1979 Great Britain Lions tour

April 2022 1979 Great Britain Lions tour 25 May 1979 – 13 August 1979 Harry WomersleyDick Gemmell Eric Ashton Doug Laughton John Woods (171) Steve Evans (16) 27 21 1 5 6 2 0 4 AUS 3 0 0 3 NZL 3 2 0 1 1974 1984 The 1979 Great Britain Lions tour was the Great Britain national rugby league team's 16th tour of Australasia and took place from May to August 1979. A total of 27 matches were played against local club and representative sides during the tour, including a three match Test match series against Australia and New Zealand respectively. Touring squad In March 1979, a 30-man squad was selected for the tour, with Doug Laughton appointed as captain.Fitzpatrick Paul Dyl left out of overseas tour The Guardian 28 March 1979 London 27 186084158 The squad included Widnes prop Jim Mills, who was banned from playing in New Zealand due to an incident in 1975 when Mills played for Wales against New Zealand.Fitzpatrick Paul New Zealand adamant on Mills ban The Guardian 29 March 1979 London 27 Despite an appeal to overturn the ban, the International Board confirmed the ban would be upheld.Fitzpatrick Paul Mills tour ban stands The Guardian 14 June 1979 London 24 186063885 After the squad was selected, John Bevan and Stuart Wright were forced to withdraw due to injury, and were replaced by Roy Mathias and David Barends.Fitzpatrick Paul Replacements have right credentials The Guardian 11 May 1979 London 26 186162353 Ken Kelly also suffered an injury shortly before the tour departed, and was replaced by John Holmes.Holmes called up for tour The Guardian 21 May 1979 London 28 186186261 Name Position Club Apps Tests Tries Goals Drop goals Points Notes Mick Adams Forward Widnes 16 Widnes 16 5 0 8 1 17 David Barends Back Bradford 16 Bradford Northern 16 2 10 0 0 30 John Burke John Burke (rugby league, born 1948) Forward Wakefield 16 Wakefield Trinity 9 0 0 0 0 0 Burke John Burke was called up as a replacement for Jim Mills due to injury.Burke and Fairbairn face instant action on tour The Guardian 22 June 1979 London 25 186129790 Len Casey Forward Bradford 16 Bradford Northern 14 5 4 0 0 12 Steve Evans Steve Evans (rugby league) Back Featherstone 16 Featherstone Rovers 19 6 16 0 0 48 George Fairbairn George Fairbairn (rugby) Back Wigan 16 Wigan 10 5 3 18 1 46 Fairbairn George Fairbairn was called up as a replacement for Tommy Martyn due to injury. Peter Glynn Back St Helens 16 St Helens 15 0 6 0 0 18 Jeff Grayshon Forward Bradford 16 Bradford Northern 14 5 2 0 0 6 Phil Hogan Phil Hogan (rugby league) Forward Hull KR 16 Hull Kingston Rovers 14 4 5 0 0 15 John Holmes John Holmes (rugby league) Back Leeds 16 Leeds 13 6 1 2 0 7 Eric Hughes Eric Hughes (rugby, born 1950) Back Widnes 16 Widnes 17 6 8 0 0 24 Melvyn James Forward St Helens 16 St Helens 13 0 3 0 0 9 John Joyner Back Castleford 16 Castleford 14 6 6 0 0 18 Doug Laughton (c) Forward Widnes 16 Widnes 5 1 0 0 0 0 Graham Liptrot Forward St Helens 16 St Helens 11 0 1 0 0 3 Brian Lockwood Forward Hull KR 16 Hull Kingston Rovers 12 1 1 0 0 3 Tommy Martyn Thomas Martyn (rugby league) Forward Warrington 16 Warrington 5 0 3 0 0 9 Fairbairn Roy Mathias Back St Helens 16 St Helens 17 1 10 0 0 30 Jim Mills Jim Mills (rugby) Forward Widnes 16 Widnes 5 1 2 0 0 6 Burke Roger Millward Back Hull KR 16 Hull Kingston Rovers 3 0 0 4 0 8 