1992 Great Britain Lions tour of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand
Encyclopedia
The 1992 Great Britain Lions tour of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand was a rugby league
tour by the Great Britain team
which took place from May to July 1992. It was the last tour of such length undertaken by Great Britain.
It included games in Papua New Guinea
, Australia
- a three-test series for The Ashes and matches against club and representative teams - and New Zealand
- a two-test series as well as matches against local sides.
The tour took place during the 1992 Winfield Cup premiership season, which led to friction between the touring side's management and the Australian Rugby League
over match scheduling and promotion. The Lions finished the tour with thirteen wins and four losses and a profit of ₤244,645.
Wales
Scotland
Bobby Goulding and Jonathan Davies were originally selected but did not tour due to suspension and injury respectively. Aston, Hulme, Sampson, McNamara, Myers and Harrison were called up during the tour to replace injured players.
Paul Eastwood
was the leading point scorer on tour with 50 and was also the leading goal scorer with 17. Martin Offiah
was the leading try scorer with 7.
The coach was Halifax
's Mal Reilly
with assistant Phil Larder
. The team manager was Maurice Lindsay
. Ellery Hanley
was the tour captain but only played in one game. Garry Schofield
was the Test captain while Deryck Fox
was the Mid-week captain.
This match was the most points scored on tour.
With Ellery Hanley
out injured, five-eighth Garry Schofield was appointed British captain for the first test.
English winger Martin Offiah
, generally regarded at the time as the fastest player in rugby league, participated in a highly publicised foot race with Parramatta Eels
speedster Lee Oudenryn
before the tour match against the Eels. With both players decked out in their full football gear, including boots, Offiah was surprisingly beaten by the Eels flyer but would get his revenge later in the night with 2 tries, one a long range try where Oudenryn failed to make ground on him in a 50m chase.
For the second test Britain fielded an all-Wigan
forward pack, and with Andy Gregory
injured, Shaun Edwards came in at scrum half-back for his first start against the Australians in test football.
By playing in this match, Australia's Mal Meninga equalled Reg Gasnier
's record of 36 tests for Australia. The British got off to a 4 - 0 lead after some penalties
kicked by Paul Eastwood early in the first half. A brawl started by Australian forward Paul Harrogan got the Lions another penalty and they decided to attack the Kangaroos' line. From the resulting good field
position, first receiver Philip Clarke was able to throw a dummy and make a break through the defensive line to dive over for the first try
of the match. It was then converted by Eastwood, so the visitors led 10 - 0. The next try for Great Britain came when replacement half Shaun Edwards got the ball mid-field and made a break before kicking it ahead into Australia's in-goal area. Several players from both sides came racing through to dive on the ball but the Lions' Paul Newlove was the only one who got his hand on it. Next, Garry Schofield scored a brilliant individual try when he chipped ahead from about fifteen metres out and then beat the Australian defence to dive on it. Great Britain thus went into the break leading 22 - 0.
Schofield kicked a drop goal to open the scoring in the second half, making it 23 nil. Australia then got their first try fifteen minutes into the second half when Bob Lindner got the ball at first receiver close to the line and reached out from the tackle to touch the ball down. The next try came from Australian centre Chris Johns who ran onto replacement half Kevin Walters' pass from about fifteen metres out through a gap in the defence to score. Back in Australia's half, British fullback Graham Steadman got the ball at first receiver about twenty metres out and bolted down the right sideline to score in the corner, sealing the match for the tourists. The British then added to their score when Schofield got the ball around mid-field, chipped it over the defence and regarthered it. He found Martin Offiah in support, the speedy winger beating Australian fullback Ettingshausen in a race for the left corner. This left the final score at 33 - 10, equalling Great Britain's largest ever winning margin and Australia's second-largest ever losing margin
Former Australian test skipper Wally Lewis
was a late withdrawal for the Seagulls with a hamstring injury.
The third and final test was allocated points for the 1989–1992 Rugby League World Cup.
