1979 Great Britain Lions tour

In March 1979, a 30-man squad was selected for the tour, with Doug Laughton appointed as captain.{{cite news |last1=Fitzpatrick |first1=Paul |title=Dyl left out of overseas tour |work=The Guardian |date=28 March 1979 |location=London |page=27 |id={{ProQuest|186084158}}}} The squad included Widnes prop Jim Mills, who was banned from playing in New Zealand due to an incident in 1975 when Mills played for Wales against New Zealand.{{cite news |last1=Fitzpatrick |first1=Paul |title=New Zealand adamant on Mills ban |work=The Guardian |date=29 March 1979 |location=London |page=27}} Despite an appeal to overturn the ban, the International Board confirmed the ban would be upheld.{{cite news |last1=Fitzpatrick |first1=Paul |title=Mills tour ban stands |work=The Guardian |date=14 June 1979 |location=London |page=24 |id={{ProQuest|186063885}}}}

After the squad was selected, John Bevan and Stuart Wright were forced to withdraw due to injury, and were replaced by Roy Mathias and David Barends.{{cite news |last1=Fitzpatrick |first1=Paul |title=Replacements have right credentials |work=The Guardian |date=11 May 1979 |location=London |page=26 |id={{ProQuest|186162353}}}} Ken Kelly also suffered an injury shortly before the tour departed, and was replaced by John Holmes.{{cite news |title=Holmes called up for tour |work=The Guardian |date=21 May 1979 |location=London |page=28 |id={{ProQuest|186186261}}}}

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 25 May 1979

|time =

|team1 = North Queensland {{leagueicon|Cairns|16}}

|score = 5 – 29

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Ron Clark

|goal1 =
Ron Clark (1)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
John Woods (2), Eric Hughes, John Joyner, Gary Stephens, David Watkinson

|goal2 =
John Woods (5)

|drop2 =
John Woods (1)

|stadium = John Breen Park, Mackay

|attendance = 6,200

|referee = Graham Reed

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game-1/north-queensland-firsts-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

North Queensland: Frank Daisy, S. Bax, Michael Windeatt, Ron Clark, Rob Gallagher, M. Aguis, N. Appo, Trevor Deakin, Bob Abbott, Nick Moroko, Vern Daisy, John Kynaston, Peter Luppi (c). Reserves – Bruce Barclay, Greg Dowling. Coach – Peter Luppi

Great Britain: Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, John Woods, Roy Mathias, Steve Evans, Gary Stephens, Jim Mills, David Watkinson, Brian Lockwood, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Doug Laughton (c). Reserves – Mike Smith, Mel James

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 27 May 1979

|time =

|team1 = Central Queensland {{leagueicon|Central Capras|16}}

|score = 11 – 20

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Jamie Mitchell

|goal1 =
Lionel Cullen (4)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Tommy Martyn (2), Eric Hughes, John Joyner

|goal2 =
Roger Millward (4/5)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Rockhampton Showgrounds, Rockhampton

|attendance = 3,307

|referee = Noel Smith

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_2/central-qld-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Central Queensland: Greg Rehbein, Lionel Cullen, Greg Reynolds, Michael Goode, Chris Downie, Stuart Nobbs, Geoff Cowburn, Alan Cruasaz, Gordon Reid, Terry Farrar, Jamie Mitchell, John Bidgood, Graham Horstman. Reserves – Trevor Johnson. Coach – Paul Barrett

Great Britain: Peter Glynn, Phil Hogan, Eric Hughes, Mike Smith, Roy Mathias, Roger Millward (c), Steve Nash, Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Charlie Stone, Tommy Martyn, Mick Adams, Steve Norton. Reserves – John Joyner, David Watkinson

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 30 May 1979

|time =

|team1 = Wide Bay {{leagueicon|St George|16}}

|score = 7 – 27

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Duncan Campbell

|goal1 =
Doug Kelly (1)
Mike Rosin (1)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Steve Evans (2), Roy Mathias, Jim Mills

|goal2 =
John Woods (6)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Eskdale Park, Maryborough

|attendance = 2,969

|referee = Bert Holland

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_3/wide-bay-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Wide Bay: Mike Rosin, Dean jeffries, Pat O'Brien, Doug Kelly, Duncan Campbell, Greg Sutton, Ernie Edwards (c), Brian Geary, Bill Foreman, Billy Trevor, Kim McKenna, Bryan Niebling, Butch Cox. Reserves – Greg Henry, John Curran. Coach –