Topliss David Topliss was called up as a replacement for Roger Millward due to injury.Kennedy Edward Hogan is out The Guardian 28 June 1979 London 22 186193946 Keith Mumby Back Bradford 16 Bradford Northern 13 0 1 8 0 19 Steve Nash Steve Nash (rugby league) Back Salford City 16 Salford 6 0 2 0 0 6 George Nicholls George Nicholls (rugby league) Forward St Helens 16 St Helens 13 6 2 0 0 6 Steve Norton Forward Hull 16 Hull 9 2 0 0 0 0 Alan Redfearn Back Bradford 16 Bradford Northern 10 1 1 0 0 3 Trevor Skerrett Forward Wakefield 16 Wakefield Trinity 12 4 1 0 0 3 Mike Smith Mike Smith (rugby league) Back Hull KR 16 Hull Kingston Rovers 11 3 4 0 0 12 Gary Stephens Back Castleford 16 Castleford 15 5 6 0 0 18 Charlie Stone Charlie Stone (rugby league) Forward Hull 16 Hull 12 0 0 0 0 0 David Topliss Back Wakefield 16 Wakefield Trinity 7 1 2 0 0 6 Topliss David Ward David Ward (rugby league) Forward Leeds 16 Leeds 11 6 0 0 0 0 David Watkinson Forward Hull KR 16 Hull Kingston Rovers 12 1 2 0 0 6 John Woods John Woods (rugby league) Back Leigh 16 Leigh 17 4 12 67 1 171 Results Australia 25 May 1979 North Queensland Cairns 16 5 – 29 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Ron Clark Ron Clark (1) John Woods (2), Eric Hughes, John Joyner, Gary Stephens, David Watkinson John Woods (5) John Woods (1) John Breen Park, Mackay 6,200 Graham Reed Report North Queensland: Frank Daisy, S. Bax, Michael Windeatt, Ron Clark, Rob Gallagher, M. Aguis, N. Appo, Trevor Deakin, Bob Abbott, Nick Moroko, Vern Daisy, John Kynaston, Peter Luppi (c). Reserves – Bruce Barclay, Greg Dowling. Coach – Peter Luppi Great Britain: Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, John Woods, Roy Mathias, Steve Evans, Gary Stephens, Jim Mills, David Watkinson, Brian Lockwood, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Doug Laughton (c). Reserves – Mike Smith, Mel James 27 May 1979 Central Queensland Central Capras 16 11 – 20 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Jamie Mitchell Lionel Cullen (4) Tommy Martyn (2), Eric Hughes, John Joyner Roger Millward (4/5) Rockhampton Showgrounds, Rockhampton 3,307 Noel Smith Report Central Queensland: Greg Rehbein, Lionel Cullen, Greg Reynolds, Michael Goode, Chris Downie, Stuart Nobbs, Geoff Cowburn, Alan Cruasaz, Gordon Reid, Terry Farrar, Jamie Mitchell, John Bidgood, Graham Horstman. Reserves – Trevor Johnson. Coach – Paul Barrett Great Britain: Peter Glynn, Phil Hogan, Eric Hughes, Mike Smith, Roy Mathias, Roger Millward (c), Steve Nash, Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Charlie Stone, Tommy Martyn, Mick Adams, Steve Norton. Reserves – John Joyner, David Watkinson 30 May 1979 Wide Bay St George 16 7 – 27 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Duncan Campbell Doug Kelly (1) Mike Rosin (1) Steve Evans (2), Roy Mathias, Jim Mills John Woods (6) Eskdale Park, Maryborough 2,969 Bert Holland Report Wide Bay: Mike Rosin, Dean jeffries, Pat O'Brien, Doug Kelly, Duncan Campbell, Greg Sutton, Ernie Edwards (c), Brian Geary, Bill Foreman, Billy Trevor, Kim McKenna, Bryan Niebling, Butch Cox. Reserves – Greg Henry, John Curran. Coach – Great Britain: Roger Millward, Roy Mathias, Eric Hughes, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Steve Evans, Gary Stephens, Jim Mills, David Watkinson, Charlie Stone, George