1974 Great Britain Lions tour

Date| 26 May 1974 –
13 August 1974
Manager| Reg Parker
Coach(es)| Jim Challinor
Tour captain(s)| Chris Hesketh
Top point scorer(s)| John Gray (111)
Top try scorer(s)| David Redfearn (18)
Summary| | P|  W|  D|  L

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|
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Total| | 28|  21|  00|  07

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|
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Test match| | 06|  03|  00|  03

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|
|

Opponent| | P|  W|  D|  L

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|
|

Australia| | 3|  1|  0|  2

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|
|

New Zealand| | 3|  2|  0|  1

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|
|

Tour chronology
Previous tour| 1970
Next tour| 1979

The 1974 Great Britain Lions tour was the Great Britain national rugby league team's 15th tour of Australasia and took place from May to August 1974. A total of 28 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

[edit]

In March 1974, a 26-man squad was selected for the tour, with Chris Hesketh appointed as captain.[1]

After the squad was selected, Keith Fielding withdrew from the tour as his wife was expecting a baby in June. He was replaced by John Butler.[2] Mike Nicholas was also forced to withdraw due to injuries sustained in the 1974 Challenge Cup final, and was replaced by Jimmy Thompson.[3]

Bill Ramsey and Maurice Richards were called up to replace injured players during the tour.[4]

During an injury crisis while in New Zealand, tour coach Jim Challinor was forced to come out of retirement just 6 days after turning 40. Although he scored a try in the game against South Island in Greymouth, he suffered an injury during the game that would ultimately result in the loss of a kidney.

Forward John Gray would cause a sensation in Australia and New Zealand with his goal kicking. To that point in rugby league's history, goal kicking was generally the now known to be less accurate front-on toe poking style of kick. Gray was the first around the corner kicker seen in Australia. He explained that it was easy to do as it was no different to kicking a soccer ball. Despite being more accurate, the style which is the standard in 2024 took its time to take hold in Australia and although there were around the corner kickers like Ross Conlon and dual rugby international Michael O'Connor in the 1980s, the style didn't really take off until the 1990s thanks to the accuracy of of New Zealand kickers such as Matthew Ridge and Daryl Halligan. Gray would go on to play for both North Sydney and Manly-Warringah in the Sydney Premiership during the mid-late 1970s.

* (as sub) and Tests not included in Appearances

Name  | Position(s)  | Club  | Appearances
(as sub)  | Tests
(as sub)  | Tries  | Goals  | Drop goals  | Points  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Kevin Ashcroft | Hooker |  Warrington | 13 (1) | (1) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
John Atkinson | Wing |  Leeds | 8 | – | 8 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
Alan Bates | Scrum-half, Loose forward |  Dewsbury | 18 | (3) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
John Bates | Second-row |  Dewsbury | 2 (3) | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
John Bevan | Wing, Centre, Fullback |  Warrington | 12 (1) | 4 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 45 |
Keith Bridges | Hooker, Prop |  Featherstone Rovers | 6 (2) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
John Butler | Utility |  Rochdale | 14 (3) | – | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
Jim Challinor | Centre |  St Helens | 1 | – | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Paul Charlton | Fullback |  Salford | 10 (1) | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Eric Chisnall | Second-row, Prop, Hooker |  St Helens | 13 (1) | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Terry Clawson | Prop |  Oldham | 9 | 4 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 48 |
Colin Dixon | Utility |  Salford | 11 (2) | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Les Dyl | Centre, Wing |  Leeds | 12 | 5 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 42 |
David Eckersley | Fullback, Centre |  St Helens | 11 (1) | 1 (1) | 3 | 12 | 0 | 33 |
Ken Gill | Stand-off, Centre |  Salford | 11 (2) | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
John Gray | Prop, Second-row, Hooker |  Wigan | 10 (1) | 5 (1) | 2 | 52 | 1 | 111 |
Chris Hesketh (c) | Centre, Stand-off |  Salford | 10 (4) | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Jim Mills | Prop |  Widnes | 12 (1) | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Roger Millward | Utility |  Hull Kingston Rovers | 8 (1) | 2 (1) | 8 | 18 | 0 | 60 |
Steve Nash | Scrum-half |  Featherstone Rovers | 8 (2) | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 16 |
George Nicholls | Loose forward, Second-row |  St Helens | 12 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Steve Norton | Loose forward, Second-row |  Castleford | 12 (2) | 2 (1) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Bill Ramsey | Prop, Hooker, Second-row |  Bradford Northern | 5 (1) | (1) | 2 | 5 | 0 | 16 |
David Redfearn | Wing, Centre |  Bradford Northern | 13 | 4 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 55 |
Maurice Richards | Wing, Fullback |  Salford | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
Paul Rose | Second-row, Loose forward, Prop |  Hull Kingston Rovers | 11 (1) | (1) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Jimmy Thompson | Second-row, Prop, Hooker |  Featherstone Rovers | 13 (2) | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
David Watkins | Centre, Fullback |  Salford | 5 (2) | 1 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 30 |
David Willicombe | Centre, Wing, Fullback |  Halifax | 11 (3) | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 24 |

