1954 Great Britain Lions tour
The 1954 Great Britain Lions tour was a tour by the Great Britain national rugby league team of Australia and New Zealand which took place between May and August 1954. Captained by Dickie Williams , the tour involved a schedule of 32 games: 22 in Australia and 10 in New Zealand, with two three-match Test Series against both nations.
The tour began inauspiciously, with Great Britain losing four of their first seven matches, including the First Test against Australia in Sydney. Moving into the Queensland leg, the Lions' results improved, and they won all nine of their matches in the state. This included victory in the Second Test in Brisbane.
A common feature of many of the tour matches was rough play, punches being throw in and out of tackles. The July 10 match against New South Wales was abandoned by the referee seventeen minutes into the second half due to persistent brawling by the players.
One week after the abandoned game, Australia won the Third Test to claim the Ashes by a 2–1 margin.
Moving to New Zealand, Great Britain lost the Second Test, but recovered to win the Third Test and the series, by a 2–1 margin.
The tour concluded with three matches in five days back in Australia at Sydney, Canberra and Maitland.
Despite being a British team – five of the squad were Welsh, two from Scotland and hooker Tom McKinney from Northern Ireland – the team played, and were often referred to by both the press at home and away, as England.
Squad
This was the first Lions tour where the touring party travelled to Australia by air, instead of by ship.[ 1]
^ Age as given in the Rugby League News for the first match against New South Wales
^ Other than the Test Matches, team lists for the tour matches in New Zealand not available to the author at the time of page creation.
^ Tally excludes the match vs North Island, apart from Lewis Jones' one try and nine goals in that match.
Australian leg
Team list:
Western Division: FB: Ron Beaumont ( Canowindra), WG: P. Weldon (Trangie), CE: Joe Cohen ( Wellington), CE: Laurie Burke ( St Patrick's ), WG: Peter Marks ( Warren), FE: Peter Bracken ( Parkes ), HB: Keith Deacon (Dubbo), LK: R. Harben ( Baradine), SR: Frank Hogan ( St Patrick's ), SR: Ron Potter (Our Boys), PR: R. Border (Coonabarabran), HK: Ken Fogarty ( Forbes), PR: Bryan Cameron (Trangie), Coach: Frank Bell (Arms Factory).
Great Britain: FB: Jack Cunliffe , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Terry O'Grady , CE: Doug Greenall , WG: Lewis Jones , FE: Phil Jackson , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Brian Briggs , SR: Nat Silcock , PR: Jim Bowden , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: John Henderson .
Team list:
Newcastle: FB: Dave Parkinson (age 31) ( Cessnock ), WG: Bill Callinan ( Maitland ), CE: Geoff Hawkey (20) ( Centrals ), CE: Frank Threlfo (22) ( Maitland ), WG: Don Adams (21) ( Maitland ), FE: Merv Walters ( Cessnock ), HB: Bobby Banks (24) ( Waratah Mayfield ), LK: Barry Levido (24) ( Cessnock ), SR: Don Schofield (23) ( Cessnock ), SR: Doug Chappell (23) ( Kurri ), PR: Fred Brown (26) ( Maitland ), HK: Bob Crane (30) ( Norths), PR: Doug Hawke (24) ( Norths), Coach: Frank Hawthorne ( Centrals ).
Great Britain: FB: Ted Cahill , WG: Andrew Turnbull , CE: Doug Greenall , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , WG: Frank Castle , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Charlie Pawsey , SR: Brian Briggs , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tommy Harris , PR: Jack Wilkinson .
Team list:
Riverina: FB: Peter McGrath ( Temora), WG: Johnny Graves ( Cootamundra), CE: Wal Towers ( Gundagai), CE: Gerry Lowe ( Cowra), WG: Jim Denaher (Ungarie), FE: Brian Longhurst ( Gundagai), HB: Doug Cameron ( Young), LK: Peter O'Connor ( Young), SR: Len Henman ( Temora), SR: Kenneth Fitzgerald ( Tarcutta), PR: Nevyl Hand ( Gundagai), HK: Ken Mulrooney ( Kangaroos), PR: G. Robinson ( Young).
Albert Paul ( Griffith) and Tom Ryan ( Temora) were selected but withdrew owing to injury.
Great Britain: FB: Ted Cahill , WG: Andrew Turnbull , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Dickie Williams , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Geoff Gunney , SR: Charlie Pawsey , PR: John Henderson , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Jim Bowden .
Team list:
Sydney: FB: Clive Churchill (age 27) ( Souths ), WG: Ross Kite (22) ( St George ), CE: Dick Poole (23) ( Newtown ), CE: Merv Lees (21) ( St George ), WG: Kevin Hole (21) ( St George ), FE: Johnny Dougherty (22) ( Souths ), HB: Keith Holman (26) ( Wests ), LK: Harold Crocker (26) ( Parramatta ), SR: Norm Provan (22) ( St George ), SR: Jack Rayner (33) ( Souths ), PR: Roy Bull (24) ( Manly ), HK: Ken Kearney (28) ( St George ), PR: Don Evenden (24) ( Norths ).
