Shane Varley and Gus Fepuliae from Richmond The “Finisher” James Leauluai, Gary Kemble and Dane O’hara at Hull and the great Mark Graham at North Sydney.
Oldie but goodie leaguies will know that the clues point to the elder boy of one of our finest league families and one of the most gifted players that ever pulled on a black and white V.
An ex Kiwis captain in 79 and 84 he played 28 tests. He remains the only Kiwi that was undefeated as Captain. He has spent recent years in the USA, Pheonix Arizona on Religious studies...more recently mentoring to dis-advantaged youth and prison inmates from a fitness of spiritual mind aspect plus a fitness of physical and health basis. For those who haven’t guessed yet we are talking about Fred ah Kuoi recently permanently returned to Auckland with his wife Margo and family. One of those football players that had time and space and the ability to put players into that all important gap. I saw players around him grow and improve and expand their visions. Much of the success of Richmond and the Kiwis and indeed the Bears and Hull was built on his guidance and wizardry at stand off. Fred is looking to to re-establish himself back home and explore opportunities in and outside the great game. Sir Peter and Fred are old friends and no doubt you will have an opportunity to catch up with the first five maestro at one of the Butchers fund raising Lunch activities. I was lucky enough to be involved with Fred and his similarly talented and community conscious brothers the late club legend Afi, Peter, Andrew and Paul over several years at our footy home away from home Grey Lynn Park. It’s worth noting that they all still put in the yards down at the park and that no less a contributor to their achievements is the younger sibling Elizabeth who is making a fine fist of managing the Richmond premiers who put the Sharman Cup in the cabinet this season and rise again to The Fox first grade for another tilt. Wikipedia will tell you the full detail of Fred’s achievements but a few minutes in his company serves a better purpose in knowing the man. One of life’s gentlemen and NZ’s (re)gain. Welcome home Fred.