## Results

[edit]

### Australia

[edit]

26 May 1974

Darwin | 2 – 41  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:

Goals:
Lionel Tewes (1)
| Report
| Tries:
John Atkinson (3)
Steve Nash (2)
David Redfearn (2)
Paul Charlton
Roger Millward
George Nicholls
David Watkins
Goals:
Terry Clawson (3)
David Watkins (1)

Richardson Park, Darwin
Attendance: 6,500

Darwin Firsts: Evan Hooper, Bruce Spencer, Glen Birch, Warwick Carroll, Des Williams, John Grunnett, Lionel Tewes, Jim Lund, Rod Connelly, Dennis Denmeade, Huri Tukukino, Kerry Gardiner, Dennis Postens. Reserves – Eddie Fry, Dennis McDowell, Noel Theodore, Kevin Jurek. Coach – Ron Nobbs

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Redfearn, David Watkins, Chris Hesketh (c), John Atkinson, Ken Gill, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Keith Bridges, Jim Mills, Paul Rose, Colin Dixon, George Nicholls. Reserves – Roger Millward, Alan Bates, John Butler, John Gray

* * *

30 May 1974

North Queensland  | 5 – 30  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Ron Workman
Goals:
Frank Daisy (1)
| Report
| Tries:
Kevin Ashcroft
John Atkinson
Colin Dixon
Les Dyl
David Watkins
David Willicombe
Goals:
Terry Clawson (6)

Cairns Showgrounds, Cairns
Attendance: 7,588
Referee: Nick Euclid

North Queensland: Frank Daisy, Doug Muir, McMillan, Wayne Bullock, Somerville, G. Bevan, Cowell, D. Whiting, Ron Workman (c), Laurie Irvin, Shields, Peter Luppi, Wilson. Reserves – Wooley. Coach –

Great Britain: David Eckersley, John Atkinson, Les Dyl, David Willicombe, John Bevan, John Butler, Alan Bates, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, John Gray, Eric Chisnall, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton. Reserves – Chris Hesketh (c), David Watkins, Jimmy Thompson, John Bates

* * *

2 June 1974

Central Queensland | 0 – 38  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:

Goals:

| Report
| Tries:
John Bevan (2)
Les Dyl (2)
David Willicombe (2)
Chris Hesketh
Paul Rose
Goals:
Terry Clawson (5/7)
David Eckersley (2)

Rockhampton Showgrounds, Rockhampton
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Peter Goener

Central Queensland: John Pollock, Les Williams, John Paap, Ron Milne, Morgan, Alan Hardisty (c), Clayton Dunman, Col McCullum, Rob Harris, Tony Arnold, Mike Pannowitz, Rob Kerr, Tony Perkins,. Reserves – Anthony Hall. Coach –

Great Britain: David Eckersley, Les Dyl, David Willicombe, Chris Hesketh (c), John Bevan, Ken Gill, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Keith Bridges, Eric Chisnall, Jimmy Thompson, Paul Rose, George Nicholls. Reserves – Jim Mills

* * *

4 June 1974

Wide Bay | 12 – 24  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Kevin Harkin
Greg Heading
Goals:
Noel Cavanagh (3)
| Report
| Tries:
David Redfearn (2)
Paul Charlton
Colin Dixon
Goals:
David Watkins (6/7)

Eskdale Park, Maryborough
Attendance: 3,200
Referee: Sid Volling

Wide Bay: Bangle, Greg Heading, Irvine, Philip Braithwaite, Liam Duggan, Ward, Stephenson, Gary Pearson, Kevin Poulter, Noel Cavanagh (c), Tom Duggan, Doug Plastow, Kim McKenna. Reserves – Des Smith, Frank Paulger, Kevin Harkin, Deepler. Coach –