AUSTRALIA: Ettingshausen (Cronulla); Carne (Brisbane), Fittler (Penrith), Meninga (Canberra, capt), Hancock (Brisbane); Daley (Canberra), Langer; Lazarus (both Brisbane), S Walters (Canberra), Harrigon (Newcastle), Sironen (Balmain), Lindner (Western Suburbs), Clyde (Canberra). Substitutes: Gillespie (Western Suburbs) for Sironen, 40; Johns (Brisbane) for Carne, 73; K Walters (Berisbane) for Ettingshausen, 73; Cartwright (Penrith) for Lindner, 73.
GREAT BRITAIN: Steadman (Castleford); Eastwood (Hull), Powell (Sheffield), Newlove (Featherstone), Offiah (Wigan); Schofield (Leeds, capt), Edwards; Skerrett, Dermott, Platt, Betts, McGinty, Clarke (all Wigan). Substitutes: Harrison (Halifax) for Skerrett, 50; Hulme (Widnes) for McGinty, 50; Connolly (St Helens) for Newlove, 62; Lydon (Wigan) for Schofield, 75.
By playing in this, his 37th test match, Australian captain Mal Meninga became the most-capped player for the Kangaroos in history, and also equalled Keith Holman
's record for most tests against Great Britain. His try and four goals also brought his total of points scored in Anglo-Australian test matches to 108, overtaking Neil Fox
's record.
Australian forward Brad Clyde was awarded with the Harry Sunderland Medal for the Player of the Series.
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
tour by the Great Britain team
Great Britain national rugby league team
The Great Britain national rugby league team represents the United Kingdom in rugby league football. Administered by the Rugby Football League , the team is nicknamed "The Lions" or "Great Britain Lions"....
which took place from May to July 1992. It was the last tour of such length undertaken by Great Britain.
It included games in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea , officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
- a three-test series for The Ashes and matches against club and representative teams - and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
- a two-test series as well as matches against local sides.
The tour took place during the 1992 Winfield Cup premiership season, which led to friction between the touring side's management and the Australian Rugby League
Australian Rugby League
The Australian Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in Australia. It is made up of state bodies, including the New South Wales Rugby League and the Queensland Rugby League...
over match scheduling and promotion. The Lions finished the tour with thirteen wins and four losses and a profit of ₤244,645.
Touring squad
England- Mark AstonMark AstonMark Aston is a former rugby league / with the Sheffield Eagles and Great Britain. He also had short spells with Featherstone Rovers and Bramley but the bulk of his career was spent with the Eagles, who he joined in 1985. He retired from playing in 2004, having been the figurehead in the fight to...
, half back for SheffieldSheffield EaglesSheffield Eagles RLFC are an English rugby league club based in the South Yorkshire city of Sheffield. They currently play in the Co-operative Championship. Their home games are played at Bramall Lane after leaving Don Valley Stadium in late 2009.... - Denis BettsDenis BettsDenis C. Betts is an English rugby league coach and former player. He is the current head coach of the Widnes Vikings in the Engage Super League. He played for Wigan in the Rugby League Premiership and the Australian NRL, for the Auckland Warriors, and also represented England at the 1995 Rugby...
, forward for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Phil ClarkePhil ClarkePhil Clarke is an English rugby league football commentator and former professional player of the 1980s and 90s. A Great Britain and England international representative loose forward, he spent his club career with Wigan, as well as a stint in Australia with the Sydney Roosters.Phil Clarke is the...
, forward for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Gary ConnollyGary ConnollyGary J. Connolly was a rugby league full back who later played at centre for St Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and for the Great Britain national side. In the twilight of his career, he played rugby union for Irish side Munster.Connolly was a dependable centre capable of...
, three-quarter back for St Helens - Neil CowieNeil CowieNeil Cowie is an English born Welsh former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Rochdale Hornets, and Wigan Warriors, playing at , i.e...
, forward for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Lee CrooksLee Crooks (rugby league)Lee Crooks is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 1990s and 2000s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Hull, Western Suburbs Magpies, Balmain Tigers, Leeds, and Castleford,...
, forward for CastlefordCastleford TigersCastleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'... - Martin DermottMartin DermottMartin Dermott is a former professional rugby league footballler who was capped 12 times for the Great Britain national team...
