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2007 anniversary jersey 1.jpg

2007 NZ Warriors Anniversary Jersey

Team
NRL
Year
2007
Type
Anniversary
Main Supplier
Puma
Left Breast
Warriors
Right Breast
NRL Telstra Premiership
Main Sponsor
Vodafone
Sleeve Sponsor
Lion Red Beer
Yoke Sponsor
Puma
Upper Back Sponsor
Vodafone
Lower Back Sponsor
Loadlift

Jersey Information

Quite often its mistakenly referred to as the Auckland Rugby League Centennial jersey. Problem is the ARL was founded in 1909.

This jersey was actually made to mark 30 years since the Auckland team of 1977 beat Australia, Great Britain and France all in the space of just 20 days at Carlaw Park.

Below is an excerpt from an article before the 40th Anniversary held at Mt Smart and hosted by the Warriors.

Under the guidance of master coach Bill Sorensen, the Aucklanders delivered wins over Australia on June 1 (19-15), Great Britain on June 14 (14-10) and France on June 21 (17-0).

The achievement was all the more exceptional because it contrasted with the Kiwis’ uninspiring efforts in their World Championship matches against the visiting teams just days earlier with many of the Auckland players backing up from those Test matches.

After the Kiwis had lost 12-27 to Australia at Carlaw Park on May 29, Auckland – with five players backing up from the Test – provided thrills aplenty in beating the Kangaroos 19-15 on the same ground three days later.

On June 12, the Kiwis were abject in a 12-30 defeat by Great Britain in Christchurch but seven of the Kiwi side then fronted and excelled 48 hours later to help Auckland beat the Brits 14-10 at the beloved Carlaw Park.

And while the New Zealand side was unconvincing in a 28-20 win against France on June 19, seven Kiwis then helped Auckland complete the clean sweep with their 17-0 victory over the French.

In all 19 players were used by Sorensen in Auckland’s campaign with 14 of them either Kiwis already or destined to wear the black and white jersey. Five of them captained the Kiwis and five of them were inducted as Legends of League by the NZRL – Dennis Williams, Mark Graham, Kurt Sorensen, Olsen Filipaina and Bill Sorensen – while others who would have long Kiwi and professional careers were Fred Ah Kuoi, Dane O’Hara and Gary Kemble.

The 1977 team was previously honoured by the Vodafone Warriors in 2007, marking the 30th anniversary with a special replica strip the Vodafone Warriors wore in their last home match of the season against Manly. On a sensational day – with 12 1977 veterans in attendance – the Vodafone Warriors beat Manly 36-14 in front of 25,070 fans (the ground was sold out two days earlier).

Puma's jersey was taken straight from the 1977 jersey and was a faithful reproduction of the original from the colour and shade to the chevron detail.

Originally there was only meant to be a limited run of 300 made and offered for sale but due to the huge amount of public demand Puma made at least one more run.

Heres the team list from the only game they played in this jersey should you be lucky enough to get a players jersey...

1. Wade McKINNON
2. Michael CROCKETT
3. Jerome ROPATI
4. Simon MANNERING
5. Manu VATUVEI
6. Michael WITT
7. Grant ROVELLI
8. Sam RAPIRA
9. Nathan FIEN
10. Steve PRICE (c)
11. Ruben WIKI
12. Logan SWANN
13. Micheal LUCK
14. George GATIS
15. Evarn TUIMAVAVE
16. Epalahame LAUAKI
17. Wairangi KOOPU

Photo credit: mt.wellington mt.wellington , Photosport

To discuss this jersey further please follow the link below to find the thread created for all 2003-2005 jerseys and merchandise.

Item information

Category
NZ Warriors Jerseys
Added by
mt.wellington
Views
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Last update

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