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Redfearn, David Watkins (c), David Willicombe, John Bevan, Roger Millward, Alan Bates, Jim Mills, Kevin Ashcroft, John Gray, Jimmy Thompson, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton. Reserves – John Butler, Eric Chisnall

* * *

6 June 1974

Ipswich Firsts | 8 – 36  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Peter Hyland (2)
Goals:
Len Chemello (1)
| Report
| Tries:
John Atkinson (2)
Les Dyl (2)
John Butler
George Nicholls
Paul Rose
David Willicombe
Goals:
John Gray (4/6)
David Eckersley (2)

Ipswich Showgrounds, Ipswich
Attendance: 3,778
Referee: Ted Barrett

Ipswich Firsts: Brian Sheraton, Mike Green, John White (c), Richard Wilkie, Alan Coles, Brian Scott, Ross O'May, Peter Simpson, Peter Hyland, Daryl Harrower, Ian Hoffman, John Smith, Tom Browne. Reserves – Len Chemello, Raven. Coach –

Great Britain: David Eckersley, Les Dyl, Chris Hesketh (c), John Butler, John Atkinson, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, John Gray, Keith Bridges, Paul Rose, John Bates, Eric Chisnall, George Nicholls. Reserves – David Willicombe, Steve Norton

* * *

9 June 1974

Queensland | 12 – 13  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Ross Strudwick
Goals:
Ian Pearce (4)
Drop goals:
Ross Strudwick (1)
| Report
| Tries:
John Bevan
Colin Dixon
Goals:
David Watkins (2)
Terry Clawson (1)
Drop goals:
Steve Nash (1)

Lang Park, Brisbane
Attendance: 26,000
Referee: Don Lancashire

Queensland: Ian Pearce, Warren Orr, Peter Leis, Gerard Fitzpatrick, Harry Pickering, Geoff Richardson, Ross Strudwick, John Crilly, John Lang, Greg Veivers (c), David Wright, Ray Higgs, Rod Halley. Reserves – Lew Platz. Coach – Barry Muir

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, John Atkinson, David Watkins, Chris Hesketh (c), John Bevan, Roger Millward, Steve Nash, Jim Mills, Keith Bridges, Terry Clawson, Colin Dixon, Jimmy Thompson, George Nicholls. Reserves – Paul Rose

* * *

#### First Test

[edit]

15 June 1974

Australia | 12 – 6  |  Great Britain

|
|

Tries:
Warren Orr
Goals:
Graeme Langlands (4)
| [5]
| Tries:

Goals:
Terry Clawson (2)
David Watkins (1)

Lang Park, Brisbane
Attendance: 30,280
Referee: Don Lancashire

Australia  | Position  | Great Britain

|
|

Graeme Langlands (c) | FB | Paul Charlton
David Waite | WG | David Redfearn
Bob Fulton | CE | David Watkins
Michael Cronin | CE | Chris Hesketh (c)
Warren Orr | WG | John Bevan
Geoff Richardson | FE/SO | Roger Millward
Tom Raudonikis | HB/SH | Steve Nash
Bob O'Reilly | PR | Terry Clawson
Elwyn Walters | HK | Keith Bridges
Arthur Beetson | PR | Jim Mills
Ray Higgs | SR | Jimmy Thompson
Paul Sait | SR | Colin Dixon
Ron Coote | LK/LF | George Nicholls
| Int. | David Eckersley
| Int. | John Gray
Graeme Langlands | Coach | Jim Challinor

* * *

16 June 1974

Toowoomba | 16 – 42  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Russell Bliss
Dan Delaney
Goals:
Wayne Lindenberg (5/6)
| Report
| Tries:
Les Dyl (4)
David Eckersley (2)
John Atkinson
John Gray
Goals:
John Gray (9/10)

Athletic Oval, Toowoomba
Attendance: 4,160
Referee: G. Blair

Toowoomba: Pat McCarthy (c), Russell Bliss, Terry Arnold, Alan Smith, Greg Scholl, Tyran Andrews, Wayne Lindenberg, Tony Brunner, Dan Delaney, Bob Coster, Steve McCosker, Greg Platz, Graham McCulloch. Reserves – Ron Lindenberg, Rohan Hancock. Coach –

Great Britain: David Eckersley, John Atkinson, Les Dyl, David Willicombe, John Bevan, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, John Gray, Kevin Ashcroft, Eric Chisnall, John Bates, Paul Rose, John Butler. Reserves –