, hooker for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Paul EastwoodPaul EastwoodPaul B. Eastwood was a goalkicking who played for Great Britain and Hull and Hull Kingston Rovers. Eastwood won the first of his 13 Lions caps against Papua New Guinea in 1990. He set up the second try for Russ Walker as Hull won the 1991 Premiership final against Widnes at Old Trafford. Eastwood...
, three-quarter back for Hull - Shaun EdwardsShaun EdwardsShaun Edwards OBE is an English rugby union coach and former rugby league player. He is defence coach of Wales, a post he has held since 2008. In November 2011 he left London Wasps after 10 years with the club, latterly as head coach....
, half back for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Karl FairbankKarl FairbankKarl Fairbank is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Bradford Northern, playing at , or , i.e. number 8 or 10, or, 11 or 12...
, forward for BradfordBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league.... - Deryck FoxDeryck FoxJ. Deryck Fox is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 1990s and 2000s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, England and Yorkshire, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Western Suburbs Magpies, Bradford Northern, and...
, half back for FeatherstoneFeatherstone RoversFeatherstone Rovers are a semi-professional rugby league club, based in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, England. They currently play in the Championship. The Rovers are one of the last vestiges of "small town teams" that were once common in rugby league during the early twentieth century... - Andy GregoryAndy GregoryAndrew "Andy" Gregory is an English former rugby league footballer. A Great Britain international representative /, he is an inductee of the Wigan Hall of Fame...
, half back for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Graeme HallasGraeme HallasGraeme Hallas is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s, '90s and 2000s, and coach, who at representative level has played for Great Britain in non-Tests, and at club level for Dudley Hill, Hull Kingston Rovers, Halifax, Hull, Huddersfield Giants, York City Knights, and...
, three-quarter back for Hull Kingston RoversHull Kingston RoversHull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006... - Steve HampsonSteve HampsonSteve R. Hampson is a former rugby league player. He played for Wigan in the Rugby League Premiership and alongside fellow import Andy Gregory for the Illawarra Steelers in the NSWRL premiership in 1989. He played as a...
, fullback for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Ellery HanleyEllery HanleyEllery Cuthwyn Hanley MBE is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and former head coach of Great Britain, St. Helens and Doncaster. As a player he played most of his games at /, or /. Over a period of nineteen years, he played for Bradford Northern, Wigan, Balmain,...
, forward for LeedsLeeds RhinosLeeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League... - Karl HarrisonKarl HarrisonKarl Harrison, is an English former rugby league player and coach. He was a player for Hull and Halifax, and also represented Great Britain at prop forward. He won the last of his 14 International caps in 1994. He was the head coach of Salford City Reds rugby league team for five years, before...
, forward for Hull - Les HollidayLes HollidayLeslie "Les" W. Holliday is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Swinton, Halifax, Widnes, and Dewsbury, playing at , or /, i.e...
, loose forward for WidnesWidnes VikingsWidnes Vikings RLFC are an English professional rugby league club based in Widnes, Cheshire. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League from 2012 onward... - Paul HulmePaul HulmePaul Hulme is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, and Warrington Wolves, playing at , i.e. number 9...
, forward for WidnesWidnes VikingsWidnes Vikings RLFC are an English professional rugby league club based in Widnes, Cheshire. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League from 2012 onward...
- Alan HunteAlan HunteAlan Hunte is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. A Great Britain international representative three-quarter, he played his club football for Wakefield Trinity, St. Helens, Hull, Warrington Wolves and Salford City Reds...
, back for St Helens - Lee Jackson, hooker for Hull
- Michael JacksonMichael Jackson (rugby league)Michael G. Jackson is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s, who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Wakefield Trinity, Halifax, and Sheffield Eagles, playing at , i.e...
, forward for Wakefield TrinityWakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts... - Paul LoughlinPaul LoughlinPaul J. P. Loughlin was an English rugby league who played for his hometown team, St. Helens and the Bradford Bulls. Loughlin was a talented and loyal centre who served St. Helens well before he was transferred to the Bradford Bulls as part of the record package to bring Paul Newlove to Knowsley...