Great Britain: FB: Jack Cunliffe , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Doug Greenall , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , WG: Lewis Jones , FE: Dickie Williams , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Nat Silcock , SR: Jack Wilkinson , PR: Jim Bowden , HK: Tommy Harris , PR: John Henderson .
Team list:
Southern Division: FB: Darcy Russell ( Wests ), WG: Brian Carlson (21) ( C.B.C. ), CE: Harry Wells (22) ( Wollongong), CE: Johnny Rouse ( Nowra ), WG: Jack Lumsden ( Wests ), FE: Col Donohue ( Corrimal ), HB: Noel Hill ( Thirroul ), SR: Noel Mulligan (28) ( C.B.C. ), SR: Angus Miller ( Berry ), LK: Jack Quinn ( Gerringong ), PR: Austin Lawler ( C.B.C. ), HK: Neville Gosson (Bargo), PR: Bruce Noble (21) ( Jamberoo ).
Great Britain: FB: Ted Cahill , WG: Terry O'Grady , CE: Doug Greenall , CE: Jack Cunliffe , WG: Frank Castle , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Dave Valentine , SR: Charlie Pawsey , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Jack Wilkinson .
June 5
New South Wales
22–11
Great Britain
Sydney Cricket Ground
Tries : 4 Keith Holman Roy Bull Noel Pidding Brian Carlson Goals : 5 Clive Churchill (3) Noel Pidding (2)
Program Report[ 17] [ 18]
Tries : 3 Frank Castle (3) Goals : 1Ted Cahill
Attendance: 55,518 Gate: AU£ 8,062
Team list:
New South Wales: FB: Clive Churchill (age 27) ( Souths ), WG: Noel Pidding (27) ( Maitland ), CE: Dick Poole (23) ( Newtown ), CE: Harry Wells (22) ( Wollongong), WG: Brian Carlson (21) ( C.B.C. Wollongong ), FE: Johnny Dougherty (22) ( Souths ), HB: Keith Holman (26) ( Wests ), LK: Harold Crocker (26) ( Parramatta ), SR: Norm Provan (22) ( St George ), SR: Jack Rayner (33) ( Souths ), PR: Roy Bull (28) ( Manly ), HK: Ken Kearney (24) ( St George ), PR: Jim Evans (24) ( Newtown ).
The following were named as reserves but did not play: Bill Garvin (22) ( Balmain ) and Barry Levido (22) ( Cessnock ).
Great Britain: FB: Ted Cahill , WG: Terry O'Grady , CE: Doug Greenall , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , WG: Frank Castle , FE: Phil Jackson , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Nat Silcock , SR: Charlie Pawsey , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Jack Wilkinson .
1st Test
Sydney Cricket Ground Attendance: 65,885 Gate: AU£ 16,842 Referee: Darcy Lawler
Team list:
Australia: FB: Clive Churchill (age 27) ( South Sydney ), WG: Noel Pidding (27) ( Maitland ), CE: Ken McCaffery (22) ( Toowoomba Souths), CE: Alex Watson (24) ( Brisbane Western Suburbs ), WG: Brian Carlson (21) ( C.B.C. Wollongong ), FE: Bob Banks (23) ( Toowoomba Newtown), HB: Keith Holman (26) ( Western Suburbs ), LK: Harold Crocker (26) ( Parramatta ), SR: Norm Provan (22) ( St George ), SR: Kel O'Shea (20) (Ayr), PR: Roy Bull (28) ( Manly-Warringah ), HK: Ken Kearney (28) ( St George ), PR: Duncan Hall (28) ( Brisbane Western Suburbs ).
The following were named as reserves but did not play: Harry Wells (22) ( Wollongong) and Brian Davies (23) ( Booval Swifts).
Great Britain: FB: Jack Cunliffe , WG: Lewis Jones , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , CE: Phil Jackson , WG: Frank Castle , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Dave Valentine , SR: Nat Silcock , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Jack Wilkinson .
Team list:
Brisbane: FB: Norm Pope (22) ( Valleys ), WG: Wally McDonald (27) ( Valleys ), CE: Noel Hurley ( Valleys ), CE: Alex Watson (22) ( Wests ), WG: Garry Barnett ( Valleys ), FE: Keith Brown ( Wynnum ), HB: Ken Booth ( Easts ), LK: Jack Jones ( Valleys ), SR: Stan Hassum ( Norths ), SR: Norm McFadden ( Valleys ), PR: Duncan Hall (28) ( Wests ), HK: Johnny Flynn ( Wests ), PR: Don Davey ( Norths ).
Leo Johnson ( Souths ) was selected in the Brisbane team but did not play owing to injury.
Great Britain: FB: Ted Cahill , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Lewis Jones , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Dickie Williams , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Brian Briggs , SR: Charlie Pawsey , PR: Jim Bowden , HK: Tommy Harris , PR: John Henderson .
Team list:
Queensland: FB: Norm Pope (age 22) ( Valleys ), WG: Bob Buckley (23) (Ayr), CE: Alex Watson (22) ( Wests ), CE: Ken McCaffery (24) ( Toowoomba Souths), WG: Denis Flannery (26) ( Ipswich Brothers), FE: Bob Banks (23) ( Toowoomba Newtown), HB: Cyril Connell Jr (26) ( Toowoomba Newtown), LK: Kel O'Shea (20) (Ayr), SR: Brian Davies (24) ( Booval Swifts), SR: Bernie Drew (25) ( Ipswich Railways), PR: Duncan Hall (28) ( Wests ), HK: Alan Hornery (28) ( Booval Swifts), PR: Jack Rooney (27) ( Toowoomba All Whites).