* * *

18 June 1974

Brisbane Firsts | 20 – 15  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Gerard Fitzpatrick (2)
Wayne Bennett
Ian Thinee
Goals:
Ian Dauth (4)
| Report
| Tries:
Eric Chisnall
David Eckersley
John Gray
Goals:
David Watkins (2)
John Gray (1)

Brisbane Exhibition Grounds, Brisbane
Attendance: 7,880
Referee: Henry Albert

Brisbane Firsts: Wayne Bennett, Warren Orr, Gerard Fitzpatrick, Eric Lilley, Ian Dauth, Geoff Richardson, Tony White, Greg Veivers (c), John Lang, Russell Hughes, David Wright, Ian Thinee, Jeff Fyfe. Reserves – Hugh O'Doherty, Graeme Atherton. Coach – Henry Holloway

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, John Atkinson, Chris Hesketh (c), David Watkins, Les Dyl, Ken Gill, Steve Nash, John Gray, Kevin Ashcroft, Colin Dixon, George Nicholls, Eric Chisnall, Paul Rose. Reserves – David Eckersley, Steve Norton

* * *

20 June 1974

North Coast  | 9 – 19  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Mick Ryan
Goals:
John Kelly (3)
| Report
| Tries:
John Bevan (2)
John Atkinson
Jim Mills
Paul Rose
Goals:
Terry Clawson (1)
David Eckersley (1)

McKittrick Park, Grafton
Attendance: 3,460
Referee: Tom Gustard

North Coast: Michael Ross, Mark Hogan, Mick Ryan, Dick Ensby, Des Anderson, Bob McDermott, John Kelly, Ken Johnston, Errol Ruprecht, Ray Webb, Danny Morton, Steve Hage, Barry Bryant (c). Reserves – Barry Morrison, Warren Thompson. Coach – Ron Boden

Great Britain: David Eckersley, John Atkinson, David Willicombe, Les Dyl, John Bevan, John Butler, Alan Bates, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, Jim Mills, Jimmy Thompson, Paul Rose, George Nicholls. Reserves – John Bates

* * *

23 June 1974

North Division NSW  | 14 – 38  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Ray Lanesbury
Ken Orr
Goals:
Phil Harris (4)
| Report
| Tries:
Paul Charlton (2)
Eric Chisnall
Chris Hesketh
Roger Millward
Steve Nash
David Redfearn
David Willicombe
Goals:
Roger Millward (7)

Scully Park, Tamworth
Attendance: 10,640
Referee: Adrian Wilson

Northern Division: Phil Harris, Bill Russell, Ashley Barnett, Gary Sampson, Gary Lingwood, Ron Starr, Ray Stewart, John Donnelly, Ray Lanesbury, Paul Hassab (c), J. Scott, Ken Orr, Geoff Sheedy. Reserves – Wayne Hetherington, John Lennan. Coach – Don Adams

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Willicombe, David Eckersley, Chris Hesketh (c), David Redfearn, Roger Millward, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, Jim Mills, Eric Chisnall, George Nicholls, Steve Norton. Reserves – Ken Gill, John Bates

* * *

26 June 1974

West Division NSW  | 10 – 25  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Norm Armstrong
Goals:
Nelson Smith (3)
Drop goals:
Robbie Pilon (1)
| Report
| Tries:
Ken Gill (2)
Les Dyl
Steve Norton
David Redfearn
Goals:
John Gray (5)

Wade Park, Orange
Attendance: 6,238
Referee: Kevin Honeybrook

Western Division: Paul Sams, D. Kent, Peter Walkom, Ron McDonald, Norm Armstrong, Paul Dowling, Robbie Pilon, David Ritchie, Billy Rose, Greg Fearnley, Terry Ellery, Nelson Smith, D. Ross. Reserves – I. Toohey, Peter Frew. Coach – Johnny King

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Redfearn, Chris Hesketh (c), Les Dyl, John Atkinson, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, Jimmy Thompson, Keith Bridges, Jim Mills, John Gray, Eric Chisnall, Steve Norton. Reserves – David Willicombe, John Butler

* * *

29 June 1974

New South Wales | 12 – 9  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Tom Raudonikis
Jeff Shield
Lionel Williamson
Goals:
Michael Cronin (2)
| Report
| Tries:
Ken Gill
Goals:
David Eckersley (3)

Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Attendance: 16,112
Referee: Keith Page

New South Wales: Russell Fairfax, David Waite, Michael Cronin, Ray Branighan, Lionel Williamson, Jeff Shield, Tom Raudonikis, Bob McCarthy, George Piggins, Ron Turner, Rod Reddy, Gary Stephens, Ron Coote (c). Reserves – Terry Randall, Keith Harris. Coach – Graeme Langlands

