour Great Britain again until the 2000 World Cup. The next full tour was conducted in 2002 which saw a drawn test series 1-all.

The Auckland Warriors were sold to a consortium that included majority investor the Tainui tribe as well as Graham Lowe and Malcolm Boyle. Kiwi coach Frank Endacott was replaced as Warriors coach and several Kiwis left the club included Stephen Kearney, Quentin Pongia, and Kevin Iro. Endacott's next coaching assignment would be the 1999 ANZAC Test on 23 April.

References

References

1. (15 October 1998). "Rugby League: Gateshead set to sign local talent".
2. (15 October 1998). "Pongia is put to the Test". [[Newcastle Herald]].
3. (19 October 1998). "Holiday plans disrupted as Smith lands tour callup". [[The Dominion (Wellington).
4. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121106044847/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4941788.html Family power struggle is force behind fearsome Paul brothers Analysis of the relationship between Bradford and New Zealand rugby league siblings reveals plenty about their talents] ''The Independent'', 10 November 1998
5. [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Rugby+League%3A+Brits+Face+Kiwi+Rout%3B+Great+Britain+16+New+Zealand+36.-a060627412 Brits Face Kiwi Rout; Great Britain 16 New Zealand 36] ''The Mirror'', 9 November 1998
6. "Rugby League: Kiwis tours build up special magic". The New Zealand Herald.
7. "Great Britain vs New Zealand 1998 Series - Game 1 - Rugby League Project".
8. "Great Britain vs New Zealand 1998 Series - Game 2 - Rugby League Project".
9. "Great Britain vs New Zealand 1998 Series - Game 3 - Rugby League Project".
10. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121106044857/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4949126.html Endacott seeks a new warrior class The coach of New Zealand's rugby league Test side is totally focused on a series victory] ''The Independent'', 30 October 1998