Great Britain: FB: Ted Cahill , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Lewis Jones , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Dickie Williams , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Brian Briggs , SR: Charlie Pawsey , PR: Jim Bowden , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: John Henderson .
Team list:
Wide Bay: FB: Angie Venardos (North Coast), WG: Jim Gowdie (Gympie), CE: Cec Cooper (Bundaberg), CE: Noel Hawthorne (North Coast), WG: B. Jamieson (Gympie), FE: Ted Barnes (Bundaberg), HB: D. Nixon (Bundaberg), LK: M. Ziebath (Lower South Burnett ), SR: Don Bowes (Rovers), SR: H. Symonds (Bundaberg), PR: P. Iszlaub (Lower South Burnett ), HK: Keith Weston (Western Suburbs), PR: WP. Hegerty ( Cherbourg).
Great Britain: FB: Jack Cunliffe , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Doug Greenall , CE: Dickie Williams , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Geoff Gunney , SR: Charlie Pawsey , SR: Jack Wilkinson , PR: John Henderson , HK: Tommy Harris , PR: Jim Bowden .
Team list:
North Queensland Southern Districts/Zone: FB: Lou Della-Vedova ( Magpies), WG: Bill Rasmussen ( Bucas), CE: Ike Sturgeon ( Marian), CE: Ron O'Brien ( Bucas), WG: Brian Dimmock ( Collinsville), FE: Les Kieseker ( Magpies), HB: Doug Shew ( Marian), LK: Hume Ronald ( Carltons), SR: Kevin Elliott ( Magpies), SR: Charlie Ogilvie ( Magpies), PR: Ross Ryan ( Bucas), HK: Don McKenzie ( Magpies), PR: Ross Primrose ( Carltons).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , CE: Doug Greenall , WG: Nat Silcock , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Geoff Gunney , SR: Brian Briggs , SR: Jack Wilkinson , PR: Jim Bowden , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Tommy Harris .
Team list:
Far North Queensland (North Queensland Northern Districts/Zone): FB: Frank Gill ( Kangaroos), WG: Allan Cripps (Uniteds), CE: R. Shambrook ( Kangaroos), CE: Pat Farrell (Herbert River), WG: R. Horn ( Kangaroos), FE: Hugh Kelly (22) ( Ivanhoes), HB: Dick Chant ( Ivanhoes), Jim Fallon (Mareeba), HK: R. Carter (Innisfail), Ossie Cumner (Ingham), Bill Allendorf ( Brothers), Danny Clifford (Tully), C. Blankensee ( Ivanhoes). The following were initially selected for the match but due to injury did not play: Gordon Farrelly ( Kangaroos), Mickey Shannon (Herbert River), N. McHardie and Eddie Kratzman (Tully).
For the Great Britain team, the account for this match in E.E. Christensen's Official Rugby League Year Book remarks that hooker Tommy Harris played on the wing but omits his name from the accompanying Great Britain team list, which lists Alan Prescott twice, as half-back and prop.
On the morning of the match (June 24) the team chosen as published in The Courier-Mail lists 14 players, with one to be omitted. This team differs from that given in the yearbook.
The local, Cairns Post match report mentions within the text the eight point-scorers, but no other British players: FB: Ted Cahill , WG: Tommy Harris , CE: Jack Cunliffe , CE: Doug Greenall , WG: Dickie Williams , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell and Geoff Gunney .
Hooker Tom McKinney was identified as playing in The Courier-Mail match report, winning "the scrums, 25 to 16, after leading 18 to 12 at half-time."
Alan Prescott was listed in both The Courier-Mail team list and the yearbook, but not mentioned in The Courier-Mail or Cairns Post match reports.
Four players listed in both The Courier-Mail team list but not in the yearbook, and not mentioned in the yearbook are: PR: Jack Wilkinson , John Henderson , Brian Briggs and Ken Traill .
The above-named 14 players are credited with a match appearance in the Squad statistics.
The following four players listed only in the yearbook are not credited with an appearance for this Far North Queensland match: LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Charlie Pawsey , SR: Nat Silcock , PR: Jim Bowden .
Team list:
North Queensland: FB: Nev Linde (age 23) (Ayr), WG: Bob Buckley (Ayr), CE: Gordon Farrelly ( Kangaroos), CE: Graham Laird ( Magpies), WG: Graham \ Geoff Nash (Tully), FE: Brian Dimmock ( Collinsville), HB: Jack Russell-Green (Ayr), LK: Ross Primrose ( Carltons), SR: Roy Greenwood (Tully), SR: Bill Duell (Ayr), PR: Jack (Jerry) McAuliffe ( Brothers), HK: Ron Griffiths ( Ivanhoes), PR: Hume Ronald ( Carltons), Coach: Len Pegg (age 32).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , CE: Phil Jackson , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Dickie Williams , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Charlie Pawsey , SR: Nat Silcock , PR: Jim Bowden , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Alan Prescott .