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Willicombe, David Eckersley, Chris Hesketh (c), David Redfearn, Ken Gill, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, Jim Mills, Eric Chisnall, Steve Norton, George Nicholls. Reserves – Jimmy Thompson, Keith Bridges,

* * *

30 June 1974

Illawarra Firsts | 22 – 26  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Tony Branson
Allan Fitzgibbon
Greg Mullane
Allan McMahon
Goals:
Dave Cotter (5)
| Report
| Tries:
Ken Gill (2)
Alan Bates
Roger Millward
David Redfearn
Paul Rose
Goals:
John Gray (4)

Wollongong Showground, Wollongong
Attendance: 8,364
Referee: Les Ballard

Illawarra Firsts: Dave Cotter, Allan McMahon, Phil Doherty, Greg Mullane, John Penno, Les Mara, Warwick Shirlaw, Cliff Watson (c), John Floyd, Charlie Bennett, John Jansen, Roger Irving, Allan Fitzgibbon. Reserves – Tony Branson, Klaus Reh. Coach – Norm Provan

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, John Butler, David Eckersley, Ken Gill, David Redfearn, Roger Millward, (c), Alan Bates, John Gray, Jimmy Thompson, Jim Mills, Paul Rose, Eric Chisnall, Colin Dixon. Reserves – John Bevan, Steve Nash

* * *

#### Second Test

[edit]

6 July 1974

Australia | 11 – 16  |  Great Britain

|
|

Tries:
Ron Coote
Bob Fulton
John Lang
Goals:
Michael Cronin (1/3)
Graham Eadie (0/2)
| [6]
| Tries:
Eric Chisnall
Colin Dixon
Ken Gill
Goals:
John Gray (3)
Drop goals:
John Gray (1)

Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Attendance: 48,006
Referee: Keith Page

Australia  | Position  | Great Britain

|
|

Graham Eadie | FB | Paul Charlton
David Waite | WG | Les Dyl
Bob Fulton | CE | David Eckersley
Michael Cronin | CE | Chris Hesketh (c)
Warren Orr | WG | Roger Millward
Geoff Richardson | FE/SO | Ken Gill
Tom Raudonikis | HB/SH | Steve Nash
Bob O'Reilly | PR | Jim Mills
John Lang | HK | John Gray
Arthur Beetson (c) | PR | Jimmy Thompson
Gary Stephens | SR | Eric Chisnall
Paul Sait | SR | Colin Dixon
Ron Coote | LK/LF | George Nicholls
Ray Branighan | Int. | Steve Norton
Bob McCarthy | Int. |
Graeme Langlands | Coach | Jim Challinor

* * *

7 July 1979

Monaro  | 7 – 34  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Geoff Noble
Goals:
John Ballesty (2)
| Report
| Tries:
John Butler (2)
Roger Millward (2)
George Nicholls.
Steve Norton
Bill Ramsay
Maurice Richards
Goals:
Roger Millward (5)

Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan
Attendance: 10,584
Referee: Tom Spain

Monaro: Jon Stone, Paul Ryan, Richard Moncrieff, Pat Fairhall, Tim Edwards, John Ballesty, Geoff Noble, Jim Morgan (c), Jamie Jones, Gary Kerr, John Bruce, Brian Bourke, Don McKay. Reserves – Bill Monie, Bob Belford. Coach –

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, Maurice Richards, John Butler, David Eckersley, Roger Millward, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, Jimmy Thompson, Eric Chisnall, Bill Ramsay, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton, George Nicholls. Reserves – Steve Nash, Chris Hesketh (c)

* * *

10 July 1974

Riverina  | 10 – 36  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Bob Adamson
John Wright
Goals:
Jim Bonus (2)
| Report
| Tries:
David Redfearn (3)
Maurice Richards (2)
John Butler
Jim Mills
Steve Norton
Goals:
David Eckersley (3)
Bill Ramsay (3)

Eric Weissel Oval, Wagga Wagga
Attendance: 8,000
Referee: Graham Barby

Riverina: John Shea, Graham Saddler, Greg Hamilton, Jim Bonus, Dick Timbs, Bob Priest (c), Bob Adamson, Dave Howell, Mike Johnston, Harry Sanson, John Wright, Neville Wornes, Rob Schultz. Reserves – Norm Geaghan, Neil Scobie. Coach – Graham Kennedy