Great Britain: Roger Millward, Roy Mathias, Eric Hughes, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Steve Evans, Gary Stephens, Jim Mills, David Watkinson, Charlie Stone, George Nicholls, Tommy Martyn, Doug Laughton (c). Reserves – Phil Hogan

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 2 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = NSW North Coast {{leagueicon|Bulldogs|16}}

|score = 6 – 33

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Phil Amidy, Errol Ruprecht

|goal1 =

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Steve Evans (2), Phil Hogan (2), Roy Mathias (2), Trevor Skerrett

|goal2 =
John Woods (6)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Les Burger Field, Tweed Heads

|attendance = 4,871

|referee =

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_4/north-coast-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

North Coast: Garry Chapman, Steve Bartier, Lance Randall, Greg Pensini, Gary Paxton, Phil Amidy, Tony Kennedy, Tony Price, Errol Ruprecht, Gary McQuillan, Rod Pattison, David Clay, Greg Warwick. Reserves – Gary Donnelly, David Welsh. Coach –

Great Britain: John Woods, Mike Smith, John Joyner, Phil Hogan, Roy Mathias, Steve Evans, Steve Nash, Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Mick Adams, Trevor Skerrett, Steve Norton (c). Reserves – Alan Redfearn, Jeff Grayshon

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 5 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = Northern Division {{leagueicon|Balmain|16}}

|score = 11 – 20

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Les Cleal

|goal1 =
Bernie Briggs (4)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
David Barends, Peter Glynn, Keith Mumby

|goal2 =
John Woods (5/6)

|drop2 =
Mick Adams

|stadium = Scully Park, Tamworth

|attendance = 7,600

|referee = Les Ballard

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_5/northern-division-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Northern Division: Robert Thomas, Les Cleal, Brian Walden, Bernie Briggs, Noel Cleal, Shane Matthews, Wayne Smith, Len Reardon, Maurice Thompson, Mick Lewis, Ian Kearney, Jim Leis, Tony Dean. Reserves – Gary Whackett, Phil Coleman. Coach – Don Adams

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Roger Millward (c), Gary Stephens, Mel James, David Ward, Charlie Stone, Tommy Martyn, Jeff Grayshon, Len Casey. Reserves – Eric Hughes, Mick Adams

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 8 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = Queensland Firsts {{leagueicon|QLD|16}}

|score = 19 – 25

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Colin Scott (2), Rohan Hancock

|goal1 =
Ian Dauth (5)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
David Barends, Steve Evans, John Joyner, Jim Mills, George Nicholls

|goal2 =
John Woods (5/6)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Lang Park, Brisbane

|attendance = 5,000

|referee = Joe Ticehurst

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_6/qld-firsts-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Queensland: Colin Scott, Brad Backer, Mark Payne, Chris Close, Ian Dauth, Alan Smith, Larry Brigginshaw, Peter Apps, Jay Hoffman, Rohan Hancock, Greg Platz (c), Bob Cock, Norm Carr. Reserves – Wally Lewis, Wayne Lindenberg. Coach – John McDonald

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Joyner, Mike Smith, Roy Mathias, John Woods, Alan Redfearn, Jim Mills, David Ward, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Doug Laughton (c), Steve Norton. Reserves – Steve Evans, Len Casey

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 10 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = Toowoomba {{leagueicon|Toowoomba|16}}

|score = 19 – 16

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Trevor Dunemann

|goal1 =
Warren Green (8/11)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Len Casey, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, Steve Nash

|goal2 =
Keith Mumby (2)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Athletic Oval, Toowoomba

|attendance = 5,500

|referee = Ron Manson

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_7/toowoomba-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Toowoomba: Cec Docherty, Mike Williams, Alan Smith, Wayne Balderson, Warren Green, Mick Ryan, Greg Robison, Rohan Hancock, Joel Duke, Ian Lindenmeyer, Peter Connell, Greg Platz (c), Trevor Dunemann. Reserves – Willy Weatherall, Scott Barkla, Wayne Jensen, Murray Challinor. Coach – Jeff Gill

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Peter Glynn, Phil Hogan, Roy Mathias, John Holmes, Steve Nash, Mel James, David Watkinson, Brian Lockwood (c), Tommy Martyn, Len Casey, Mick Adams. Reserves – Gary Stephens, Graham Liptrot, Jeff Grayshon

{{clear}}

----

Greek born Canterbury-Bankstown hooker George Peponis became just the second player to captain the Australian team despite not being born in Australia, taking over from the first player to do so, the recently retired Warrington born 1978 Kangaroo tour captain Bob Fulton.