, centre for St Helens - Ian LucasIan Lucas (rugby league)Ian Lucas is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 1990s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Wigan, playing at , i.e. number 8 or 10, and at club level has coached for Leigh...
, forward for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Joe Lydon, fullback for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
- Steve McNamaraSteve McNamaraSteve McNamara is an English professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is currently coach of the England national team.-International honours:...
, forward for Hull - David MyersDavid Myers (rugby league)David Myers was an English rugby league footballer who at representative level played for Great Britain on the 1992 tour of Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand, and at club level for Widnes , Warrington, Wigan, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Bulls, Western Suburbs...
, three-quarter back for WidnesWidnes VikingsWidnes Vikings RLFC are an English professional rugby league club based in Widnes, Cheshire. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League from 2012 onward... - Paul NewlovePaul NewlovePaul Newlove is an English former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. A Great Britain and England international representative, he competed in the Super League competition, featuring as a . He played for the St...
, three-quarter back for FeatherstoneFeatherstone RoversFeatherstone Rovers are a semi-professional rugby league club, based in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, England. They currently play in the Championship. The Rovers are one of the last vestiges of "small town teams" that were once common in rugby league during the early twentieth century... - Sonny NickleSonny NickleSonny Nickle is an English former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, '90s and 2000s.He played for Hunslet, St. Helens, Bradford Bulls, Sheffield Eagles, and Leigh Centurions. He played in the and as a . He was part of the package put together by St...
, second row for St Helens - Martin OffiahMartin OffiahMartin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
, three-quarter back for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Andy PlattAndy PlattAndy Platt is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A Great Britain international representative prop forward, he played for English clubs St Helens, Wigan, Widnes and Salford, as well as in New Zealand for the Auckland Warriors.-Playing career:He started his...
, forward for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Daryl PowellDaryl PowellDaryl A. Powell is an English rugby league football coach and former player. He is the head coach of Featherstone Rovers Rugby League football club. He is a former /for Keighley Cougars, Sheffield Eagles and Leeds Rhinos...
, three-quarter back for SheffieldSheffield EaglesSheffield Eagles RLFC are an English rugby league club based in the South Yorkshire city of Sheffield. They currently play in the Co-operative Championship. Their home games are played at Bramall Lane after leaving Don Valley Stadium in late 2009.... - Dean SampsonDean SampsonDean Sampson is a former Rugby League player for Castleford Tigers. Sampson played for Castleford from 1987 to 2002 when he retired. He was selected to go on the 1992 Great Britain Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand....
, forward for CastlefordCastleford TigersCastleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'... - Garry SchofieldGarry SchofieldGarry E. Schofield OBE is an English retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 1990s. At the time of his retirement he was the most-capped Great Britain player of all time along with Mick Sullivan, with 46 appearances. He also won three England caps, making him the highest...
, half back for LeedsLeeds RhinosLeeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League... - Kelvin SkerrettKelvin SkerrettKelvin Skerrett is a British former professional rugby league footballer. His position was .Kelvin Skerrett was a Welsh international and played at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup...
, forward for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... - Graham SteadmanGraham SteadmanGraham Steadman is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 2000s, who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and Yorkshire, and at club level for York Wasps, Featherstone Rovers, and Castleford, playing at , or /, i.e...
, fullback for CastlefordCastleford TigersCastleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
Wales
- Kevin Ellis, half back for WarringtonWarrington WolvesWarrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003....
- John DevereuxJohn Devereux (rugby)John Anthony Devereux is a Welsh former dual-code rugby football international. In 1989 he toured with the British and Irish Lions and at the time played club rugby union for Bridgend...
, three-quarter back for WidnesWidnes VikingsWidnes Vikings RLFC are an English professional rugby league club based in Widnes, Cheshire. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League from 2012 onward...
Scotland
- Billy McGintyBilly McGinty (rugby league)Billy McGinty is a Scottish former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and first decade of the 21st century. He played in the forwards for Wigan during the period in the 1990s when they dominated the sport, and later for Workington Town....
, forward for WiganWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
Bobby Goulding and Jonathan Davies were originally selected but did not tour due to suspension and injury respectively. Aston, Hulme, Sampson, McNamara, Myers and Harrison were called up during the tour to replace injured players.
