1985 Kangaroo tour of New Zealand

1985 rugby league tour The 1985 Kangaroo Tour of New Zealand was a mid-season tour of New Zealand by the Australia national rugby league team. The Australians played six matches on tour, including the final two games of a three-game test series against the Graham Lowe coached, Mark Graham captained New Zealand Kiwis, with the first test taking place at Lang Park in Brisbane on 18 June. The New Zealand tour began on 19 June and finished on 10 July.1985 Kangaroo Tour of New Zealand @ Rugby League Project Squad and Leadership After long time coach Frank Stanton stepped down from representative coaching duties after Australia's successful defence of The Ashes in 1984 against the touring Great Britain Lions, the Australian Rugby League re-appointed 1977 Rugby League World Cup Final winning coach and former Parramatta Eels coach Terry Fearnley as head coach of the Kangaroos. The team was captained by Queensland captain Wally Lewis who had captained the team since the 1984 Ashes series. Balmain's New South Wales captain-in waiting Wayne Pearce was chosen as the team vice-captain after Blues captain Steve Mortimer announced his retirement from representative football and declined to tour. The team consisted of 19 players, 13 of them from the Winfield Cup with all being from New South Wales except for red-headed Manly-Warringah back rower Paul Vautin who was the only Queensland player selected from the Sydney Premiership. 5 of the 6 Queensland based players were drawn from the Brisbane Rugby League competition with only hooker Greg Conescu picked from country Queensland as he was playing for Past Brothers in Gladstone. Controversy While he was named Australian coach, Terry Fearnley had also been appointed as New South Wales State of Origin coach in 1985. After losing the single Origin games played in 1980 and 1981, as well as the 1982, 1983 and 1984 Origin series, the once dominant Blues won their first ever Origin series in 1985 after winning games 1 and 2. In what was to prove a case of bad planning, the test series and the tour of NZ were scheduled to take place between games 2 and 3 of the Origin series. Rumours soon surfaced that Fearnley and Lewis did not get along on tour. Lewis later confirmed this by admitting in television interviews that the pair hated each other while Fearnley openly admitted that in light of the circumstances he could have done a better job in bringing the team together (Steve Mortimer, who had formed a close friendship with Lewis since they first teamed together in the Australian halves in 1981 and were room mates on the 1982 Kangaroo tour, later also said that he regretted his decision not to tour as he believed his relationships with both of them could have acted as a bridge and eased the tension). Wally Lewis also publicly stated that he believed Fearnley openly favoured vice-captain Wayne Pearce, as well as the rest of the Kangaroos who were from his NSW team. At one point before the third test in Auckland, Lewis claimed to have caught Fearnley and Pearce going over team selection in Fearnley's hotel room, something strongly denied by the pair. Fearnley himself created controversy on the tour. In the book King Wally which was published in 1987, Wally Lewis claimed that Fearnley had said of team member Michael O'Connor, a NSW player, "Can't play, no heart. Lucky he can kick goals or he wouldn't be here" (a former Wallabies rugby union international, O'Connor was the only player not to play a test on the tour). The publishing of this story led to some animosity over the coming years between Lewis and O'Connor despite them being regular Test team mates until the end of 1989. But the biggest controversy came from the team selection for the third test. Fearnley dropped five players from the second test win, four of them Queenslanders (Chris Close, Mark Murray, Greg Dowling and Greg Conescu - Close and Dowling dropped to the bench. Noel Cleal who played from the bench in the 2nd Test was the only NSW player dropped), which caused all hell to break loose and prompted Queensland