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|bg = #eeeeee

|date = 16 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = {{rl-rt|AUS}}

|score = 35 – 0

|team2 = {{rl|GBR}}

|try1 =
Kerry Boustead (2)
Ray Price (2)
Larry Corowa

|goal1 =
Michael Cronin (10/11)

|drop1 =

|try2 =

|goal2 =

|drop2 =

|stadium = Lang Park, Brisbane

|attendance = 23,051

|referee = Eddie Ward {{flagicon|AUS}}

|manofmatch = Ray Price {{leagueicon|Australia|16}}

|report = {{cite web |title=Ashes Series 1979 Series - Game 1 |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/ashes-series-1979/game-1/australia-vs-great-britain/summary.html |website=Rugby League Project |access-date=16 April 2023}}

}}

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 18 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = Brisbane Firsts {{leagueicon|St Helens|16}}

|score = 7 – 10

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Chris Close

|goal1 =
John Barber (2)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
David Barends, Tommy Martyn

|goal2 =
John Holmes (2)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Lang Park, Brisbane

|attendance = 3,500

|referee = Joe Ticehurst

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_9/brisbane-firsts-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Brisbane Firsts: Peter Dutton, Terry Garside, Chris Close, Mal Meninga, Bligh Davidson, Mark Murray, Ross Strudwick, Dave Brown, John Lang, John Barber, J. McLoud, Des Morris (c), Norm Carr. Reserves – Mick Neill, Wally Lewis. Coach – Henry Holloway

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Eric Hughes, Peter Glynn, John Holmes, Alan Redfearn (c), Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Charlie Stone, Tommy Martyn, Len Casey. Reserves – Trevor Skerrett

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 20 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = NSW Southern Division {{leagueicon|Illawarra|16}}

|score = 0 – 10

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
John Burke, Peter Hall

|goal1 =
Jim Hindmarsh (2)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Steve Evans, Roy Mathias

|goal2 =
Keith Mumby (2)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Orana Park, Campbelltown

|attendance = 4,000

|referee = Kevin Riolo

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_10/southern-division-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Southern Division: Les Williams, Wayne Sharpe, Peter Hall, Peter Benny, Glen Fitzgibbon, Greg Martin, Les Hannah, John Burke, Connell Byrne, Ron Warren (c), Peter Jirgens, Steve Gilligan, Jim Hindmarsh. Reserves – Brad Murray, Daryl Warwick. Coach – John Armstrong

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Eric Hughes, Roy Mathias, Peter Glynn, Steve Nash, Mel James, David Watkinson, Brian Lockwood (c), Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Len Casey. Reserves – Jeff Grayshon

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 24 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = Newcastle Firsts {{leagueicon|Newcastle1908|16}}

|score = 12 – 25

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Doug Lucas, Ziggy Niszczot

|goal1 =
Pat Smith (3)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
David Barends, Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, Gary Stephens

|goal2 =
Mick Adams (5/7)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle

|attendance = 14,570

|referee = Adrian Wilson

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_11/newcastle--au--vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Newcastle Firsts: Jim Batey, Tony Filipuzzi, Neville Elwin, Owen Wallace, Ziggy Niszczot, Pat Smith (c), Rick Griffith, Dave Stafford, Allan Dagwell, Doug Lucas, Dave Edwards, Terry Donnelly, Peter Howlett. Reserves – Chris Lawler, Bob Everson. Coach – Allan Thomson

Great Britain:Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Joyner, Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, Charlie Stone, David Ward, Brian Lockwood (c), Jeff Grayshon, Mick Adams, Steve Norton. Reserves – Steve Nash, Len Casey

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 26 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = Riverina {{leagueicon|Western Suburbs|16}}

|score = 10 – 37

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Phil Bishop (2)

|goal1 =
Robert Styles (2)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Len Casey, Steve Evans, George Fairbairn, John Holmes, Steve Nash, David Watkinson, John Woods

|goal2 =
George Fairbairn (5/5)
John Woods (3)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Eric Weissel Oval, Wagga Wagga

|attendance = 8,403

|referee = Noel Bissett

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_12/riverina-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Riverina: Robert Styles, Scott Hargrave, Anthony Wealand, Peter Rands (c), Brian Rosetto, Ernie Benton, Phil Bishop, Len Bertoldo, Larry Dimistrovsky, Brendon Lindsay, Greg Longhurst, Steve MacDonald, Ian O'Connell. Reserves – Greg Watt, Kerry Hemsley. Coach – Ron Crowe