Paul Eastwood
Paul Eastwood
Paul B. Eastwood was a goalkicking who played for Great Britain and Hull and Hull Kingston Rovers. Eastwood won the first of his 13 Lions caps against Papua New Guinea in 1990. He set up the second try for Russ Walker as Hull won the 1991 Premiership final against Widnes at Old Trafford. Eastwood...
was the leading point scorer on tour with 50 and was also the leading goal scorer with 17. Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
was the leading try scorer with 7.
The coach was Halifax
Halifax RLFC
Halifax RLFC is one of the most historic rugby league clubs in the game, formed over a century ago, in 1873 in the Yorkshire town of Halifax. Known as 'Fax', the official club colours are blue and white hoops, blue shorts and blue socks . They share The Shay stadium with football club FC Halifax Town...
's Mal Reilly
Mal Reilly
Malcolm J. Reilly is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. A Great Britain international representative , Reilly played club football for Castleford Tigers in England and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Australia...
with assistant Phil Larder
Phil Larder
Phil Larder MBE , is an English rugby league and rugby union coach.After graduating with a degree in Physical Education and Sports Science from Loughborough University in 1965, he played rugby union at centre for Broughton Park in Manchester and then Sale...
. The team manager was Maurice Lindsay
Maurice Lindsay
Maurice Lindsay CBE was a Scottish broadcaster, writer and poet. He was born in Glasgow.After serving in World War II he became a radio broadcaster, also editing the 1946 anthology Modern Scottish Poetry, and writing music criticism. He later was Programme Controller at Border Television.His...
. Ellery Hanley
Ellery Hanley
Ellery Cuthwyn Hanley MBE is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and former head coach of Great Britain, St. Helens and Doncaster. As a player he played most of his games at /, or /. Over a period of nineteen years, he played for Bradford Northern, Wigan, Balmain,...
was the tour captain but only played in one game. Garry Schofield
Garry Schofield
Garry E. Schofield OBE is an English retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 1990s. At the time of his retirement he was the most-capped Great Britain player of all time along with Mick Sullivan, with 46 appearances. He also won three England caps, making him the highest...
was the Test captain while Deryck Fox
Deryck Fox
J. Deryck Fox is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 1990s and 2000s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, England and Yorkshire, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Western Suburbs Magpies, Bradford Northern, and...
was the Mid-week captain.
Papua New Guinea leg
The Lions first traveled to Papua New Guinea.This match was the most points scored on tour.
Australia leg
The Lions then traveled to Australia to contest The Ashes series.With Ellery Hanley
Ellery Hanley
Ellery Cuthwyn Hanley MBE is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and former head coach of Great Britain, St. Helens and Doncaster. As a player he played most of his games at /, or /. Over a period of nineteen years, he played for Bradford Northern, Wigan, Balmain,...
out injured, five-eighth Garry Schofield was appointed British captain for the first test.
English winger Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
, generally regarded at the time as the fastest player in rugby league, participated in a highly publicised foot race with Parramatta Eels
Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta. The Parramatta District Rugby League Football Club was formed in 1947, with their First Grade side playing their first season in the New South Wales Rugby Football League...
speedster Lee Oudenryn
Lee Oudenryn
Lee Oudenryn is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. His preferred position was on the Wing.He played first grade football for the Parramatta Eels, Gold Coast Seagulls, Auckland Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys.A noted speedster, Oudenryn beat...
before the tour match against the Eels. With both players decked out in their full football gear, including boots, Offiah was surprisingly beaten by the Eels flyer but would get his revenge later in the night with 2 tries, one a long range try where Oudenryn failed to make ground on him in a 50m chase.
