Mangere East Hawks

The Mangere East Hawks are a rugby league based in Māngere, New Zealand. The Hawks compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition.

Mangere East Hawks
Club information
Full nameMangere East Rugby League Club
Founded1963 (1963)
Current details
Ground(s)
  • Walter Massey Park
CoachRichard Blackmore 2020
Records
Premierships2003
Minor premierships1987, 1997, 2002, 2004
Roope Rooster1989, 1998
Stormont Shield2006
Sharman Cup1975, 1982, 2012

History

The club was formed in 1963, the first fourteen junior teams took the field in 1964.[1] Before this, teams from the area had been attached to the Otahuhu club.

In 1969 the club won the Senior B championship and the Norton Trophy and were promoted to play in the Auckland Rugby League's premier grade the following season.

In 1971 the club was able to afford a $50,000, 6000sq ft club house which was built at Walter Massey Park, the club's home ground since its foundation.[1]

The club adopted the nickname "The Hawks" in 1973, after forming a sister club partnership with the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks in Sydney.[1] They were one of the first clubs in Auckland to adopt a nickname.

In 1977 Olsen Filipaina became the first Hawks junior to represent his country and in 1978 the club, coached by Ernie Wiggs, made its first Fox Memorial grand final, being defeated by Otahuhu.[1]

OPn 29 June 1991 five of the Ropati brothers; Tea, Iva, John, Joe and Peter all played together for the Mangere East senior side.[1]

In 2003, the club's 40th jubilee season, the Hawks win their first Fox Memorial title.[1]

Notable players

Other notable former players include;[1]

  • Peter Leitch aka "The Mad Butcher" is a noted fan of the club.

References
  1. The Hawks: 40 years of Rugby League, Suburban Newspapers Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0-473-09744-3
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