Team list:
Central Queensland: FB: Rex Morrison ( Norths), WG: Des McGovern (26) ( Railways), CE: Matt McCoy (30) ( Fitzroys), CE: Cec Cooper (28) ( Brothers), WG: Joe Jackson (Gladstone), FE: George Williams ( Fitzroys), HB: Duncan Jackson ( Lifesavers), LK: Alf Bawden ( Fitzroys), SR: Ray (Neilsen) Nielson ( Fitzroys), SR: John Perrin ( Norths), PR: R. Gutheridge ( Fitzroys), HK: L. Tynan ( Railways), PR: B. Cridland ( Norths).
Great Britain: FB: Ted Cahill , WG: Nat Silcock , CE: Jack Cunliffe , CE: Doug Greenall , WG: Brian Briggs , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Geoff Gunney , SR: Jack Wilkinson , PR: John Henderson , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Jim Bowden
2nd Test
Brisbane Cricket Ground
Attendance: 47,800
Gate: AU£ 13,190
Referee:
Darcy Lawler
Team list:
Australia: FB: Clive Churchill ( South Sydney ), WG: Noel Pidding ( Maitland ), CE: Noel Hazzard (Roma ), CE: Alex Watson ( Brisbane Western Suburbs ), WG: Brian Carlson ( C.B.C. Wollongong ), FE: Bob Sullivan ( North Sydney ), HB: Keith Holman ( Western Suburbs ), LK: Harold Crocker ( Parramatta ), SR: Norm Provan ( St George ), SR: Kel O'Shea (Ayr), PR: Duncan Hall ( Brisbane Western Suburbs ), HK: Ken Kearney ( St George ), PR: Roy Bull ( Manly-Warringah ).
The following were named as reserves but did not play: Cyril Connell Jr ( Toowoomba Newtown) and Brian Davies ( Booval Swifts).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Dickie Williams , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Nat Silcock , SR: Charlie Pawsey , PR: Jim Bowden , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Alan Prescott .
Team list:
Toowoomba: FB: Bevan Hoyle ( Souths), WG: Bill Monkland ( All Whites), CE: Noel Hazzard (Roma ), CE: Athol Halpin ( All Whites), WG: Alan Norris ( Valleys), FE: Bob Banks ( Newtown), HB: Cyril Connell Jr ( Newtown), LK: Ron (Roy) Teys ( Valleys), SR: Don Furner ( Souths), SR: Bill Beardsworth ( Valleys), PR: Vince Soorley ( Newtown), HK: Kev Boshammer ( All Whites), PR: Neil Teys ( Newtown), Coach: Duncan Thompson ( Toowoomba ).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Jack Cunliffe , CE: Doug Greenall , WG: Nat Silcock , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Charlie Pawsey , SR: Geoff Gunney , PR: Jack Wilkinson , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: John Henderson .
Team list:
Northern NSW: FB: Brian Graham (17) ( South Grafton), WG: John Rowlings ( Armidale), CE: Bruce Grace ( Gunnedah), CE: Jim Daley (Casino All Stars), WG: George Smith ( Nambucca), FE: Noel McKay (18) ( Bowraville), HB: Barry McConnell (Tweed), LK: Les Reid ( Scone ), SR: Monty Porter ( East Tamworth), SR: George Alaban (Diggers), PR: Harry Melville ( Scone ), HK: Alf Hardman ( Moree), PR: Arthur Henderson ( Moree).
Great Britain: FB: Jack Cunliffe , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Doug Greenall , WG: Nat Silcock , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Geoff Gunney , SR: Brian Briggs , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Jack Wilkinson , PR: John Henderson .
Team list:
New South Wales: FB: Clive Churchill (age 27) ( Souths ), WG: Noel Pidding (27) ( Maitland ), CE: Harry Wells (22) ( Wollongong), CE: Merv Lees (21) ( St George ), WG: Brian Carlson (21) ( C.B.C. Wollongong ), FE: Dick Poole (23) ( Newtown ), HB: Keith Holman (26) ( Wests ), LK: Peter Diversi (22) ( Norths ), SR: Norm Provan (22) ( St George ), SR: Jack Rayner (33) ( Souths ), PR: Jim Evans (24) ( Newtown ), HK: Ken Kearney (28) ( St George ), PR: Roy Bull (24) ( Manly ).
The following were named as reserves but did not play: Ross Kite (22) ( St George ) and Don Evenden (24) ( Norths ),
Great Britain: FB: Geoff Gunney , WG: Brian Briggs , CE: Jack Cunliffe , CE: Doug Greenall , WG: Jack Wilkinson , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Charlie Pawsey , SR: John Henderson , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Dickie Williams , PR: Tommy Harris .