For the second test Britain fielded an all-Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
forward pack, and with Andy Gregory
Andy Gregory
Andrew "Andy" Gregory is an English former rugby league footballer. A Great Britain international representative /, he is an inductee of the Wigan Hall of Fame...
injured, Shaun Edwards came in at scrum half-back for his first start against the Australians in test football.
| Australia | Position | Great Britain |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Andrew Ettingshausen Andrew Ettingshausen Andrew Ettingshausen is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. He played his first grade Australian club football for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, retiring with the record of most games at a single club, with 328... |
FB | 1. Graham Steadman Graham Steadman Graham Steadman is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 2000s, who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and Yorkshire, and at club level for York Wasps, Featherstone Rovers, and Castleford, playing at , or /, i.e... |
| 2. Rod Wishart Rod Wishart Rod Wishart is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australia international representative goal-kicking winger, he played club football with the Illawarra Steelers and the St... |
WG | 2. Paul Eastwood Paul Eastwood Paul B. Eastwood was a goalkicking who played for Great Britain and Hull and Hull Kingston Rovers. Eastwood won the first of his 13 Lions caps against Papua New Guinea in 1990. He set up the second try for Russ Walker as Hull won the 1991 Premiership final against Widnes at Old Trafford. Eastwood... |
| 3. Laurie Daley Laurie Daley Laurie Daley OA is an Australian rugby league football commentator and former player of Indigenous Australian descent. He represented Australia on 26 occasions and has since been named as one of the nation's finest players of the 20th century... |
CE | 3. Daryl Powell Daryl Powell Daryl A. Powell is an English rugby league football coach and former player. He is the head coach of Featherstone Rovers Rugby League football club. He is a former /for Keighley Cougars, Sheffield Eagles and Leeds Rhinos... |
| 4. Mal Meninga Mal Meninga Malcolm Norman Meninga AM is an Australian former rugby league test captain and current coach of Queensland's State of Origin team. As a player he was a legendary goal-kicking centre, counted amongst the finest footballers of the 20th century... (c) |
CE | 4. Paul Newlove Paul Newlove Paul Newlove is an English former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. A Great Britain and England international representative, he competed in the Super League competition, featuring as a . He played for the St... |
| 5. Michael Hancock Michael Hancock (rugby league) Michael John "Mick" Hancock is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. An Australian international and Queensland State of Origin representative winger, he played in the Brisbane Broncos' 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grand final victories... |
WG | 5. Martin Offiah Martin Offiah Martin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire... |
| 6. Peter Jackson Peter Jackson (rugby league) Peter Jackson was an Australian professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative back, he played club football in both Queensland and New South Wales as well as a season in England... |
FE | 6. Garry Schofield Garry Schofield Garry E. Schofield OBE is an English retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 1990s. At the time of his retirement he was the most-capped Great Britain player of all time along with Mick Sullivan, with 46 appearances. He also won three England caps, making him the highest... (c) |
| 7. Allan Langer Allan Langer Allan "Alfie" Langer AM is an Australian former multi-award-winning rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s who works as an assistant coach for the Australian national team and Brisbane Broncos... |
HB | 7. Shaun Edwards Shaun Edwards Shaun Edwards OBE is an English rugby union coach and former rugby league player. He is defence coach of Wales, a post he has held since 2008. In November 2011 he left London Wasps after 10 years with the club, latterly as head coach.... |
| 8. David Gillespie David Gillespie David "Cement" Gillespie is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A sturdy forward, he played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Western Suburbs Magpies, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, New South Wales and for the Australian national side... |
PR | 8. Kelvin Skerrett Kelvin Skerrett Kelvin Skerrett is a British former professional rugby league footballer. His position was .Kelvin Skerrett was a Welsh international and played at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup... |
| 9. Steve Walters Steve Walters Steve Walters is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s, who at the peak of his career, was considered the best hooker in the game. An Australian Kangaroos and Queensland Maroons representative, he played in the Canberra Raiders' 1st, 2nd and 3rd grand final... |
