Australian Rugby League Shirt Polo Retro Kangaroo Style

Description

An Introduction to Australian Rugby League Polo Shirt

The Australian Rugby League Shirt Polo Retro Kangaroo Style was inspired by one of the finest ever Australian Rugby League teams – the 1968 Rugby League World Cup team.

The 1968 Rugby League World Cup tournament was staged in New Zealand and Australia during May and June in 1968. Great Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand were the competing teams. And it was the first Rugby League World Cup to be played under the new four tackle rules. Australia got off to the perfect start when 62,256 fans packed into the Sydney Cricket Ground. To see the home team beat Great Britain by 25 points to 10.

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A week later, Des Barchard the New Zealand Coach was looking for a much improved performance against the Kangaroos at Lang Park, Brisbane. Things looked to be going well for the Kiwis. As they led at half-time by 7 points to 4 and an upset looked a strong possibility. Aussie Coach St George Dragons and Warrington Wolves player – Harry Bath decided on a change in the Second Half. He replaced Stand-Off Tony Branson and gave the legendary Bob Fulton his first outing on the international stage. It turned out to be a master stroke. Fulton was outstanding and the Australian team ran in five second half tries compared to New Zealand’s single score. Ron Coote took the Man of the Match award.

France supringly defeated Great Britain at a muddy Carlow Park in Auckland. The stubborn defence of the French team was truly outstanding. Winger Jean-René Ledru scored the only try of the match in the 7 points to 2 victory over the British. Which saw France reach the final.

In a strange coincidence, the two finalists – Australia and France had to play their group game before meeting in the final. The match attracted 32,664 spectators at Lang Park, Brisbane. An altercation between Australia’s imposing Prop Forward Artie Beetson and French Winger Jean-René Ledru resulted in both players’ dismissal. The home team ran riot winning by 37 points to 4, with Lionel Williamson and Bob Fulton both collecting a brace of tries.

Summary of the Final matches at the Rugby League World Cup

The final was held only two days after the group game and both teams must have been exhausted as they left Brisbane for Sydney. In front of a crowd of 54,290 the French team played much better than they had in the previous encounter. The low tackling of the visitors excited the fans, but they lacked any threat and in contrast Australia looked razor sharp with inspirational captain Johnny Raper  Ron Coote who scored spectacular tries in each and every game and kicker Eric Simms, who scored a record 25 goals. There were also the future greats who made a mark in this competition, the great Bob Fulton and Artie Beetson. Another Australian youngster Canterbury Bankstown three-quarter Johnny Rhodes voted Man of the Tournament. Rugby League Cares and Manufacturing

With every sale, Rugby League Cares receives donations as a charity. The donation helps players transition out of the sport. It supports players past and present who are enduring poor health or hardship.

Manufactured from 100% chunky pique cotton, the Ellis Rugby Australian Rugby League Shirt Polo Retro Kangaroo Style features detailed embroidery and appliqué badge as well as inner contrast placket, arm rib and collar stand. This Polo Shirt is available in sizes S to 5XL.

As well as the Australian Rugby League Shirt Polo Retro Kangaroo Style, we also offer a Australia Rugby League Shirt Vintage Kangaroo Jersey and T-Shirt.