Rugby League Chairman, Federal Senator Ron McAuliffe, to publicly condemn the dropping of the four Queensland players from a winning Test side, saying "Its a football assassination and beyond all reasoning. And there can be no reasonable excuse for it".McGregor Adrian King Wally 1987 Tandem Press Qld 9780908884353 With the replacement players in place (Steve Ella, Des Hasler, Peter Tunks and Benny Elias), the disjointed Kangaroos would go on to lose the third test 18–0, the first time they had been held scoreless since losing 19–0 to Great Britain in the 3rd Ashes series Test of the 1956–57 Kangaroo tour. Such was the animosity in the group between the NSW and Qld players that according to second row forward Paul "Fatty" Vautin (one of 4 Queensland players who retained their spot in the starting XIII) in his book Fatty: The Strife and Times of Paul Vautin, two of the dropped players Mark Murray and Greg Conescu, acted as the Australian teams statisticians for the game and that both recorded a number of errors that were actually made by team mates to the players who directly replaced them in the side, Hasler and Elias.Colman Mike Fatty: The Strife and Times of Paul Vautin 1992 Ironbark Press Sydney 9781875471171 Terry Fearnley stepped down as Australian coach following the tour. He would be replaced in 1986 by 1956–57 Kangaroo tourist and Canberra Raiders head coach Don Furner. As a result of the problems during the tour, the Australian Rugby League made a number of decisions for future Australian teams, including: No current State of Origin coach can also be the current Australian coach. Mid-season Test series or single Tests will only take place before or after the Origin series and not during one to avoid bringing the NSW vs Qld rivalry into the Australian team. Touring squad * Tests and (as sub) not included in games totals.* Table includes Brisbane Test. Player Club Position(s) Games (as sub) Tests (as sub) Tries Goals F/Goals Points Noel Cleal Manly 16 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles SR 3 1 (1) 5 0 0 20 Chris Close Manly 16 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles CE 2 2 (1) 2 0 0 8 Greg Conescu Brothers 16 Past Brothers Gladstone (Qld) HK 2 2 0 0 0 0 Greg Dowling Wynnum-Manly 16 Wynnum Manly Seagulls (Qld) PR 2 2 (1) 0 0 0 0 Benny Elias Balmain 16 Balmain Tigers HK 2 (1) 1 0 0 0 0 Steve Ella Parramatta 16 Parramatta Eels FB CE FE 3 1 (1) 2 0 0 8 John Ferguson Easts 16 Eastern Suburbs Roosters WG 3 3 2 0 0 8 Des Hasler Manly 16 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles HB WG 3 1 5 0 0 20 Garry Jack Balmain 16 Balmain Tigers FB 2 (2) 3 4 0 0 16 Wally Lewis (c) Wynnum-Manly 16 Wynnum Manly Seagulls (Qld) FE 2 3 1 0 0 4 Mal Meninga Souths Magpies 16 Souths Magpies (Qld) CE 2 3 3 11 0 34 Mark Murray Redcliffe 16 Redcliffe Dolphins (Qld) HB 2 (1) 2 0 0 0 0 Michael O'Connor St George 16 St George Dragons CE FB 4 – 3 13 0 38 Wayne Pearce (vc) Balmain 16 Balmain Tigers LK 3 3 0 0 0 0 John Ribot Redcliffe 16 Redcliffe Dolphins (Qld) WG 4 3 6 3 0 24 Steve Roach Balmain 16 Balmain Tigers PR 2 (1) 3 0 0 0 0 Peter Tunks Canterbury 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs PR 4 1 (1) 0 0 0 0 Paul Vautin Manly 16 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles SR 1 2 0 0 0 0 Peter Wynn Parramatta 16 Parramatta Eels SR LK 1 3 0 0 0 0 Tour First test Immediately prior to the tour, the first test took place at Lang Park in Brisbane on 18 June. This match is most remembered for the sideline fight between rival prop forwards Greg Dowling and Kevin Tamati after the pair had been sent to the sin-bin for fighting.Dowling vs Tamati fight #eeeeee Tuesday, 18 June AUS NZL 26 – 20 1st Test - Australia vs New Zealandhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122516827 Rugby League - Filipaina hauled from reserves to subdue 'dangerous' Lewis The Canberra Times Canberra 18 Jun 1985 31 Dec 2021 22 National Library of Australiahttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122516992 Free-running Test sways in Australia's favour The Canberra Times Canberra 19 Jun 