Great Britain: David Eckersley, David Redfearn, Les Dyl, David Willicombe, Maurice Richards, John Butler, Alan Bates, Eric Chisnall, Bill Ramsay, Jim Mills, Paul Rose, Jimmy Thompson, Steve Norton. Reserves – Chris Hesketh (c), Paul Charlton

* * *

13 July 1974

Newcastle Firsts | 14 – 24  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Mark Scobie
Warren Scotman
Goals:
Keith Hemsworth (4)
| Report
| Tries:
John Bevan (2)
David Willicombe (2)
George Nicholls
Paul Rose
Goals:
Bill Ramsay (2)
David Eckersley (1)

Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle
Attendance: 16,130
Referee: Adrian Wilson

Newcastle Firsts: Keith Hemsworth, Warren Scotman, Mark Scobie, Kevin Myers, Rod Sneesby, Robbie Wise, Dennis Ward, George Skeers, Norm Henderson, David White, Allan Thomson (c), Jeff Roach, Peter Howlett. Reserves – Greg Owens, Roger Mullard. Coach – Johnny Raper

Great Britain: David Eckersley, Maurice Richards, David Willicombe, John Bevan, Les Dyl, John Butler, Alan Bates, Jimmy Thompson, Bill Ramsay, Jim Mills, Colin Dixon, Paul Rose, George Nicholls. Reserves – Chris Hesketh (c), Kevin Ashcroft

* * *

#### Third Test

[edit]

20 July 1974

Australia | 22 – 18  |  Great Britain

|
|

Tries:
Ron Coote
Graeme Langlands
Bob McCarthy
Lionel Williamson
Goals:
Graeme Langlands (5)
| [7]
| Tries:
Les Dyl
Maurice Richards
Goals:
John Gray (6)

Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Attendance: 55,505
Referee: Keith Page

Australia  | Position  | Great Britain

|
|

Graeme Langlands (c) | FB | Paul Charlton
Lionel Williamson | WG | Maurice Richards
Bob Fulton | CE | Les Dyl
Michael Cronin | CE | Chris Hesketh (c)
Ray Branighan | WG | John Bevan
Tim Pickup | FE/SO | Ken Gill
Tom Raudonikis | HB/SH | Steve Nash
Arthur Beetson | PR | Jimmy Thompson
Ron Turner | HK | John Gray
John O'Neill | PR | Terry Clawson
Bob McCarthy | SR | Eric Chisnall
Gary Stephens | SR | Colin Dixon
Ron Coote | LK/LF | George Nicholls
| Int. | Roger Millward
| Int. | Paul Rose
Graeme Langlands | Coach | Jim Challinor

* * *

21 July 1974

Southern NSW  | 16 – 10  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Colin Bagnall
Ron Henry
Goals:
Jim Hall (5)
| Report
| Tries:
Steve Norton
Maurice Richards
Goals:
David Redfearn (2)

Grahame Park, Gosford
Attendance: 6,500
Referee: Tom Gustard

Southern NSW: Stan Ralph, Steve Maxwell, Michael Farquhar, Michael Cronin (c), Ron Henry, Colin Bagnall, Chris Anderson, Jim Hall, David McKenzie, Phil Flack, Daryl Palmer, Jim Cronin, Trevor Andrews. Reserves – Warwick Randall, Steve McKenzie. Coach – Ray Corkery

Great Britain: Steve Nash, David Redfearn, David Willicombe, John Bevan, Maurice Richards, Ken Gill, Roger Millward (c), Paul Rose, Kevin Ashcroft, Jimmy Thompson, John Butler, Steve Norton, Alan Bates. Reserves – David Watkins, Keith Bridges

* * *

### New Zealand

[edit]

24 July 1974

North Island | 17 – 37  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
R. Davies
Eddie Orchard
J. Tuineau
Goals:
D. Raihe (4)
| Report
| Tries:
David Redfearn (4)
John Bevan (2)
John Butler
Ken Gill
Les Dyl
Goals:
John Gray (5)

Davies Park, Huntly
Attendance: 2,800

North Island: V. Snowball, G. Carlyon, W. Rangi, R. Davies, Kevin Fisher, Harry Waikai, B. Berryman, Bill Raihe (c), Neil Aspin, J. Tuineau, D. Raihe, Graeme West, Paul Ravlich. Reserves – Jim Rutene, Eddie Orchard. Coach –