3rd Test
Sydney Cricket Ground Attendance: 67,577 Gate: AU£ 17,717 Referee: Darcy Lawler
Team list:
Australia: FB: Clive Churchill (age 27) ( South Sydney ), WG: Brian Carlson (21) ( C.B.C. Wollongong ), CE: Harry Wells (22) ( Wollongong), CE: Alex Watson (22) ( Brisbane Western Suburbs ), WG: Noel Pidding (27) ( Maitland ), FE: Bob Banks (23) ( Toowoomba Newtown), HB: Keith Holman (26) ( Western Suburbs ), LK: Peter Diversi (22) ( North Sydney ), SR: Norm Provan (22) ( St George ), SR: Kel O'Shea (21) (Ayr), PR: Brian Davies (23) ( Booval Swifts), HK: Ken Kearney (28) ( St George ), PR: Duncan Hall (28) ( Brisbane Western Suburbs ),
Roy Bull ( Manly-Warringah ) was selected but withdrew owing to injury. The following were named as reserves but did not play: Dick Poole (23) ( Newtown ) and Don Evenden (24) ( North Sydney ).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Dickie Williams , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Nat Silcock , SR: Charlie Pawsey , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Jim Bowden .
New Zealand leg
Team list:
For Māori the following 14 players were selected, with one to be omitted: R. Haggie, A. Berryman, J. Gibbons, J. Wright, T. Penny, William Sorensen , G. Turner, J. Wills, D. Diamond, John Yates , H. Maxwell, N. Rakena, R. Royal, J. Ratima.
For Great Britain: centre Doug Greenall scored a try. He was not, however, amongst the 13 players named prior to the match: FB: Jack Cunliffe , WG: Terry O'Grady , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , CE: Phil Jackson , WG: Frank Castle , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Nat Silcock , SR: Brian Briggs , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tommy Harris , PR: John Henderson .
1st Test
Whangarei Attendance: 22,097 Referee: J. Griffin
Team list:
New Zealand: FB: Des White , WG: Cyril Eastlake ( Auckland ), CE: Ron McKay ( Taranaki), CE: Tommy Baxter , WG: Jim Edwards ( Auckland ), FE: George Menzies (West Coast), HB: Jim Haig , PR: Cliff Johnson ( Auckland ), HK: Roy Roff, PR: William McLennan (West Coast), SR: John Bond ( Canterbury ), SR: Frank Mulcare , LK: Alister Atkinson ( Canterbury ).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Gerry Helme , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tommy Harris , PR: Jack Wilkinson , SR: Geoff Gunney , SR: Charlie Pawsey , LK: Dave Valentine .
2nd Test
Wingham Park, Greymouth Attendance: 4,240 Referee: M. Seagar
Team list:
New Zealand: FB: Des White , WG: Jim Edwards ( Auckland ), CE: Ron Ackland , CE: Tommy Baxter , WG: Vern Bakalic , FE: William Sorensen ( Auckland ), HB: Jim Haig , PR: Cliff Johnson (Auckland ), HK: Lory Blanchard ( Canterbury ), PR: William McLennan (West Coast), SR: John Butterfield ( Canterbury ), SR: Frank Mulcare , LK: Alister Atkinson ( Canterbury ).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Doug Greenall , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Dickie Williams , HB: Gerry Helme , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tommy Harris , PR: Jack Wilkinson , SR: Geoff Gunney , SR: Brian Briggs , LK: Dave Valentine .
August 9
North Island
7–42
Great Britain
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
Tries : 1 Goals : 2
Result[ 67] [ 68]
Tries : 8 Goals : 9
Attendance: 2,448
3rd Test
Carlaw Park, Auckland Attendance: 6,186 Referee: W. Wilkinson
Team list:
New Zealand: FB: Des White , WG: Jim Edwards ( Auckland ), CE: Ron Ackland , CE: Jim Austin ( Auckland ), WG: Tommy Baxter , FE: William Sorensen (Auckland ), HB: Jim Haig , PR: Cliff Johnson ( Auckland ), HK: Lory Blanchard ( Canterbury ), PR: William McLennan (West Coast), SR: John Butterfield ( Canterbury ), SR: Frank Mulcare , LK: Alister Atkinson ( Canterbury ).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , WG: Terry O'Grady , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Alf Burnell , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Jim Bowden , SR: Geoff Gunney , SR: Charlie Pawsey , LK: Ken Traill .
Australian return leg
Team list:
New South Wales: FB: Clive Churchill (age 27) ( Souths ), WG: Brian Carlson (21) ( C.B.C. Wollongong ), CE: Dick Poole (23) ( Newtown ), CE: Merv Lees (21) ( St George ), WG: Ross Kite (22) ( St George ), FE: Greg Hawick (23) ( Souths ), HB: Keith Holman (26) ( Wests ), LK: Peter Diversi (22) ( Norths ), SR: Norm Provan (22) ( St George ), SR: Jack Rayner (33) ( Souths ), PR: Jim Evans (24) ( Newtown ), HK: Ken Kearney (28) ( St George ), PR: Roy Bull (24) ( Manly ).
The following were named as reserves but did not play: Bobby Whitton (22) ( Newtown ) and Harold Crocker (24) ( Parramatta ).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Billy Boston , CE: Dave Valentine , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Geoff Gunney , SR: Nat Silcock , PR: Jim Bowden , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Alan Prescott , WG Dickie Williams .