Great Britain: George Fairbairn, David Barends, Steve Evans, John Woods, Eric Hughes (c), John Holmes, Steve Nash, John Burke, David Watkinson, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Phil Hogan, Mick Adams. Reserves – Roy Mathias, Len Casey

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|bg = #eeeeee

|date = 30 June 1979

|time =

|team1 = {{rl-rt|AUS}}

|score = 24 – 16

|team2 = {{rl|GBR}}

|try1 =
Michael Cronin (2)
Rod Reddy
Steve Rogers

|goal1 =
Michael Cronin (6/9)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Eric Hughes
John Joyner

|goal2 =
John Woods (5/5)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

|attendance = 26,857

|referee = Greg Hartley {{flagicon|AUS}}

|manofmatch = Rod Reddy {{leagueicon|Australia|16}}

|report = {{cite web |title=Ashes Series 1979 Series - Game 2 |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/ashes-series-1979/game_2/australia-vs-great-britain/summary.html |website=Rugby League Project |access-date=16 April 2023}}

}}

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 1 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = Illawarra Firsts {{leagueicon|Illawarra|16}}

|score = 13 – 18

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
John Penno, Tony Quirk, Kim Patrick (PT)

|goal1 =
Tony Quirk (2/7)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, Jeff Grayshon, Roy Mathias

|goal2 =
George Fairbairn (3/7)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Wollongong Showground, Wollongong

|attendance = 3,994

|referee = Tom Gustard

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_14/illawarra-firsts-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Illawarra Firsts: Tony Quirk, John Penno, Noel Sunaklis, Tim Edwards, Shane McKellar, Terry Westblade, Rick Patrick, Allan Fallah, Michael Prest, Chris De Leva, Steve Calder (c), Kon Demos. Reserves – Kim Patrick, Tim McLaren. Coach – Johnny Greaves

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, George Fairbairn, Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, Alan Redfearn (c), Gary Stephens, John Burke, David Watkinson, Charlie Stone, Graham Liptrot, Jeff Grayshon, Len Casey. Reserves – David Barends, Doug Laughton

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 4 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = Western Division NSW {{leagueicon|Ireland|16}}

|score = 12 – 19

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Brian Johnston, John O'Connor

|goal1 =
Steve McWhirter (3)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Phil Hogan, Gary Stephens, John Woods

|goal2 =
John Woods (5/5)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Wade Park, Orange

|attendance = 4,500

|referee = Giles O'Donnell

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_15/western-division-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Western Division: John O'Connor, David Michael, Brian Johnston, Brian Godfrey, Tom Bunsworth, Steve Hall, Steve McWhirter, Ross Gibson, Col Dennis, Roger Beetson, Ross McDermott, Gary Taylor (c), Luke Rosser. Reserves – Mike Fish, Marshall Peachey. Coach – Bob Weir

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, David Topliss, Gary Stephens, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Brian Lockwood (c), Phil Hogan, Mick Adams. Reserves – Roy Mathias, David Watkinson

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 7 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = NSW Firsts {{leagueicon|NSW|16}}

|score = 17 – 19

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Geoff Gerard (2), Terry Fahey

|goal1 =
John Dorahy (4)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Steve Evans (2), George Fairbairn, John Woods

|goal2 =
John Woods (3)

|drop2 =
George Fairbairn (1)

|stadium = Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

|attendance = 8,902

|referee = Kevin Roberts

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_16/nsw-firsts-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

New South Wales: Allan McMahon, Neville Glover, John Dorahy, Peter Mortimer, Terry Fahey, Tony Trudgett, Steve Mortimer, Bruce Starkey, Ray Brown, Ron Hilditch, Steve Kneen, Geoff Gerard, Greg Pierce (c). Reserves – Steve Morris, Greg Cook. Coach – Frank Stanton

Great Britain: George Fairbairn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, John Woods, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, Trevor Skerrett, David Watkinson, George Nicholls (c), Jeff Grayshon, Phil Hogan, Mick Adams. Reserves – Steve Evans, David Ward

