Northcote Tigers

Northcote Tigers

Club information
Full name	Northcote and Birkenhead Tigers Rugby League and Sports Club Inc
Colours	Gold and Black
Founded	1910 as the Northcote Warriors
Current details
Ground(s)	Birkenhead War Memorial
Coach(s)	Ken McIntosh
Competition	Auckland Rugby League
Records
Premierships	1987, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001
Minor premiership	1989, 1990, 1991, 1993
National Club Champions	1987, 1989, 1991
Roope Rooster	1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2008, 2009
Stormont Shield	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
Sharman Cup	1979, 2003, 2007

The Northcote Tigers are a rugby league club based in Northcote, New Zealand. The club was founded in 1910 as the Northcote Warriors.^[1]

The Tigers compete in the Fox Memorial competition run by the Auckland Rugby League. Between 2000 and 2002 the Northcote Tigers competed in the national Bartercard Cup before being replaced by the North Harbour Tigers for three seasons. In 1994-1996 the North Harbour Sea Eagles in the Lion Red Cup were also based at the Birkenhead War Memorial.

History

The Northcote Tigers jersey

In 1909 members of the North Shore Rugby Union were so impressed with the new type of football they had seen that they decided to found a club for the 1910 season. Thus in 1910 the Northcote "Ramblers" League Football Club was born. It wasn't until 1948 however that the club qualified for the first grade and earned 'senior' status. In 1987 they finally won the Fox Memorial championship.

Notable players

Probably the clubs greatest product was former Kiwi's halfback Gary Freeman. Other famous players to play for the Tigers include Sean Hoppe, Jason Lowrie, Gene Ngamu, Paul Rauhihi, Tony Tuimavave and current New Zealand Warrior Kevin Locke

Kiwi Representatives

Thirteen players have played for the New Zealand Kiwis:^[2]

• Tom Conroy: 1975,
• Gary Freeman: 1986/7/8/9/90/1/2/4/5,
• Tom Hadfield: 1956/7/8/9/60/1,
• Frank Halloran: 1937,
• Sean Hoppe: 1992/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/2002,
• Len Jordan: 1946/7/8/9,
• Josh Liavaa: 1975,
• Jason Lowrie: 1993/4/5/9/2000,
• Gene Ngamu: 1993/4/5/6/7/8/9,
• John O'Sullivan: 1971/2/4/5,
• Paul Rauhihi: 2002/3/4,
• Paddy Tuimavave: 1990,
• Tony Tuimavave: 1995.

The club has also had many Auckland representatives, including: Shane Horo, Stuart Galbraith, Brian McLennan, Logan Campbell, Latham Tawhai, Mark Elia, Ken McIntosh, and Willie Poching.

Bartercard Cup

With the creation of the Bartercard Cup in 2000 by the New Zealand Rugby League the Tigers were one of the seven Auckland sides invited to join. However they did not experience that much success, failing to make the top five in three successive attempts.

Season	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	Pts	Position (Teams)	Finals
2000	22	7	1	14	490	654	-164	15	Tenth (Twelve)	N/A
2001	21	10	1	10	566	508	58	23*	Seventh (Twelve)	N/A
2002	16	8	0	8	401	472	-71	16	Seventh (Twelve)	N/A

*two points for a Bye as the Ngongotaha Chiefs dropped out of the competition.

North Harbour Tigers

In 2003 the Bartercard Cup Franchise was renamed the North Harbour Tigers. The new side represented all of the North Shore teams and not just the Northcote club. It experienced a some success in its three year history, making the top five twice, both times losing in the Elimination Semifinal.

Season	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	Pts	Position (Teams)	Finals
2003	16	6	2	8	496	403	93	14	Sixth (Twelve)	N/A
2004	16	9	1	6	469	374	95	19	Fourth (Twelve)	Lost Elimination Semifinal
2005	16	10	0	6	508	323	185	20	Fourth (Twelve)	Lost Elimination Semifinal

Harbour League

See also: Harbour League

In 2006 the number of Auckland Bartercard Cup sides was reduced from eight to five. This resulted in the North Harbour Tigers and the Hibiscus Coast Raiders leaving the competition and being replaced by the Harbour League franchise.

References

1. ^ John Haynes From All Blacks to All Golds: Rugby League's Pioneers, Christchurch, Ryan and Haynes, 1996. ISBN 0473038641
2. ^ Northcote and Birkenhead Tigers Rugby League and Sports Club Inc Historical Information Auckland Rugby League, 2009

External links

• Official Website
• Auckland Rugby League