Nicholls, Tommy Martyn, Doug Laughton (c). Reserves – Phil Hogan 2 June 1979 NSW North Coast Bulldogs 16 6 – 33 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Phil Amidy, Errol Ruprecht Steve Evans (2), Phil Hogan (2), Roy Mathias (2), Trevor Skerrett John Woods (6) Les Burger Field, Tweed Heads 4,871 Report North Coast: Garry Chapman, Steve Bartier, Lance Randall, Greg Pensini, Gary Paxton, Phil Amidy, Tony Kennedy, Tony Price, Errol Ruprecht, Gary McQuillan, Rod Pattison, David Clay, Greg Warwick. Reserves – Gary Donnelly, David Welsh. Coach – Great Britain: John Woods, Mike Smith, John Joyner, Phil Hogan, Roy Mathias, Steve Evans, Steve Nash, Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Mick Adams, Trevor Skerrett, Steve Norton (c). Reserves – Alan Redfearn, Jeff Grayshon 5 June 1979 Northern Division Balmain 16 11 – 20 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Les Cleal Bernie Briggs (4) David Barends, Peter Glynn, Keith Mumby John Woods (5/6) Mick Adams Scully Park, Tamworth 7,600 Les Ballard Report Northern Division: Robert Thomas, Les Cleal, Brian Walden, Bernie Briggs, Noel Cleal, Shane Matthews, Wayne Smith, Len Reardon, Maurice Thompson, Mick Lewis, Ian Kearney, Jim Leis, Tony Dean. Reserves – Gary Whackett, Phil Coleman. Coach – Don Adams Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Roger Millward (c), Gary Stephens, Mel James, David Ward, Charlie Stone, Tommy Martyn, Jeff Grayshon, Len Casey. Reserves – Eric Hughes, Mick Adams 8 June 1979 Queensland Firsts QLD 16 19 – 25 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Colin Scott (2), Rohan Hancock Ian Dauth (5) David Barends, Steve Evans, John Joyner, Jim Mills, George Nicholls John Woods (5/6) Lang Park, Brisbane 5,000 Joe Ticehurst Report Queensland: Colin Scott, Brad Backer, Mark Payne, Chris Close, Ian Dauth, Alan Smith, Larry Brigginshaw, Peter Apps, Jay Hoffman, Rohan Hancock, Greg Platz (c), Bob Cock, Norm Carr. Reserves – Wally Lewis, Wayne Lindenberg. Coach – John McDonald Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Joyner, Mike Smith, Roy Mathias, John Woods, Alan Redfearn, Jim Mills, David Ward, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Doug Laughton (c), Steve Norton. Reserves – Steve Evans, Len Casey 10 June 1979 Toowoomba Toowoomba 16 19 – 16 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Trevor Dunemann Warren Green (8/11) Len Casey, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, Steve Nash Keith Mumby (2) Athletic Oval, Toowoomba 5,500 Ron Manson Report Toowoomba: Cec Docherty, Mike Williams, Alan Smith, Wayne Balderson, Warren Green, Mick Ryan, Greg Robison, Rohan Hancock, Joel Duke, Ian Lindenmeyer, Peter Connell, Greg Platz (c), Trevor Dunemann. Reserves – Willy Weatherall, Scott Barkla, Wayne Jensen, Murray Challinor. Coach – Jeff Gill Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Peter Glynn, Phil Hogan, Roy Mathias, John Holmes, Steve Nash, Mel James, David Watkinson, Brian Lockwood (c), Tommy Martyn, Len Casey, Mick Adams. Reserves – Gary Stephens, Graham Liptrot, Jeff Grayshon First Test Greek born Canterbury-Bankstown hooker George Peponis became just the second player to captain the Australian team despite not being born in Australia, taking over from the first player to do so, the recently retired Warrington born 1978 Kangaroo