Great Britain: David Watkins (c), Maurice Richards, David Redfearn, Les Dyl, John Bevan, John Butler, Alan Bates, Paul Rose, Kevin Ashcroft, Keith Bridges, John Gray, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton. Reserves – Ken Gill, Bill Ramsay

* * *

#### First Test

[edit]

27 July 1974

New Zealand | 13 – 8  |  Great Britain

|
|

Tries:
Ken Stirling
Goals:
Warren Collicoat (5)
| [8]
| Tries:
John Bevan
Steve Nash
Goals:
Terry Clawson (1)

Carlaw Park, Auckland
Attendance: 10,466
Referee: John Percival

New Zealand  | Position  | Great Britain

|
|

Warren Collicoat | FB | Paul Charlton
Mocky Brereton | WG | David Redfearn
Bill Johnsen | CE | Les Dyl
Eddie Kerrigan | CE | Chris Hesketh (c)
John O'Sullivan | WG | John Bevan
Dennis Williams | FE/SO | Ken Gill
Ken Stirling (c) | HB/SH | Steve Nash
Lyndsay Proctor | PR | Terry Clawson
Bill Burgoyne | HK | John Gray
Doug Gailey | PR | Jimmy Thompson
Tony Coll | SR | Colin Dixon
John Greengrass | SR | Steve Norton
Murray Eade | LK/LF | George Nicholls
Wayne Robertson | Int. | Kevin Ashcroft
| Int. |
George Menzies | Coach | Jim Challinor

* * *

30 July 1974

Māori | 16 – 19  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Dennis Key
Josh Liavaa
Goals:
Dane Sorensen (5)
| Report
| Tries:
Steve Nash
Maurice Richards
Jimmy Thompson
Goals:
Terry Clawson (5)

Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Bob Cooper

Māori: Paul Matete, David Liavaa, Pesa Sua, Dennis Williams, Eddie Kerrigan, Ray Harris, Dennis Key, Bill Raihe, William Burgoyne (c), Clarrie Whaange, Dane Sorensen, Josh Liavaa, Peter Gurnick. Reserves – Eddie Orchard, Kevin Tamati. Coach –

Great Britain: Paul Charlton, David Redfearn, Les Dyl, Chris Hesketh (c), Maurice Richards, John Butler, Steve Nash, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, Jimmy Thompson, Colin Dixon, Steve Norton, George Nicholls. Reserves –

* * *

1 August 1974

Wellington | 11 – 39  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
M. Brandon
Goals:
Alan Brooks (4)
| Report
| Tries:
Roger Millward (2)
Kevin Ashcroft
Alan Bates
John Bevan
Ken Gill
Steve Norton
Bill Ramsay
David Redfearn
Goals:
Roger Millward (6)

Basin Reserve, Wellington
Attendance: 5,000
Referee: M. Anderson

Wellington: Alan Brooks, Meredith, Thompson, M. Edmonds, M. Brandon, Nolan Tupaea, Cohen, R, Farrell, Collier, Whetu Henry, Morris, Smith, Hannah. Reserves – Kevin Tamati. Coach –

Great Britain: Maurice Richards, David Redfearn, Roger Millward (c), John Butler, John Bevan, Ken Gill, Alan Bates, Jim Mills, Kevin Ashcroft, Jimmy Thompson, Bill Ramsay, Eric Chisnall, Steve Norton. Reserves – Colin Dixon

* * *

#### Second Test

[edit]

4 August 1974

New Zealand | 8 – 17  |  Great Britain

|
|

Tries:

Goals:
Warren Collicoat (4)
| [9]
| Tries:
Les Dyl
Chris Hesketh
David Redfearn
Goals:
John Gray (4)

Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch
Attendance: 6,316
Referee: Peter Yaxley

New Zealand  | Position  | Great Britain

|
|

Warren Collicoat | FB | Paul Charlton
Mocky Brereton | WG | David Redfearn
John O'Sullivan | CE | Les Dyl
Bill Johnsen | CE | Colin Dixon
Eddie Kerrigan | WG | Maurice Richards
Dennis Williams | FE/SO | Chris Hesketh (c)
Ken Stirling (c) | HB/SH | Steve Nash
Doug Gailey | PR | Jim Mills
John Hibbs | HK | John Gray
John Greengrass | PR | Jimmy Thompson
Tony Coll | SR | Eric Chisnall
Wayne Robertson | SR | Steve Norton
Murray Eade | LK/LF | George Nicholls
Don Mann | Int. | Alan Bates
| Int. |
George Menzies | Coach | Jim Challinor

