Joe Ropati

Joseph Ropati is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand in thirteen test matches, including in games that counted towards the 1988 World Cup.[2] Ropati is part of a large rugby league family that includes internationals Iva, Peter, Tea and rugby union international Romi.[3] Joe, Tea and Iva are the only set of three brothers to play test matches for the Kiwis.

Joe Ropati
Personal information
Full nameJoseph Ropati[1]
BornNew Zealand
Playing information
PositionWing, Centre
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
Otahuhu Leopards
1986–90 Warrington
1988–89 Manly Sea Eagles 21 1 0 0 4
1991 Mangere East Hawks
Total 21 1 0 0 4
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1982–87 Auckland
New Zealand Māori
1983–86 New Zealand 13 3 3 0 18
Source: [2]

Playing career

Ropati began his career playing in the Auckland Rugby League competition for the Otahuhu Leopards. Between 1982 and 1985 Ropati represented Auckland and also represented New Zealand Māori.[4]

[5] In 1983 Ropati won the ARL's award for the most improved back and in 1985 he won the Tetley Trophy as the leading try scorer.

He toured the United Kingdom in 1983 with the New Zealand Māori side.[6]

Ropati played in thirteen test matches for the New Zealand national rugby league team between 1983 and 1986.

In 1986 Ropati moved to England, joining Warrington. He stayed with Warrington for four seasons.

Ropati played left-centre, i.e. number 4, in Warrington's 4-18 defeat by Wigan in the 1986–87 John Player Special Trophy Final during the 1986–87 season at Burnden Park, Bolton on Saturday 10 January 1987.[7]

Ropati played right-centre, i.e. number 3, and scored a try in Warrington's 24-16 victory over Oldham in the 1989 Lancashire County Cup Final during the 1989–90 season at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Saturday 14 October 1989.

Ropati also played for the Manly Sea Eagles for two seasons, playing in 21 first grade matches.

References
  1. "ROPATI, JOSEPH 1983, 1985 - 87 - KIWI #572". nzleague.co.nz. 31 December 2017. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  2. "Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org". rugbyleagueproject.org. 31 December 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  3. Rattue, Chris (29 May 1999). "Rugby: Ropati finds new field of dreams". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
  4. John Coffey, Bernie Wood (2008). 100 years: Māori rugby league, 1908-2008. Huia Publishers. p. 216. ISBN 978-1-86969-331-2. ISBN 1-86969-331-0.
  5. "Otahuhu Rovers Rugby League Football and Sports Club Inc". aucklandleague.co.nz. 5 June 2010. Archived from the original on 5 June 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  6. "New Zealand Māori league team, 1983 – Māori rugby – whutupaoro – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand".
  7. "10th January 1987: Warrington 4 Wigan 18 (John Player Trophy Final)". wigan.rlfans.com. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
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