tour captain Bob Fulton. #eeeeee 16 June 1979 AUS 35 – 0 GBR Kerry Boustead (2) Ray Price (2) Larry Corowa Michael Cronin (10/11) Lang Park, Brisbane 23,051 Eddie Ward AUS Ray Price Australia 16 Ashes Series 1979 Series - Game 1 https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/ashes-series-1979/game-1/australia-vs-great-britain/summary.html Rugby League Project 16 April 2023 AustraliaPositionGreat BritainGraham EadieFBJohn WoodsLarry CorowaWGDavid BarendsSteve RogersCEJohn JoynerMichael CroninCEEric HughesKerry BousteadWGRoy MathiasAlan ThompsonFE/SOJohn HolmesTom RaudonikisHB/SHGary StephensRod MorrisPRTrevor SkerrettGeorge Peponis (c)HKDavid WardCraig YoungPRJim MillsRod ReddySRDoug Laughton (c)Les BoydSRGeorge NichollsRay PriceLK/LFSteve Norton Int.Steve Evans Int.Phil HoganFrank StantonCoachEric Ashton 18 June 1979 Brisbane Firsts St Helens 16 7 – 10 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Chris Close John Barber (2) David Barends, Tommy Martyn John Holmes (2) Lang Park, Brisbane 3,500 Joe Ticehurst Report Brisbane Firsts: Peter Dutton, Terry Garside, Chris Close, Mal Meninga, Bligh Davidson, Mark Murray, Ross Strudwick, Dave Brown, John Lang, John Barber, J. McLoud, Des Morris (c), Norm Carr. Reserves – Mick Neill, Wally Lewis. Coach – Henry Holloway Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Eric Hughes, Peter Glynn, John Holmes, Alan Redfearn (c), Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Charlie Stone, Tommy Martyn, Len Casey. Reserves – Trevor Skerrett 20 June 1979 NSW Southern Division Illawarra 16 0 – 10 GB 16 Great Britain Lions John Burke, Peter Hall Jim Hindmarsh (2) Steve Evans, Roy Mathias Keith Mumby (2) Orana Park, Campbelltown 4,000 Kevin Riolo Report Southern Division: Les Williams, Wayne Sharpe, Peter Hall, Peter Benny, Glen Fitzgibbon, Greg Martin, Les Hannah, John Burke, Connell Byrne, Ron Warren (c), Peter Jirgens, Steve Gilligan, Jim Hindmarsh. Reserves – Brad Murray, Daryl Warwick. Coach – John Armstrong Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Eric Hughes, Roy Mathias, Peter Glynn, Steve Nash, Mel James, David Watkinson, Brian Lockwood (c), Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Len Casey. Reserves – Jeff Grayshon 24 June 1979 Newcastle Firsts Newcastle1908 16 12 – 25 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Doug Lucas, Ziggy Niszczot Pat Smith (3) David Barends, Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, Gary Stephens Mick Adams (5/7) Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle 14,570 Adrian Wilson Report Newcastle Firsts: Jim Batey, Tony Filipuzzi, Neville Elwin, Owen Wallace, Ziggy Niszczot, Pat Smith (c), Rick Griffith, Dave Stafford, Allan Dagwell, Doug Lucas, Dave Edwards, Terry Donnelly, Peter Howlett. Reserves – Chris Lawler, Bob Everson. Coach – Allan Thomson Great Britain:Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Joyner, Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, Charlie Stone, David Ward, Brian Lockwood (c), Jeff Grayshon, Mick Adams, Steve Norton. Reserves – Steve Nash, Len Casey 26 June 1979 Riverina Western Suburbs 16 10 – 37 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Phil Bishop (2) Robert Styles (2) Len Casey, Steve Evans, George Fairbairn, John Holmes, Steve Nash, David Watkinson, John Woods George Fairbairn (5/5) John Woods (3) Eric Weissel Oval, Wagga Wagga 8,403 Noel Bissett Report Riverina: Robert Styles, Scott Hargrave, Anthony Wealand, Peter Rands (c), Brian Rosetto, Ernie Benton, Phil Bishop, Len Bertoldo, Larry Dimistrovsky, Brendon Lindsay, Greg Longhurst, Steve MacDonald, Ian O'Connell. Reserves – Greg Watt, Kerry Hemsley. Coach – Ron Crowe Great Britain: George Fairbairn, David Barends, Steve Evans, John Woods, Eric Hughes (c), John Holmes, Steve Nash, John Burke, David Watkinson, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Phil Hogan, Mick Adams. Reserves – Roy Mathias, Len Casey Second Test #eeeeee 30 June 1979 AUS 24 – 16 GBR Michael Cronin (2) Rod Reddy Steve Rogers Michael Cronin (6/9) Eric Hughes John Joyner John Woods (5/5) Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney 26,857 Greg Hartley AUS Rod Reddy Australia 16 Ashes Series 1979 Series - Game 2 https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/ashes-series-1979/game_2/australia-vs-great-britain/summary.html Rugby League Project 16 April 2023 AustraliaPositionGreat BritainGraham EadieFBGeorge FairbairnLarry CorowaWGDavid BarendsSteve RogersCEJohn JoynerMichael CroninCEJohn WoodsKerry BousteadWGEric HughesAlan ThompsonFE/SOJohn HolmesTom RaudonikisHB/SHGary StephensRod MorrisPRTrevor SkerrettGeorge Peponis (c)HKDavid WardCraig YoungPRGeorge Nicholls (c)Rod ReddySRJeff GrayshonLes BoydSRLen CaseyRay PriceLK/LFMick Adams Int.Steve Evans Int.David WatkinsonFrank StantonCoachEric Ashton 1 July 1979 Illawarra Firsts Illawarra 16 13 – 18 GB 16 Great Britain Lions John Penno, Tony Quirk, Kim Patrick (PT) Tony Quirk (2/7) Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, Jeff Grayshon, Roy Mathias George Fairbairn (3/7) Wollongong Showground, Wollongong 3,994 Tom Gustard Report Illawarra Firsts: Tony Quirk, John Penno, Noel Sunaklis, Tim Edwards, Shane McKellar, Terry Westblade, Rick Patrick, Allan Fallah, Michael Prest, Chris De Leva, Steve Calder (c), Kon Demos. Reserves – Kim Patrick, Tim McLaren. Coach – Johnny Greaves Great Britain: Keith Mumby, George Fairbairn, Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, Alan Redfearn (c), Gary Stephens, John Burke, David Watkinson, Charlie Stone, Graham Liptrot, Jeff Grayshon, Len Casey. Reserves – David Barends, Doug Laughton 4 July 1979 Western Division NSW Ireland 16 12 – 19 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Brian Johnston, John O'Connor Steve McWhirter (3) Phil Hogan, Gary Stephens, John Woods John Woods (5/5) Wade Park, Orange 4,500 Giles O'Donnell Report Western Division: John O'Connor, David Michael, Brian Johnston, Brian Godfrey, Tom Bunsworth, Steve Hall, Steve McWhirter, Ross Gibson, Col Dennis, Roger Beetson, Ross McDermott, Gary Taylor (c), Luke Rosser. Reserves – Mike Fish, Marshall Peachey. Coach – Bob Weir Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, David Topliss, Gary Stephens, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Brian Lockwood (c), Phil Hogan, Mick Adams. Reserves – Roy Mathias, David Watkinson 7 July 1979 NSW Firsts NSW 16 17 – 19 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Geoff Gerard (2), Terry Fahey John Dorahy (4) Steve Evans (2), George Fairbairn, John Woods John Woods (3) George Fairbairn (1) Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney 8,902 Kevin Roberts