1985 31 Dec 2021 40 National Library of Australia Tries: 5 John Ribot (2) Noel Cleal Chris Close Steve Roach Goals: 3 Mal Meninga (2/6) John Ribot (1/1) Tries: 3 Dean Bell Olsen Filipaina Hugh McGahan Goals: 4 Olsen Filipaina (4) Lang Park, Brisbane 22,000 Julien Rascagnères FRA Olsen Filipaina Kiwis 16 _goldborder_2 _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia _whiteshoulders _NZKiwis _whiteshoulders _2whitestripes 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 New Zealand FB 1 Garry JackLW 2 John RibotCE 3 Chris CloseCE 4 Mal MeningaRW 5 John FergusonFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Mark MurrayPR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Greg ConescuPR 10 Steve RoachSR 11 Noel ClealSR 12 Peter WynnLF 13 Wayne PearceSubstitutions:IC 14 Steve EllaIC 15 Peter TunksCoach:AUS Terry Fearnley FB 1 Gary KembleLW 2 Dean BellCE 3 Gary ProhmCE 4 James LeuluaiRW 5 Dane O'HaraFE 6 Olsen FilipainaHB 7 Clayton FriendPR 8 Owen WrightHK 9 Howie TamatiPR 10 Kevin TamatiSR 11 Kurt SorensenSR 12 Mark Graham (c)LK 13 Hugh McGahanSubstitutions:IC 14 Riki CowanIC 15 Mark EliaCoach:NZL Graham Lowe The Australians played six games on the tour, winning five. Sunday 23 June South Island Kiwis 16 0 – 56 Report Australia 16 Australia Tries: Goals: Tries: Mal Meninga (3), Des Hasler (2), John Ribot (2), John Ferguson, Garry Jack, Wally Lewis, Michael O'Connor Goals: Mal Meninga (6/11) Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch 5,000 Don Wilson NZL Mal Meninga Australia 16 South Island: Robin Alfeld, Mike Kerrigan, Bill Baker, Lance Setu, Marty Crequer, David Field (c), Glen Gibb, Paul Truscott, Wayne Wallace, Ross Taylor, Adrian Shelford, Brent Stuart, Barry Edkins. Reserves – Boyd Kilkelly, David Campbell. Coach – Ray Haffenden Australia: Steve Ella, John Ferguson, Michael O'Connor, Mal Meninga, John Ribot, Wally Lewis (c), Des Hasler, Steve Roach, Benny Elias, Peter Tunks, Wally Fullerton Smith, Noel Cleal, Peter Wynn. Reserves – Garry Jack, Greg Conescu Wednesday, 26 June Central Districts Newcastle 16 4 – 24 Report Australia 16 Australia Tries: John Gray Goals: Tries: Chris Close, John Ferguson, Des Hasler Goals: Mal Meninga (1) Michael O'Connor (1) Hutt Recreation Ground, Wellington 5,500 Tony Drake Central Districts: Vaun O'Callaghan, Bill Baker, Ben Mathews, Kelly Shelford, John Gray, Gerard Katene, Phil Bancroft, Glen Bell, James Goulding, Barry Harvey, Sam Stewart, Mike Kuiti, Phillip Henry. Reserves – Gary Freeman, Dave MacFarlane. Coach – John O'Sullivan Australia: Michael O'Connor, John Ferguson, Chris Close, Mal Meninga, John Ribot, Mark Murray, Des Hasler, Steve Roach, Greg Conescu, Peter Tunks, Wally Fullerton Smith, Paul Vautin, Wayne Pearce (c). Reserves – Garry Jack, Benny Elias Second test The Australians escaped with a 10-6 win over New Zealand thanks to a last minute try to winger John Ribot. #eeeeee Sunday, 30 June NZL AUS 6 – 10 Second Test - New Zealand v Australiahttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122519766 Rugby League - Australia dwarfed by NZ experience The Canberra Times Canberra 30 Jun 1985 1 Jan 2022 29 National Library of Australiahttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127205808 Tension shows in trans-Tasman Test - Australia seizes chance for its brilliant break The Canberra Times Canberra 1 Jul 1985 1 Jan 2022 28 National Library of Australia Foster Michael Tries: James Leuluai Goals: Olsen Filipaina (1) Tries: John Ribot Goals: Mal Meninga (2) John Ribot (1) Carlaw Park, Auckland 19,132 Julien Rascagnères FRA Olsen Filipaina Kiwis 16 _whiteshoulders _NZKiwis _whiteshoulders _2whitestripes 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 New Zealand _goldborder_2 _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1 Gary KembleLW 2 Dean BellCE 3 Gary ProhmCE 4 James LeuluaiRW 5 Dane O'HaraFE 6 Olsen FilipainaHB 7 Clayton FriendPR 8 Owen WrightHK 9 Howie TamatiPR 10 Kevin TamatiSR 11 Kurt SorensenSR 12 Mark Graham (c)LK 13 Hugh McGahanSubstitutions:IC 14 Joe RopatiIC 15 Riki CowanCoach:NZL Graham Lowe FB 1 Garry JackLW 2 