Dennis Key Explained

Dennis Key
Fullname:Dennis Anthony Key
Birth Date:20 July 1947[1]
Birth Place:New Zealand
Club1:Point Chevalier
Club2:Glenora
Teama:Auckland
Teamb:New Zealand Māori
Yearbstart:1967
Yearbend:81
Teamc:New Zealand
Yearcstart:1969
Appearancesc:1
Triesc:0
Goalsc:0
Fieldgoalsc:0
Pointsc:0
Retired:yes
Source:[2]

Dennis Anthony Key (born 20 July 1947) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played as a or . He made one Test appearance for New Zealand in 1969, and was a New Zealand Māori representative at the 1975 and 1977 Pacific Cup.

Playing career

At club level, Key started his career as a wing for Point Chevalier. In 2019, he was named in the club's Team of the Century.[3] Later in his career, he played for Glenora as a halfback.

Key debuted for New Zealand Māori in 1967, and was named in the team for the inaugural Pacific Cup tournament in 1975. The team won the tournament, with Key being named the "Best and Fairest Player".[4] He also selected for the 1977 Pacific Cup,[5] with the Māori team retaining the trophy.

He played for New Zealand against Australia in the first Test of the 1969 Kangaroo tour of New Zealand, but was dropped following the team's defeat.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Dennis Key - Kiwi #469 . New Zealand Rugby League . 1 June 2024.
  2. Web site: Dennis Key - Playing Career . Rugby League Project . 1 June 2024.
  3. Web site: Pt Chevalier Pirates celebrate 100 years . Auckland Rugby League . 1 June 2024.
  4. News: Pacific Cup next in N.Z. . . 33840 . 12 May 1975 . Christchurch . 26 . Papers Past.
  5. News: All Maoris from north . . 17 August 1977 . Christchurch . 38 . Papers Past.
  6. News: Kiwi Team Changed . . 32007 . 6 June 1969 . Christchurch . 11 . Papers Past.