HK | 9. Martin Dermott Martin Dermott Martin Dermott is a former professional rugby league footballler who was capped 12 times for the Great Britain national team... |
| 10. Paul Harragon Paul Harragon Paul "The Chief" Harragon OAM is an Australian rugby league football identity. A retired Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative forward, he played his club football for the Newcastle Knights whom he captained to the 1997 ARL premiership... |
PR | 10. Andy Platt Andy Platt Andy Platt is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A Great Britain international representative prop forward, he played for English clubs St Helens, Wigan, Widnes and Salford, as well as in New Zealand for the Auckland Warriors.-Playing career:He started his... |
| 11. Paul Sironen Paul Sironen Paul Sironen is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who was a prominent second rower for the Balmain Tigers during the late 1980s and early 1990s... |
SR | 11. Dennis Betts |
| 12. Bob Lindner Bob Lindner Bob Lindner is a former Australian representative rugby league player and coach. He represented his country in the sport and is one of a handful of players to be man-of-the-match in State of Origin football more than once... |
SR | 12. Billy McGinty Billy McGinty (rugby league) Billy McGinty is a Scottish former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and first decade of the 21st century. He played in the forwards for Wigan during the period in the 1990s when they dominated the sport, and later for Workington Town.... |
| 13. Bradley Clyde Bradley Clyde Bradley Clyde is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s who, at the peak of his playing career was widely acknowledged as the best lock forward in the game.... |
LF | 13. Phil Clarke Phil Clarke Phil Clarke is an English rugby league football commentator and former professional player of the 1980s and 90s. A Great Britain and England international representative loose forward, he spent his club career with Wigan, as well as a stint in Australia with the Sydney Roosters.Phil Clarke is the... |
| 14. Brad Mackay Brad Mackay Brad Mackay is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A versatile Lock Forward for the St George Dragons, Illawarra Steelers, Western Reds and the merged St... |
Res. | 14. Joe Lydon |
| 15. Glenn Lazarus Glenn Lazarus Glenn Patrick Lazarus is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s who has been named amongst the nation's finest of the 20th century. He primarily played at prop forward, representing Australia internationally and New South Wales in State of Origin... |
Res. | 15. Paul Hulme Paul Hulme Paul Hulme is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, and Warrington Wolves, playing at , i.e. number 9... |
| 17. Kevin Walters Kevin Walters Kevin David Walters is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is currently the assistant coach for NRL club Melbourne Storm. He joined them from French club Catalans Dragons of Europe's Super League as their head coach. Before that he was head coach of the... |
Res. | 16. Gary Connolly Gary Connolly Gary J. Connolly was a rugby league full back who later played at centre for St Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and for the Great Britain national side. In the twilight of his career, he played rugby union for Irish side Munster.Connolly was a dependable centre capable of... |
| 18. Chris Johns Chris Johns (rugby league) Chris Johns is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. He played in the centres, achieving representative honours for Australia and New South Wales. His club football career was spent with the St. George Dragons and Brisbane Broncos, as well as a spell in England with... |
Res. | 17. Karl Harrison Karl Harrison Karl Harrison, is an English former rugby league player and coach. He was a player for Hull and Halifax, and also represented Great Britain at prop forward. He won the last of his 14 International caps in 1994. He was the head coach of Salford City Reds rugby league team for five years, before... |
| Bob Fulton Bob Fulton Robert "Bob" Fulton AM is an Australian rugby league football identity. Fulton played, coached, selected for and has commentated on the game with great success at the highest levels and has been named amongst Australia's greatest rugby league players of the 20th century.As a player Fulton won... |
Coach | Mal Reilly Mal Reilly Malcolm J. Reilly is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. A Great Britain international representative , Reilly played club football for Castleford Tigers in England and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Australia... |
By playing in this match, Australia's Mal Meninga equalled Reg Gasnier
Reg Gasnier
Reg Gasnier AM is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach, regarded as one of the 20th century's finest players. He played in the centres for the St. George Dragons from 1959 to 1967...