John RibotCE 3 Chris CloseCE 4 Mal MeningaRW 5 John FergusonFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Mark MurrayPR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Greg ConescuPR 10 Steve RoachSR 11 Paul VautinSR 12 Peter WynnLF 13 Wayne PearceSubstitutions:IC 14 Noel ClealIC 15 Steve EllaCoach:AUS Terry Fearnley Wednesday, 3 July Northern Districts NSW 16 6 – 52 Report Australia 16 Australia Tries: Shane Horo Goals: Rusty Campbell (1) Tries: Noel Cleal (2), Steve Ella (2), Garry Jack (2), Benny Elias, Wally Fullerton Smith, Des Hasler, Michael O'Connor, John Ribot Goals: Michael O'Connor (3/8) John Ribot (1/2) Okara Park, Whangārei 1,500 Ray Shrimpton Peter Tunks Australia 16 Northern Districts: George Huriwai, Terry Rapana, Walter Toka, Pihama Green, Shane Horo, Russell Stewart, Glenn Donaldson, Tom Murray, Trevor Clark, Darren Harris, Mark Horo, Rusty Campbell, Neville Ramsey. Reserves – Poko Daniels, Derek Nukunuka. Coach – Tony Gordon Australia: Garry Jack, John Ribot, Michael O'Connor, Steve Ella, John Ferguson, Wally Lewis (c), Des Hasler, Greg Dowling, Benny Elias, Peter Tunks, Noel Cleal, Wally Fullerton Smith, Wayne Pearce. Reserves – Mark Murray, Steve Roach Third test The dead rubber third test also doubled as the first game of the 1985–1988 Rugby League World Cup tournament. John Ribot, Steve Ella, John Ferguson, Peter Wynn and Chris Close played their last tests for Australia. #eeeeee Sunday, 7 July NZL AUS 18 – 0 Third Test - New Zealand v Australiahttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127207017 Times sport - Ella steps out of shadows The Canberra Times Canberra 7 Jul 1985 31 Dec 2021 5 National Library of Australiahttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127207126 Rugby League - Kiwis humble the champions 18-0 The Canberra Times Canberra 8 Jul 1985 31 Dec 2021 20 National Library of Australia Tries: Clayton Friend (2) James Leuluai Goals: Olsen Filipaina (3/4) Tries: Goals: Carlaw Park, Auckland 15,327 Julien Rascagnères FRA Clayton Friend Kiwis 16 _whiteshoulders _NZKiwis _whiteshoulders _2whitestripes 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 New Zealand _goldborder_2 _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1 Gary KembleLW 2 Dean BellCE 3 Gary ProhmCE 4 James LeuluaiRW 5 Dane O'HaraFE 6 Olsen FilipainaHB 7 Clayton FriendPR 8 Owen WrightHK 9 Howie TamatiPR 10 Kevin TamatiSR 11 Kurt SorensenSR 12 Mark Graham (c)LK 13 Hugh McGahanSubstitutions:IC 14 Joe RopatiIC 15 Riki CowanCoach:NZL Graham Lowe FB 1 Garry JackLW 2 John RibotCE 3 Mal MeningaCE 4 Steve EllaRW 5 John FergusonFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Des HaslerPR 8 Peter TunksHK 9 Benny EliasPR 10 Steve RoachSR 11 Paul VautinSR 12 Peter WynnLF 13 Wayne PearceSubstitutions:IC 14 Chris CloseIC 15 Greg DowlingCoach:AUS Terry Fearnley Tuesday, 9 July Auckland Aucklandnzrl 16 10 – 50 Report Australia 16 Australia Tries: Mark Bourneville, Dennis Stewart Goals: Nick Wright (1) Tries: Chris Close (3), Noel Cleal (2), Des Hasler, Garry Jack, Michael O'Connor Goals: Michael O'Connor (9/11) Carlaw Park, Auckland 18,000 Dennis Hale Auckland: Nick Wright, Mark Bourneville, Darrell Williams, Ron O'Regan, Mark Elia, Kelly Shelford, Sam Panapa, Riki Cowan, Tracey McGregor, Frank Tinitelia, James Goulding, Dennis Stewart, Ian Bell. Reserves – . Coach – Bob Bailey Australia: Garry Jack, Des Hasler, Chris Close, Michael O'Connor, John Ribot, Steve Ella, Mark Murray, Peter Tunks, Greg Conescu, Greg Dowling, Wally Fullerton Smith, Noel Cleal, Wayne Pearce (c). Reserves – Statistics * stats only for games played in New Zealand. First Test in Brisbane not included here. Leading Try Scorer 5 by Des Hasler Leading Point Scorer 38 by Michael O'Connor (3 tries, 13 goals) Largest Test Attendance 19,132 – Second test vs New Zealand at Carlaw Park Largest non-test Attendance 18,000 – Australia vs Auckland at Carlaw Park References External links Category:Rugby league tours of New Zealand Category:Australia national rugby league team tours Kangaroo tour of New Zealand Kangaroo tour of New Zealand