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A friendship forged on the rugby league fields of New Zealand a century ago

A friendship forged on the rugby league fields of New Zealand a century ago

It's been more than 100 years since Awhina and Rita's ancestors travelled from the rugby league fields of New Zealand to Australia.

Fri, 11 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Rabbitohs 10, Knights 20

Sat, 12 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Warriors 16, Dolphins 26

Sat, 12 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Sharks 26, Cowboys 16

Sun, 13 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Panthers 19, Roosters 12

Sat, 19 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Roosters 46, Sharks 10

Sun, 20 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Warriors 10, Knights 12

Fri, 25 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Dolphins 20, Roosters 36

Sun, 27 Sept, 4:00 pm, Final score, Panthers 14, Knights 22

Sun, 4 Oct, 7:30 pm, Final score, Roosters 19, Knights 18

Awhina Hetet and Rita McRae Kingi share a drink on a blistering November day, on the balcony of Awhina's Logan business.

The women and their families met and became close mates in Brisbane, after moving to the city from Rotorua and Marton and in New Zealand.

But the families' close bond was first forged more than a century ago, on the rugby league fields of New Zealand.

Awhina's great-great-great grandfather Hōne Taonui "John" Hetet was the team manager for the Māori All Stars in 1909.

Rita's great-great grandfather Nirai Whareure "Ned" McRae was a coach, captain, and player.

The players had all anglicised their names before making the trip across the ditch for the campaign 117 years ago.

In brief

Fri, 11 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Rabbitohs 10, Knights 20 Sat, 12 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Warriors 16, Dolphins 26 Sat, 12 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Sharks 26, Cowboys 16 Sun, 13 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Panthers 19, Roosters 12 Sat, 19 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Roosters 46, Sharks 10 Sun, 20 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Warriors 10, Knights 12 Fri, 25 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Dolphins 20, Roosters 36 Sun, 27 Sept, 4:00 pm, Final score, Panthers 14, Knights 22 Sun, 4 Oct, 7:30 pm, Final score, Roosters 19, Knights 18 Awhina Hetet and Rita McRae Kingi share a drink on a blistering November day, on the balcony of Awhina's Logan business.

This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to ABC News Australia. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.

Continue reading at ABC News Australia ↗

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