Team list:
Southern NSW: FB: Keith Barnes ( Wollongong), WG: Jack Lumsden ( Wests ), CE: Col Johnson ( Cooma Rovers), CE: Alan (Allan) Hawke ( Norths), WG: Johnny Graves ( Cootamundra), FE: Jim / Jack Gartner (Adaminaby), HB: Doug Cameron ( Young), LK: Noel Mulligan ( C.B.C. ), SR: Angus Miller ( Berry ), SR: Stan Greenwood ( Yass), PR: Ron (Ralph) Foster ( Norths), HK: Billy Rayner ( Yass), PR: Bill Hodges ( Wollongong).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Nat Silcock , CE: Phil Jackson , CE: Doug Greenall , WG: Dave Valentine , FE: Dickie Williams , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Ken Traill , SR: Brian Briggs , SR: Jim Bowden , PR: Alan Prescott , HK: Tom McKinney , PR: Jack Wilkinson .
Team list:
Newcastle Coalfields: FB: Dave Parkinson ( Cessnock ), WG: Don Adams ( Maitland ), CE: Bill Sneddon ( Cessnock ), CE: Colin De Lore ( Lakes United ), WG: Lester Batey ( Cessnock ), FE: Ray Allsop ( Lakes United ), HB: Bobby Banks ( Waratah Mayfield ), LK: Gus Gray ( Lakes United ), SR: Doug Hawke ( Norths), SR: Tom Pitman ( Lakes United ), PR: Jack Mantle ( Norths), HK: Bob Crane ( Norths), PR: Fred Brown ( Maitland ).
Great Britain: FB: Lewis Jones , WG: Doug Greenall , CE: Ernie Ashcroft , CE: Phil Jackson , WG: Nat Silcock , FE: Raymond Price , HB: Gerry Helme , LK: Dave Valentine , SR: Geoff Gunney , SR: Alan Prescott , PR: Brian Briggs , HK: Tommy Harris , PR: Jack Wilkinson .
Statistics
Brian Carlson , Clive Churchill , Keith Holman , Ken Kearney , and Norm Provan all appeared in seven matches against Great Britain - in each instance three games for Australia, three for New South Wales and one for Sydney. The most tries scored against the Lions was six, by Brian Carlson. Keith Holman and Ken McCaffery each scored four tries. Noel Pidding scored the most points against the tourists, with 51 from three tries and 21 goals in five matches.
In the Test Series the leading scorers were Noel Pidding 36 (Australia) and Des White 22 (New Zealand). Lewis Jones scored the most points for the Lions against both opponents, 30 against Australia and 20 against New Zealand.
Billy Boston scored six tries in the six tests, including four against New Zealand. Dickie Williams scored three tries against Australia. Brian Carlson scored three tries in the Ashes Tests for Australia. No New Zealander scored more than a single try in their three Test series.
Sources
Acronym
Item
Years
Database App
Notes
Direct Online Access
RLN
Rugby League News
1920-1973
Trove
Match Program in Sydney, Team Lists, Team Photos, Articles
RLP
Rugby League Project
1907–present
RLP Website
Test Match teams & scorers.
Sun
The Sun (Sydney)
1910-1954
Trove
Match Reports, Articles.
DT
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)
1931-1954
Trove
Match Reports, Articles.
CM
The Courier-Mail
1933-1954
Trove
Match Reports, Articles.
-
Various Australian Regional Newspapers
up to 1954
Trove
Match Reports, Given Names of Players
-
New Zealand Newspapers
up to 1950
Papers Past
Match Reports.
Offline Resources
EECYB
E.E. Christensen's Official Rugby League Year Book
1946-1978
Copies at State Library of NSW
Teams, Point Scorers, Report. 1955 Yearbook covers the 1954 tour.
QRLG
Queensland Rugby League Gazette
1950-1955
Copies at State Library of Qld
Program for matches in Brisbane. Collection is predominantly of representative matches.
RRLG
Rockhampton Rugby League Gazette
1951-1968
Copies at State Library of Qld
Program for matches in Rockhampton. Collection includes club as well as Rockhampton and Central Queensland representative matches.
-
Ipswich Versus International Teams[ 79]
1913-1975
Copies at SLQ & NLA
Match Report, Given Names & Club of Ipswich Players
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The Bulimba Cup Era[ 80]
1925-1972
Copies at SLQ & NLA
Clubs of Ipswich, Toowoomba and Brisbane players. This book includes Bulimba Cup match reports and team lists.
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A History of Mackay Rugby League[ 81]
1919-2015
Author's Website
Given Names & Club of Mackay Players
-
More Than The Foley Shield[ 82]
1908-2014
Author's Website
Match report, team photos. Given Names & Club of North Queensland Players
References
^ "Rugby League Tourists Leave Tonight" . Hull Daily Mail . 13 May 1954. p. 11 – via British Newspaper Archive .
^ "West Side Against England" . The Sydney Morning Herald . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 10 May 1954. p. 9. Retrieved 29 Dec 2020 .
^ "Western Team Impressive in Defeat" . Western Advocate . Bathurst: National Library of Australia. 20 May 1954. p. 2. Retrieved 29 Dec 2020 .
^ Roulston, R.S. (17 May 1954). "Strong Newcastle League Team To Play England" . The Newcastle Sun . Newcastle: National Library of Australia. p. 12. Retrieved 29 Dec 2020 .