's record of 36 tests for Australia. The British got off to a 4 - 0 lead after some penalties
Penalty (rugby)
In rugby football, the penalty is the main disciplinary sanction available to the referee to penalise players who commit deliberate infringements. The team who did not commit the infringement are given possession of the ball and may either kick it towards touch , attempt a place kick at goal, or...
kicked by Paul Eastwood early in the first half. A brawl started by Australian forward Paul Harrogan got the Lions another penalty and they decided to attack the Kangaroos' line. From the resulting good field
Rugby league playing field
The rugby league playing field, also referred to as a pitch or paddock, is the playing surface for the sport of rugby league football and is surfaced exclusively with grass....
position, first receiver Philip Clarke was able to throw a dummy and make a break through the defensive line to dive over for the first try
Try
A try is the major way of scoring points in rugby league and rugby union football. A try is scored by grounding the ball in the opposition's in-goal area...
of the match. It was then converted by Eastwood, so the visitors led 10 - 0. The next try for Great Britain came when replacement half Shaun Edwards got the ball mid-field and made a break before kicking it ahead into Australia's in-goal area. Several players from both sides came racing through to dive on the ball but the Lions' Paul Newlove was the only one who got his hand on it. Next, Garry Schofield scored a brilliant individual try when he chipped ahead from about fifteen metres out and then beat the Australian defence to dive on it. Great Britain thus went into the break leading 22 - 0.
Schofield kicked a drop goal to open the scoring in the second half, making it 23 nil. Australia then got their first try fifteen minutes into the second half when Bob Lindner got the ball at first receiver close to the line and reached out from the tackle to touch the ball down. The next try came from Australian centre Chris Johns who ran onto replacement half Kevin Walters' pass from about fifteen metres out through a gap in the defence to score. Back in Australia's half, British fullback Graham Steadman got the ball at first receiver about twenty metres out and bolted down the right sideline to score in the corner, sealing the match for the tourists. The British then added to their score when Schofield got the ball around mid-field, chipped it over the defence and regarthered it. He found Martin Offiah in support, the speedy winger beating Australian fullback Ettingshausen in a race for the left corner. This left the final score at 33 - 10, equalling Great Britain's largest ever winning margin and Australia's second-largest ever losing margin
Former Australian test skipper Wally Lewis
Wally Lewis
Walter James "Wally" Lewis AM is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and coach. Currently a commentator of the sport, he is widely regarded as the greatest rugby league player of all time...
was a late withdrawal for the Seagulls with a hamstring injury.
The third and final test was allocated points for the 1989–1992 Rugby League World Cup.
AUSTRALIA: Ettingshausen (Cronulla); Carne (Brisbane), Fittler (Penrith), Meninga (Canberra, capt), Hancock (Brisbane); Daley (Canberra), Langer; Lazarus (both Brisbane), S Walters (Canberra), Harrigon (Newcastle), Sironen (Balmain), Lindner (Western Suburbs), Clyde (Canberra). Substitutes: Gillespie (Western Suburbs) for Sironen, 40; Johns (Brisbane) for Carne, 73; K Walters (Berisbane) for Ettingshausen, 73; Cartwright (Penrith) for Lindner, 73.
GREAT BRITAIN: Steadman (Castleford); Eastwood (Hull), Powell (Sheffield), Newlove (Featherstone), Offiah (Wigan); Schofield (Leeds, capt), Edwards; Skerrett, Dermott, Platt, Betts, McGinty, Clarke (all Wigan). Substitutes: Harrison (Halifax) for Skerrett, 50; Hulme (Widnes) for McGinty, 50; Connolly (St Helens) for Newlove, 62; Lydon (Wigan) for Schofield, 75.
By playing in this, his 37th test match, Australian captain Mal Meninga became the most-capped player for the Kangaroos in history, and also equalled Keith Holman
Keith Holman
Keith Victor Holman, MBE was an Australian rugby league footballer, a national and state representative whose club career was played with the Western Suburbs Magpies from 1949 to 1961. He has since been named as one of the nation's finest footballers of the 20th century...
's record for most tests against Great Britain. His try and four goals also brought his total of points scored in Anglo-Australian test matches to 108, overtaking Neil Fox
Neil Fox (rugby league)
Neil Fox MBE is an English former rugby league footballer and player-coach of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. A goal-kicking , he is one of the most prominent figures in the history of the sport because he holds the all-time points record, scoring 6,220 points during his career...
's record.
Australian forward Brad Clyde was awarded with the Harry Sunderland Medal for the Player of the Series.
New Zealand leg
This was Great Britain's first defeat of Auckland since 1979, Auckland had won five with one draw since then.External links
- New Zealand vs Great Britain 1992 at rugbyleagueproject.org