Hull and Australia played the classic ‘4th test’ at the Boulevard over four decades ago.
It’s been 22 years since Great Britain and Australia competed for the Rugby League Ashes. This year, come October 25, that all changes, albeit it will be Shaun Wane’s England who will host the Kangaroos in a three-match Test series.
But in this part of the world, mention Australia, the Kangaroos, and the green and gold jersey, and 1982 instantly springs to mind, and Hull FC taking it to the mighty nation at their famous old Boulevard ground nearly 43 years ago.
Dubbed the unofficial ‘4th test’, it’s one of the most savoured nights at the now knocked-down Airlie Street site, and one Hull fans of a certain vintage are only too happy to recall, for the Kangaroo Tour of ’82 revolutionised the way the game was played in this country. In fact, the Aussies were nothing short of incredible, but despite all their class, their speed, and their prestige, they met their match against Hull on November 16.
At the peak of their powers under Arthur Bunting, it was Hull who gave that full Australia Test team as good as they got on a cold, dark night at the famous old ground. Sat at the top of the Championship table, a spot they wouldn’t relinquish, and also reigning Challenge Cup, John Player Trophy, and Yorkshire Cup holders, the Airlie Birds were genuinely on top of the rugby league world.
Bunting’s heroes were the kings, and for a brief spell at the Airlie Street site, the unthinkable was happening. Hull, with their locally produced pack including the class of Mick Harrison, Mick Crane and Lee Crooks, not to mention three Kiwi backline stars in Gary Kemble, Dane O’Hara and James Leuluai, were giving it to the Aussies, leading 7-0 at halftime thanks to a David Topliss kick-through try and two goals from Crooks. It was beyond their wildest dreams.
Unfortunately, the class of Australia eventually told, and after O’Hara’s try was harshly ruled out in the corner – some are still adamant to this day he scored – Eric Grothe saw the Kangaroos home with his second try to take a 13-7 lead. But what a contest, one still available to watch on YouTube today and one where the then Australian coach Frank Stanton paid Hull the ultimate respect, picking his strongest Test side on the night.
“The fact that we have picked the side that played in our first test against Great Britain is testimony to Hull’s challenge as league leaders,” Stanton said at the time. “I am aware of the tremendous support for the game in Hull and I know they appreciate our style of football. So I hope we get the chance to show them the best. If Hull are prepared to join us in playing football, we should see a great game.”
The 16,049 Boulevard crowd certainly saw that. It was a proper contest, the complete opposite of the massacre Australia had handed out to Great Britain at Boothferry Park. The speed with which the Kangaroos played the game that day was something else. It was truly revolutionary and it showcased the gap that still hasn’t closed over four decades on. But against Hull, things were tough. The game was ferocious, with both sets of forwards hammering into each other.
It was a night Australia scrum half and Hull FC legend Peter Sterling remembers fondly. After all, it was the night that left the sort of impression on him that would see him return to the club just one year later.
“We toured England way back in 1982 and easily the hardest game for the Kangaroos that tour was at the Boulevard against Hull,” Sterling explained. “It was very tight, and we could have very easily been beaten that night. Eric Grothe scored the winner, but it could have gone either way.
“After the tour had finished, I went on holiday and my manager rang me completely out of the blue and said there had been some interest from Hull to come over and play a short season. I was young and carefree, and it sounded like a great experience, but in the back of my mind was that night at the Boulevard and the competition Hull threw at us. The crowd too and the atmosphere was something that I have never forgotten.”
Back then, the Boulevard was a fortress and this Hull side, despite missing the likes of Steve Norton and Trevor Skerrett, were never going to back down. For the supporters, there was something magical about seeing a touring Test side – especially this one. It had all the makings of a classic. Looking back now, it screams nostalgia. The Green and Gold of Australia. The Black and White irregular hoops of Hull FC. The old Best and Threepenny stands and open terraces packed to the rafters. The then-teenage Crooks challenging the best team in the world.
“He was just 18 years old and giving it to the likes of Les Boyd, who had loads of respect for him,” Sterling said on Crooks. “He was just a teenager but he and Les never took a backwards step. They were hard men and they played the game in a very physical manner.
“He made a real impression on the Australians and he always built on that reputation – we Aussies appreciate ball-handling forwards. They just took control and it was great to play off the back of those guys. Some of my best moments at Hull involved Lee Crooks – just don’t tell him that. They were great times.”
Hull finished the 1982-83 season top of the pile after a final round win over Barrow. It was the afternoon of the famous Boulevard ‘Haka’ – a legendary day in the history of the club – and one where they were truly at the peak of their powers.