^ "Noel Pidding In Doubt" . Newcastle Morning Herald . Newcastle: National Library of Australia. 21 May 1954. p. 14. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ "22,855 At League - Tactics Of Coach Beat England" . Newcastle Morning Herald . Newcastle: National Library of Australia. 24 May 1954. p. 8. Retrieved 29 Dec 2020 .
^ "Plenty of Experience in Riverina Team to Play Gt. Britain" . The Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga) . Wagga: National Library of Australia. 18 May 1954. p. 6. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ Dennis, jack (25 May 1954). "Near Test Side Will Play Here Tomorrow" . The Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga) . Wagga: National Library of Australia. p. 8. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ Dennis, jack (27 May 1954). "13,000 Roared as Riverina Went Ahead Of Gr. Brit. In Second Half" . The Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga) . Wagga: National Library of Australia. p. 8. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ "Riverina In Amazing Rally-League Thriller - England Worried, But Won" . Cootamundra Herald . Cootamundra: National Library of Australia. 27 May 1954. p. 4. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ "Riverina team goes on" . The Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga) . Wagga: National Library of Australia. 27 May 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ Corbett, W.F. (29 May 1954). "England is Beaten - 50,000 see Sydney's slashing 32-25 win" . The Sun (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 6. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ Mathers, Jim (30 May 1954). "England Had Screw Loose - Will be tough in tests though toppled 32-25" . Truth (Sydney newspaper) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 24. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ "Strong Southern Teamto Play England on Sunday" . South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus . Wollongong: National Library of Australia. 27 May 1954. p. 40. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ "Record Crowd Sees Southern - England Draw 17-All" . South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus . Wollongong: National Library of Australia. 31 May 1954. p. 4. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ "England, Southern Division In 17 All Draw" . Illawarra Mercury . Wollongong: National Library of Australia. 31 May 1954. p. 12. Retrieved 30 Dec 2020 .
^ Corbett, W.F. (5 Jun 1954). "England Run Off Legs In Big League - Slashing NSW 33-11 win" . The Sun (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 6. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Crawford, George (6 Jun 1954). "Rival League centres injured in N.S.W.'s convincing defeat of England" . The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 30. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Corbett, W.F. (12 Jun 1954). "Rugby League Ashes - round one - Crushing Test win to Australia" . The Sun (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 7. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Crawford, George (13 Jun 1954). "Timetable on Australia's First Rugby League Test runaway victory" . The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 28. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Mathers, Jim (13 Jun 1954). "England Walloped Well And Truly By Australia" . Truth (Sydney newspaper) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 24. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Goodman, Tom (13 Jun 1954). "Australia's Record Test Score" . The Sun-Herald . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 30. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Linneth, Tom (13 Jun 1954). "2 BRL men doubtful for match" . Sunday Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 25. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Reardon, Jack (1 Jun 1954). "Siebenhauser Selected In City League Team" . The Courier-Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 10. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Reardon, Jack (15 Jun 1954). "England's 8 Tries Great Team Tonic" . The Courier-Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 9. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ "Englishmen Beat Brisbane Side" . The Morning Bulletin . Rockhampton: National Library of Australia. 15 Jun 1954. p. 4. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Goodman, Tom (15 Jun 1954). "England Beats Brisbane 34-4" . The Sydney Morning Herald . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 9. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ "Four Ipswich Men in Qld. R. League Team" . The Queensland Times . Ipswich: National Library of Australia. 15 Jun 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Jefferies, Harry (19 Jun 1954). "England Shows Best Form Against Qld" . Brisbane Telegraph . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 19. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Reardon, Jack (20 Jun 1954). "England Beats Long Q'ld Hoodoo" . Sunday Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 32. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Linneth, Tom (20 Jun 1954). "Eng. Captain to play at Maryboro' " . Sunday Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 30. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ "Great Britain Beat Wide Bay, 60-14" . Maryborough Chronicle . Maryborough: National Library of Australia. 21 Jun 1954. p. 2. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ a b "North Queensland v. England" . Townsville Daily Bulletin . Townsville: National Library of Australia. 14 Jun 1954. p. 2. Retrieved 31 Dec 2020 .
^ Price, Tony (2015). A History of Mackay Rugby League 1919-2015 . CPX Printing and Logistics – via League Queensland.
^ "Valiant defence could not hold the Englishmen" . Daily Mercury . Mackay: National Library of Australia. 23 Jun 1954. p. 19. Retrieved 1 Jan 2021 .
^ "English Hooker To Play On The Wing" . Daily Mercury . Mackay: National Library of Australia. 24 Jun 1954. p. 10. Retrieved 1 Jan 2021 .
^ "Gate Takings At Big League Game Establish A Record" . Daily Mercury . Mackay: National Library of Australia. 25 Jun 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 1 Jan 2021 .