Report New South Wales: Allan McMahon, Neville Glover, John Dorahy, Peter Mortimer, Terry Fahey, Tony Trudgett, Steve Mortimer, Bruce Starkey, Ray Brown, Ron Hilditch, Steve Kneen, Geoff Gerard, Greg Pierce (c). Reserves – Steve Morris, Greg Cook. Coach – Frank Stanton Great Britain: George Fairbairn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, John Woods, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, Trevor Skerrett, David Watkinson, George Nicholls (c), Jeff Grayshon, Phil Hogan, Mick Adams. Reserves – Steve Evans, David Ward 8 July 1979 Monaro St Helens 16 7 – 21 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Stan Jurd Wayne Brownlie (1) Peter McGrath (1) John Woods (2), Gary Stephens John Woods (6/6) Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan 6,500 Ray Collins Report Monaro: Sam Vucago, Ross Knox, Simon Brockwell, Peter McGrath, David Hegarty, John Ballesty (c), Mick Schell, Stan Jurd, John Purcell, Doug Cameron, Ian Freeman, Wayne Brownlie, Colin Clarke. Reserves – Mike McCarthy, David Reid. Coach – Don Furner Great Britain: Keith Mumby, Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, John Woods, Mike Smith, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, Jim Mills, Graham Liptrot, Charlie Stone, Brian Lockwood (c), Mick Adams, Steve Norton. Reserves – Third Test #eeeeee 14 July 1979 AUS 28 – 2 GBR Les Boyd Graham Eadie Ray Price Rod Reddy Michael Cronin (8/13) George Fairbairn (1/1) Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney 16,844 Eddie Ward AUS Ray Price Australia 16 Ashes Series 1979 Series - Game 3 https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/ashes-series-1979/game_3/australia-vs-great-britain/summary.html Rugby League Project 16 April 2023 AustraliaPositionGreat BritainGraham EadieFBGeorge FairbairnChris AndersonWGEric HughesSteve RogersCEJohn JoynerMichael CroninCEJohn WoodsTerry FaheyWGSteve EvansAlan ThompsonFE/SODavid ToplissTom RaudonikisHB/SHAlan RedfearnCraig YoungPRGeorge Nicholls (c)George Peponis (c)HKDavid WardRod MorrisPRLen CaseyRod ReddySRJeff GrayshonLes BoydSRPhil HoganRay PriceLK/LFSteve Norton Int.John Holmes Int.Mick AdamsFrank StantonCoachEric Ashton New Zealand 17 July 1979 New Zealand Māori 13 – 15 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Toa Fepuleai (2), Dennis Williams Nick Wright (2) David Barends, Mel James, Graham Liptrot Mick Adams (3) Okara Park, Whangārei 5,000 Kevin Steel Report New Zealand Māori: Nick Wright, Toa Fepuleai, Tariana Wharekura, Dennis Williams, John Heremaia, Ray Harris, Dennis Key, Rick Muru, Murray Netzler (c), Pat Poasa, Warren Rangi, Ian Bell, Kevin Jenkinson. Reserves – , . Coach – Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Mike Smith, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Charlie Stone, Brian Lockwood (c), Mick Adams. Reserves – First Test #eeeeee 21 July 1979 NZL 8 – 16 GBR Fred Ah Kuoi Dick Uluave Warren Collicoat (1) Steve Evans George Fairbairn Eric Hughes Mike Smith George Fairbairn (2) Carlaw Park, Auckland 9,000 John Percival NZL New Zealand vs Great Britain 1979 Series - Game 1 https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/new-zealand-vs-great-britain-1979/game-1/new-zealand-vs-great-britain/summary.html Rugby League Project 16 April 2023 New ZealandPositionGreat BritainWarren CollicoatFBGeorge