* * *

6 August 1974

South Island | 2 – 33  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:

Goals:
Michael O'Donnell (1/4)
| Report
| Tries:
John Bevan (2)
John Butler
Jim Challinor
Roger Millward
David Redfearn
David Willicombe
Goals:
John Gray (6/8)

Wingham Park, Greymouth
Attendance: 2,500
Referee: Ted Gutbertlet

South Island: Ray Haffenden, J. Low, Bruce Dickison, Michael O'Donnell, G. Scully, Kevin Murcott, Graeme Cooksley, Alan Rushton, Dale Brown, D. Adamson, S. Hatipov. Lachie Grant, Rodney Walker. Reserves – D. Murphy, A. Bowes. Coach –

Great Britain: John Bevan, David Redfearn, Jim Challinor (c), Roger Millward, Maurice Richards, John Butler, Alan Bates, Jim Mills, Kevin Ashcroft, Bill Ramsay, John Gray, Colin Dixon, George Nicholls. Reserves – David Willicombe

* * *

#### Third Test

[edit]

10 August 1974

New Zealand | 0 – 20  |  Great Britain

|
|

Tries:

Goals:

| [10]
| Tries:
John Bevan (2)
Les Dyl
Chris Hesketh
Goals:
John Gray (4)

Carlaw Park, Auckland
Attendance: 11,574
Referee: John Percival

New Zealand  | Position  | Great Britain

|
|

Warren Collicoat | FB | Paul Charlton
Mocky Brereton | WG | David Redfearn
John O'Sullivan | CE | Les Dyl
Bill Johnsen | CE | David Willicombe
Eddie Kerrigan | WG | John Bevan
Dennis Williams | FE/SO | Chris Hesketh (c)
Ken Stirling (c) | HB/SH | Steve Nash
Doug Gailey | PR | Terry Clawson
John Hibbs | HK | John Gray
Don Mann | PR | Jimmy Thompson
Wayne Robertson | SR | Eric Chisnall
John Greengrass | SR | Colin Dixon
Murray Eade | LK/LF | George Nicholls
Bob Jarvis | Int. | Alan Bates
Peter Gurnick | Int. | Bill Ramsay
George Menzies | Coach | Jim Challinor

* * *

13 August 1974

Auckland | 11 – 2  |  Great Britain Lions

|
|

Tries:
Bob Jarvis
Goals:
Warren Collicoat (4/5)
| Report
| Tries:

Goals:
John Gray (1)

Carlaw Park, Auckland
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Bob Cooper

Auckland: Warren Collicoat, L. Hall, John O'Sullivan, Dennis Williams, Colin Andrew, John Smith, Ken Stirling (c), Tony Kriletich, Tom Conroy, Don Mann, Peter Gurnick, Josh Liavaa, Barrie Dyer. Reserves – Bob Jarvis, Doug Gailey. Coach –

Great Britain: David Willicombe, David Redfearn, Les Dyl, John Butler, John Bevan, Chris Hesketh (c), Alan Bates, Terry Clawson, Kevin Ashcroft, Jimmy Thompson, Eric Chisnall, John Gray, Steve Norton. Reserves – Colin Dixon

* * *

## Statistics

[edit]

Leading try scorer

* 15 by John Bevan

Leading point scorer

* 111 by John Gray (2 tries, 52 goals, 1 field goal)

Largest attendance

* 55,505 – Third test vs Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground

Largest non-test attendance

* 26,000 – Queensland vs Great Britain at Lang Park

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Mather, Harold (5 March 1974). "Dream comes true for Hesketh". The Guardian. London. p. 25\. ProQuest 185792319.
2. ^ Mather, Harold (13 March 1974). "Leeds are let down by backs". The Guardian. London. p. 21\. ProQuest 185663378.
3. ^ "Oxley is league's choice". The Guardian. London. 16 May 1974. p. 28\. ProQuest 185632872.
4. ^ "Brain damage suspected". The Canberra Times. 3 July 1974. p. 28 - via Trove.
5. ^ "Ashes Series 1974 Series - Game 1". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
6. ^ "Ashes Series 1974 Series - Game 2". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
7. ^ "Ashes Series 1974 Series - Game 3". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
8. ^ "New Zealand vs Great Britain 1974 Series - Game 1". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
9. ^ "New Zealand vs Great Britain 1974 Series - Game 2". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
10. ^ "New Zealand vs Great Britain 1974 Series - Game 3". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 April 2023.

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