^ "English League Team Coming" . Cairns Post . Cairns: National Library of Australia. 16 Jun 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ "Rugby League: Great Britain Trounces North Queensland 39-13" . Townsville Daily Bulletin . Townsville: National Library of Australia. 28 Jun 1954. p. 2. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ "N. Queenslanders v. British Rugby League Team" . Townsville Daily Bulletin . Townsville: National Library of Australia. 26 Jun 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ "C.Q. Team Against Great Britain" . The Morning Bulletin . Rockhampton: National Library of Australia. 21 Jun 1954. p. 7. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ "C.Q. Team's Great Showing - Englishmen Win By 21-12 In Hard Game" . The Morning Bulletin . Rockhampton: National Library of Australia. 30 Jun 1954. p. 5. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ Corbett, W.F. (30 Jun 1954). "Band, bash, wallop in Battle of Rockhampton" . Brisbane Telegraph . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 27. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ "The Teams" . Brisbane Telegraph . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 3 Jul 1954. p. 19. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ Reardon, Jack (4 Jul 1954). "Jones' 20 Points Helped England Make It One Each" . Sunday Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 28. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ Mathers, Jim (4 Jul 1954). "Aust. Sackcloth - England Ashes?" . Truth . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 30. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ "Toowoomba 13" . The Courier-Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 28 Jun 1954. p. 7. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ "Toowoomba Beaten 25-14 By England" . The Queensland Times . Ipswich: National Library of Australia. 5 Jul 1954. p. 5. Retrieved 2 Jan 2021 .
^ "Graham Chosen In League Side" . The Daily Examiner . Grafton: National Library of Australia. 28 Jun 1954. p. 7. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ "First And Last Tries Scored By Northern Team" . The Daily Examiner . Grafton: National Library of Australia. 8 Jul 1954. p. 7. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ "Rough Play In Enghishmen's Match At Grafton" . Armidale Express . Armidale: National Library of Australia. 7 Jul 1954. p. 2. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ Goodman, Tom (11 Jul 1954). "Sensational End To Brawling In League" . The Sun-Herald . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 35. Retrieved 5 Jan 2021 .
^ Mathers, Jim (11 Jul 1954). "Big Game Called Off - Donnybrook Is A League Shame" . Truth (Sydney newspaper) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 26. Retrieved 5 Jan 2021 .
^ Goodman, Tom (18 Jul 1954). "Australians Fight Back To Win Ashes" . The Sun-Herald . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 34. Retrieved 5 Jan 2021 .
^ Corbett, W.F. (17 Jul 1954). "Australia Wins Back League Ashes" . The Sun (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 7. Retrieved 5 Jan 2021 .
^ "Rugby Clash" . The Argus . Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 21 Jul 1954. p. 25. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ "English League Beats Maoris" . Newcastle Morning Herald . Newcastle: National Library of Australia. 22 Jul 1954. p. 14. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ "Price To Play In N.Z. Test" . The Sydney Morning Herald . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 24 Jul 1954. p. 13. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ "England overwhelms N.Z. in first Test" . The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 25 Jul 1954. p. 35. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ "Easy Test Win for England" . The Queensland Times . Ipswich: National Library of Australia. 25 Jul 1954. p. 6. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ "England Win, 61-8" . The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 28 Jul 1954. p. 31. Retrieved 3 Jan 2021 .
^ "Penalties gave second League Test" . Sunday Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 1 Aug 1954. p. 32. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "N.Z. Rallies To Win League Test" . The Sun (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 31 Jul 1954. p. 7. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "English R.L. team thrashes Sth. Island" . The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 5 Aug 1954. p. 38. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "Football" . Sunday Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 8 Aug 1954. p. 32. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "England's 60 to 14" . Sunday Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 8 Aug 1954. p. 33. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "England Players Arouse Crowd's Anger" . Warwick Daily News . Warwick: National Library of Australia. 10 Aug 1954. p. 4. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "England's big win" . The Sun (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 9 Aug 1954. p. 27. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "England win in N.Z." The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 12 Aug 1954. p. 39. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "Third R.L. Test to Britain" . The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 15 Aug 1954. p. 35. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ Waring, Eddie (17 Aug 1954). "League Blue In Auckland" . The Courier-Mail . Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 10. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ Goodman, Tom (18 Aug 1954). "Record-breaking English Pair For S.C.G. To-day" . The Sydney Morning Herald . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 14. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ Goodman, Tom (19 Aug 1954). "N.S.W. Scores Easy Win Over England" . The Sydney Morning Herald . Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 11. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ Grills, George (19 Aug 1954). "Two Yass Men To Play Against England" . Yass Tribune-Courier . Yass: National Library of Australia. p. 1. Retrieved 5 Jan 2021 .
^ "Two Canberra Men Team To Play England" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 17 Aug 1954. p. 5. Retrieved 5 Jan 2021 .
^ "English Side Overwhelms Southern Districts" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 23 Aug 1954. p. 6. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "England Piles Up Points" . The Sun (Sydney) . Sydney: National Library of Australia. 21 Aug 1954. p. 6. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ "English League Side Down Again To Newcastle" . Newcastle Morning Herald . Newcastle: National Library of Australia. 23 Aug 1954. p. 8. Retrieved 4 Jan 2021 .
^ Christison, J.E. (2012). Ipswich Versus International Teams . J.E. Christison. ISBN 978-0-98060-74-2-0 .
^ Christison, J.E. (2012). Ipswich Rugby League - The Bulimba Cup Era . J.E. Christison. ISBN 978-0-98060-74-0-6 .
^ Price, Tony (2015). A History of Mackay Rugby League . CPX Printing and Logistics. ISBN 978-0-646-94056-4 .
^ Price, Tony (2014). More Than The Foley Shield - A History of Rugby League in Queensland . CPX Printing and Logistics. ISBN 978-0-646-92820-3 .