Rugby league: NSW Deaf vs New Zealand Deaf Kiwis

1988 •

As a warm-up in preparation for their upcoming game vs the Australian Deaf rugby league team, the Deaf Kiwis play against the NSW Deaf rugby league team on 4 June 1988. The game was won by NSW, 18–8.

As a warmup in preparation for their upcoming game vs the Australian Deaf rugby league team, the Deaf Kiwis play against the NSW Deaf rugby league team on 4 June 1988. The game, played at Henson Park (Sydney) was won by NSW, 18–8.

New Zealand Deaf Kiwis:

Michael Collett (Captain), Noel Hooper (Vice Captain), Peter Musgrave, Richard Renata, Andrew Pelasio, Sidney Johnson, Richard Peri, Brent Ryder, Rodney Roberts, Kevin Carroll, Wayne Andresen, Ronald Hood, Michael Wi, Nigel Pumipi, Wayne MacKail, Warwick Flintoff, Maurice Ratapu (Coach), Robert Marquet (Team Manager and Sponsor)

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NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Part 2: Refereeing Across Regions – Hawke’s Bay to Wellington

After his time with the Auckland Rugby League Referees Association, John moved to Hawke’s Bay where he continued refereeing while settling into a new job. He quickly adapted to their systems and wasn’t shy about calling out fights or handing out penalties. His gestures were sharp and clear, especially when sending someone to the sin bin for ten minutes. Later, he moved to Wellington where his name was already known. Although there was some hesitation at first, John worked hard to ease concerns and became a popular and respected referee. Clubs often invited him to events, but he kept things modest and only accepted one pint.

NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Part 3: Making a Statement in Christchurch

In 1986, John moved to Christchurch for work as a supervisor and continued refereeing. He was warmly welcomed into the local rugby league scene and received several awards for his efforts. In one memorable game on the outskirts of Christchurch, a hearing coach was badmouthing John from the sideline. John caught it from the corner of his eye, blew the whistle, and firmly told the coach to be quiet using clear gestures. The coach was stunned that a Deaf referee had spotted it. The crowd erupted in support. After the match, John simply said, “Deaf can do it.”

NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Part 4: Flying the Flag as a Deaf Referee

In 1990, John was stunned to be selected as the New Zealand XV referee for an international tour to England and France. He embraced the experience, swapped ties with other referees, and visited the Leeds Deaf Club. England won the match 25 to 11. Later, John passed a refereeing exam to move up a level and went on to officiate another international between New Zealand and France, where France won by just one point. No issues were raised about his performance. He was proud to show that a Deaf referee could do the job just as well as anyone else.

NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Part 1: John’s First Whistle – A Deaf Ref Takes the Field

John shares how he got into rugby league refereeing after approaching a ref at his local Glenora Bears club, where he used to play. His first game was in Manurewa, and both teams were told in advance that the referee was deaf. The match was even filmed, with none other than the Mad Butcher, Peter Leitch, watching from the sidelines keeping a close eye on John. He rose to the challenge. John used clear, sharp signals and wasn’t afraid to use his voice to keep the game moving. He even added some of his own flair – a bold “I’ve had enough!” gesture. He got a big thumbs up from the Mad Butcher and was later picked to referee the final of the season. That same year, he was also given an award for his refereeing.

Andrew Pelasio

Brent Ryder