FairbairnDick UluaveWGSteve EvansJames LeuluaiCEJohn JoynerOlsen FilipainaCEMike SmithDane O'HaraWGEric HughesFred Ah KuoiFE/SOJohn HolmesGordon SmithHB/SHGary StephensMark BroadhurstPRLen CaseyHowie TamatiHKDavid WardDane SorensenPRGeorge Nicholls (c)Graeme West (c)SRPhil HoganKevin TamatiSRJeff GrayshonTony CollLK/LFMick Adams Int.Brian Lockwood Int.Cecil MountfordCoachEric Ashton 22 July 1979 Northern Districts NSW 16 5 – 58 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Bill Kells Steve Dunston (1) David Barends (3), Steve Evans (3), Mel James (2), Roy Mathias (2), John Woods (2), Peter Glynn, David Topliss Keith Mumby (4) John Woods (4) Davies Park, Huntly 2,000 Report Northern Districts: Michael Tahu, John Heremaia, Charles Morgan, George Samuels, Kevin Fisher (c), Bill Kells, Dave Barlow, Pat Poasa, Paul Ravlich, Paddy Mathews, Warren Rangi, Trevor Bayley, Steve Dunston. Reserves – Philip Hetet, Jack Tahuri. Coach – Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Brian Lockwood (c), Charlie Stone, Steve Norton. Reserves – John Woods, David Watkinson 25 July 1979 Central Districts Newcastle 16 5 – 14 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Brent Peri Bill Rona (1) Eric Hughes, Roy Mathias, Mike Smith, Gary Stephens Roy Mathias (1) Pukekura Park, New Plymouth 900 Earle Pilcher Report Central Districts: P. Truuts, P. Tippens, Paul Christensen, Gary Butler, Dick Uluave, Bill Rona, Jack Knuckey, Paul Te Ariki, Howie Tamati, Kerry White, Graeme West (c), N. Pekopo, Mike Butler. Reserves – J. Mitchell, Brent Peri. Coach – Great Britain: George Fairbairn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, Mike Smith, Roy Mathias, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, Mel James, David Ward, Charlie Stone, Jeff Grayshon, Steve Norton (c). Reserves – John Burke 29 July 1979 Wellington Wellington 16 3 – 39 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Mark Petersen David BarendsLen Casey, Steve Evans, John Joyner, Alan Redfearn, Mike Smith, John Woods John Joyner (9) Petone Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt 2,000 Des O'Sullivan Report Wellington: Warren Collicoat, Alan Brooks, Tariana Wharekura, Arlan Taylor, Mark Petersen, Nolan Tupaea, Gary Campbell, Whetu Henry, Kevin Tamati (c), Steve Brewster, Whare Henry, Tamu Tua, John Whittaker. Reserves – Wayne Rutene, James Porter, Bruce Tatnell, Lawrence Tekahiki. Coach – Clarke Tarawati Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Mike Smith, John Woods, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls (c), Len Casey, Phil Hogan. Reserves – John Joyner, David Watkinson 1 August 1979 Canterbury CanterburyNZRL 16 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch Don Wilson Report This match was cancelled due to flooding causing the Showgrounds to be under-water.Extreme Weather History Repeats for Canterbury The Showgrounds would be clear for the Second Test 4 days later. Second Test #eeeeee 5 August 1979 NZL 7 – 22 GBR Olsen Filipaina Olsen Filipaina (2) Len CaseySteve Evans Jeff Grayshon Eric Hughes George Fairbairn (5) Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch 8,500 John Percival NZL New Zealand vs Great Britain 1979 Series - Game 2 https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/new-zealand-vs-great-britain-1979/game_2/new-zealand-vs-great-britain/summary.html