League: Former Kiwis to turn back the clock

Tea Ropati

Some of the greats of New Zealand rugby league will wind back the clock in Auckland on Saturday night to turn out in a curtainraiser to the New Zealand Warriors' match against Parramatta.

A squad of former Kiwis, going under the name of the Kiwi All Stars and with former test coach Graham Lowe guiding them, will take on an Invitational team at Mt Smart Stadium.

Among the All Stars will be legendary second rower Kurt Sorensen, 49, who is returning from Australia for the match, which will be played over two 30-minute halves.

His teammates will include the likes of James Leuluai, Gary Kemble, Duane Mann, Tea Ropati, Clayton Friend and Owen Wright.

The only All Star who did not appear in a test for the Kiwis is Mark Bourneville, who did however play for France against New Zealand.

The Invitational side do not boast the same quality, although their number contain several former Auckland representatives.

They include Kiwis coach Brian McClennan, whose assistant, Graeme Norton, will also take the field.

Auckland taxi driver and long-time Ellerslie player Noel Wyatt, 43, organised the match because he wanted to end his own career with a flourish.

"I broke my arm in my last competitive game in July 2000, and I just wanted one more run," he said.

"I couldn't think of a better way to finish it off."

Kiwi All Stars:

Gary Kemble, Tony Iro, James Leuluai, Tea Ropati, Joe Ropati, Shane Cooper, Clayton Friend, Francis Leota, Duane Mann, Jason Lowrie, Owen Wright, Kurt Sorensen, Sam Panapa.

Interchange:

Mark Bourneville, Richard Blackmore, Tony Tatupu, Iva Ropati, Dean Clark, Kevin Iro.

Invitational team:

Wayne Trainor, Ken Andersson, Hereme Sio, Steve Kemble, Darrel Williams, Bryce Townsend, Arthur Clark, Noel Wyatt, Graeme Norton, Greg Hiley, Christian Fa'avea, Reece Guy, Ricky Williams.

Interchange:

Gregory Molloy, Piri Enua, Peter Ropati, Ray Hannay, Peter O'Rourke, Brian McClennan, Peter Simons.

- NZPA