KEY POINTS:
Former Kiwis rugby league fullback Don Ladner died this week after suffering a heart attack in Reefton.
Ladner, who played eight tests in 1969-70 and scored 76 points, all from goal kicking, was 60. He died on Monday.
Ladner had a knack for kicking long-range goals and landed 28 goals and 10 field goals during his international career.
He was working in the mine near Reefton and was noticed by national selectors after his deeds for West Coast, The Press newspaper reported.
He marked his international debut, against Australia at Carlaw Park in 1969, by scoring all of New Zealand's points with four goals and a field goal in the 10-20 defeat.
In the second test, the Kiwis beat the Kangaroos 18-14 with Ladner's six goals helping to break a sequence of 14 defeats and a draw in their previous 15 tests.
Ladner played in the 0-3 series loss to Great Britain the next year before being selected for the World Cup in the United Kingdom, won by Australia.
That was to be the end of his international career with the more attacking Mike McClennan from Auckland replacing him the following year.
Ladner's funeral will be held in Reefton on Monday.
- NZPA