Rugby League Project 16 April 2023 New ZealandPositionGreat BritainJames LeuluaiFBGeorge FairbairnDane O'HaraWGSteve EvansOlsen FilipainaCEJohn JoynerLewis HudsonCEMike SmithDick UluaveWGEric HughesFred Ah KuoiFE/SOJohn HolmesGordon SmithHB/SHGary StephensMark BroadhurstPRGeorge Nicholls (c)Howie TamatiHKDavid WardDane SorensenPRTrevor SkerrettKevin TamatiSRLen CaseyGraeme West (c)SRJeff GrayshonTony CollLK/LFMick Adams Int. Int. Cecil MountfordCoachEric Ashton 7 August 1979 West Coast St Helens 16 0 – 19 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Wayne Dwyer (0/1) Peter O'Neill (0/3) Phil Hogan (2), John Woods (2), Roy Mathias John Woods (2) Wingham Park, Greymouth 900 Peter McKenzie Report West Coast: Peter O'Neill, Stephen Low, Mike McEwen, Bernard Green, Greg Mooney, Chris Menzies, Gordon Smith, Peter Harris, John Griffin, Wayne Dwyer, Tony Coll (c), Ray Baxendale, Michael Whitehead. Reserves – Alan Atkinson. Coach – Great Britain: George Fairbairn, David Barends, Peter Glynn, John Woods, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Charlie Stone, Brian Lockwood (c), Phil Hogan. Reserves – Third Test #eeeeee 11 August 1979 NZL 18 – 11 GBR Kevin Fisher Mark Graham James LeuluaiDane O'Hara Olsen Filipaina (3) Eric Hughes Mike Smith Gary Stephens George Fairbairn (1) Carlaw Park, Auckland 7,000 Kevin Steel NZL New Zealand vs Great Britain 1984 Series - Game 3 https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/new-zealand-vs-great-britain-1979/game_3/new-zealand-vs-great-britain/summary.html Rugby League Project 16 April 2023 New ZealandPositionGreat BritainJames LeuluaiFBGeorge FairbairnKevin FisherWGSteve EvansOlsen FilipainaCEJohn JoynerLewis HudsonCEMike SmithDane O'HaraWGEric HughesFred Ah Kuoi (c)FE/SOJohn HolmesShane VarleyHB/SHGary StephensMark BroadhurstPRTrevor SkerrettHowie TamatiHKDavid WardKevin TamatiPRGeorge Nicholls (c)Barry EdkinsSRLen CaseyTony CollSRJeff GrayshonMark GrahamLK/LFMick AdamsJohn SmithInt.John WoodsPaul RavlichInt.Phil HoganCecil MountfordCoachEric Ashton 13 August 1979 Auckland AucklandNZRL 16 10 – 18 GB 16 Great Britain Lions Toa Fepuleai, Olsen Filipaina Olsen Filipaina (2) David Barends, Peter Glynn, Brian Lockwood, David Topliss John Woods (3) Carlaw Park, Auckland 15,000 Bob Lynch Report Auckland: Gary Kemble, Toa Fepuleai, Olsen Filipaina, Ken Anderson, James Leuluai, Fred Ah Kuoi (c), Shane Varley, Wayne Robertson, Murray Netzler, Doug Gailey, Owen Wright, Alan McCarthy, Gary Prohm. Reserves – John Smith, Ian Bell. Coach – Don Hammond Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, David Watkinson, Mel James, Brian Lockwood (c), Charlie Stone, Phil Hogan. Reserves – Statistics Leading try scorer 16 by Steve Evans Leading point scorer 48 by Steve Evans (16 tries) Largest attendance 26,857 – Second test vs Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground Largest non-test attendance 15,000 – Auckland vs Great Britain at Carlaw Park Notes lower-alpha References 2 Category:Great Britain national rugby league team tours Category:Rugby league tours of Australia Category:Australia–United Kingdom sports relations Category:Rugby league tours of New Zealand Category:New Zealand–United Kingdom sports relations Great Britain Lions tour Great Britain Lions tour Great Britain Lions tour