Peter Lewis (rugby league) explained

Peter Lewis
Birth Date:1979 5, df=yes
Birth Place:Auckland, New Zealand
Weight:98kg (216lb)
Club1:Auckland Warriors
Year1start:1999
Appearances1:11
Tries1:1
Goals1:0
Fieldgoals1:0
Points1:4
Club2:Penrith Panthers
Year2start:2003
Appearances2:2
Tries2:0
Goals2:0
Fieldgoals2:0
Points2:0
Club3:Parramatta Eels
Year3start:2006
Appearances3:2
Tries3:0
Goals3:0
Fieldgoals3:0
Points3:0
Teama:New Zealand Māori
Yearastart:1999
Teamb:Cook Islands
Yearbstart:2000
Appearancesb:3
Triesb:0
Goalsb:0
Fieldgoalsb:0
Pointsb:0
Retired:yes
Source:[1]
New:yes
Updated:31 December 2008

Peter Lewis (30 May 1979) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a in the 1990s, and 2000s. He played at representative level for New Zealand Māori and Cook Islands, and at club level for the Auckland Warriors, Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels.

Background

Lewis was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and is of Cook Islanders descent.

Early years

A junior from Wellington's Upper Hutt, Lewis was signed by the Auckland Warriors in 1998 and moved to Auckland.[2] In Auckland he played for the Warriors unbeaten reserve grade side in 1998 and was good enough to be selected for the Junior Kiwis.[3] He attracted some interest from Australian clubs in 1999 but opted to remain with the Warriors. His decision was rewarded as he finally cracked first grade and played eleven games for the club. In the weeks he was not selected by the Warriors he played for Brisbane Souths in the Queensland Cup or Auckland North in the National Provincial Competition.[4] In 2000 he played for the Mt Albert Lions in the Bartercard Cup.[5]

In Australia

Not wanted by the Warriors, Lewis moved to Australia in 2003, signing with the Penrith Panthers. Here he played two first grade games and also turned out for the St Mary's Cougars in the NSWRL Premier League.[6]

He left the Panthers in 2005, signing a one-year contract with the Parramatta Eels.[7] He played in pre-season trials for the first grade team but spent the season in the Premier League.[8] [9] However his form was good enough to earn a new contract for 2006.[10] In 2006 he returned to first grade, playing two games for the Eels. However he then returned to Premier League competition.[11]

International

In 1999 he was selected by the New Zealand Māori and played against Great Britain.

However, in 2000 he decided to represent the Cook Islands, playing in the 2000 World Cup.[12]

In 2004 he was again the subject of a tug of war, with the NSW Māori and the Cook Islands both selecting him in their squads for the 2004 Oceanic Pacifica Rugby League Tournament.[13] He opted to play for the Cook Islands.

In 2006 Lewis again represented the Cook Islands, playing in the team that failed to qualify for the 2008 World Cup.[14]

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Peter_Lewis.html RLP
  2. http://www.rugbyleague.co.nz/player.aspx?id=135 Peter Lewis bio
  3. New Zealand Rugby League Annual '98, New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1998. p.181
  4. News: Rugby League: Injury gives Hoppe a starting chance. Jessup, Peter. 16 March 1999. The New Zealand Herald. 2 November 2011.
  5. News: Lions roar after slow start . John Coffey . The Press . 17 June 2000 . 30 . EBSCOHost.
  6. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/09/16/1063625040833.html?from=storyrhs Rugby league teams for semi-finals
  7. http://dazrl.awardspace.info/2005_mov.htm 2005 Player Movements
  8. News: Warriors team named for trial match. 8 February 2005. Television New Zealand. 2 November 2011.
  9. http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/rugby-league-teams/2005/09/06/1125772518534.html Rugby league teams
  10. http://dazrl.awardspace.info/2006_mov.htm 2006 Player Movements
  11. http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=25305 Tim Smith remains in Premier League
  12. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/kiwis-will-test-survival-hope-of-islands-624040.html Kiwis will test survival hope of Islands
  13. http://forums.leagueunlimited.com/showthread.php?t=89869 Oceanic Pacifica Rugby League Media Release
  14. http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2006/09/27/island-nations-denied-top-league-talent Island Nations Denied Top League Talent