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 8 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = Monaro {{leagueicon|St Helens|16}}

|score = 7 – 21

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Stan Jurd

|goal1 =
Wayne Brownlie (1)
Peter McGrath (1)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
John Woods (2), Gary Stephens

|goal2 =
John Woods (6/6)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan

|attendance = 6,500

|referee = Ray Collins

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_17/monaro-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Monaro: Sam Vucago, Ross Knox, Simon Brockwell, Peter McGrath, David Hegarty, John Ballesty (c), Mick Schell, Stan Jurd, John Purcell, Doug Cameron, Ian Freeman, Wayne Brownlie, Colin Clarke. Reserves – Mike McCarthy, David Reid. Coach – Don Furner

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, John Woods, Mike Smith, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, Jim Mills, Graham Liptrot, Charlie Stone, Brian Lockwood (c), Mick Adams, Steve Norton. Reserves –

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|bg = #eeeeee

|date = 14 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = {{rl-rt|AUS}}

|score = 28 – 2

|team2 = {{rl|GBR}}

|try1 =
Les Boyd
Graham Eadie
Ray Price
Rod Reddy

|goal1 =
Michael Cronin (8/13)

|drop1 =

|try2 =

|goal2 =
George Fairbairn (1/1)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

|attendance = 16,844

|referee = Eddie Ward {{flagicon|AUS}}

|manofmatch = Ray Price {{leagueicon|Australia|16}}

|report = {{cite web |title=Ashes Series 1979 Series - Game 3 |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/ashes-series-1979/game_3/australia-vs-great-britain/summary.html |website=Rugby League Project |access-date=16 April 2023}}

}}

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 17 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = {{rl-rt|New Zealand Māori}}

|score = 13 – 15

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Toa Fepuleai (2), Dennis Williams

|goal1 =
Nick Wright (2)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
David Barends, Mel James, Graham Liptrot

|goal2 =
Mick Adams (3)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Okara Park, Whangārei

|attendance = 5,000

|referee = Kevin Steel

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_19/nz-maori-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

New Zealand Māori: Nick Wright, Toa Fepuleai, Tariana Wharekura, Dennis Williams, John Heremaia, Ray Harris, Dennis Key, Rick Muru, Murray Netzler (c), Pat Poasa, Warren Rangi, Ian Bell, Kevin Jenkinson. Reserves – , . Coach –

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Mike Smith, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Charlie Stone, Brian Lockwood (c), Mick Adams. Reserves –

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|bg = #eeeeee

|date = 21 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = {{rl-rt|NZL}}

|score = 8 – 16

|team2 = {{rl|GBR}}

|try1 =
Fred Ah Kuoi
Dick Uluave

|goal1 =
Warren Collicoat (1)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Steve Evans
George Fairbairn
Eric Hughes
Mike Smith

|goal2 =
George Fairbairn (2)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Carlaw Park, Auckland

|attendance = 9,000

|referee = John Percival {{flagicon|NZL}}

|manofmatch =

|report = {{cite web |title=New Zealand vs Great Britain 1979 Series - Game 1 |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/new-zealand-vs-great-britain-1979/game-1/new-zealand-vs-great-britain/summary.html |website=Rugby League Project |access-date=16 April 2023}}

}}

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 22 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = Northern Districts {{leagueicon|NSW|16}}

|score = 5 – 58

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Bill Kells

|goal1 =
Steve Dunston (1)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
David Barends (3), Steve Evans (3), Mel James (2), Roy Mathias (2), John Woods (2), Peter Glynn, David Topliss

|goal2 =
Keith Mumby (4)
John Woods (4)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Davies Park, Huntly

|attendance = 2,000

|referee =

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_21/northern-districts-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Northern Districts: Michael Tahu, John Heremaia, Charles Morgan, George Samuels, Kevin Fisher (c), Bill Kells, Dave Barlow, Pat Poasa, Paul Ravlich, Paddy Mathews, Warren Rangi, Trevor Bayley, Steve Dunston. Reserves – Philip Hetet, Jack Tahuri. Coach –

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Brian Lockwood (c), Charlie Stone, Steve Norton. Reserves – John Woods, David Watkinson

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 25 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = Central Districts {{leagueicon|Newcastle|16}}

|score = 5 – 14

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Brent Peri

|goal1 =
Bill Rona (1)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Eric Hughes, Roy Mathias, Mike Smith, Gary Stephens

|goal2 =
Roy Mathias (1)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

|attendance = 900

|referee = Earle Pilcher

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_22/central-districts-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Central Districts: P. Truuts, P. Tippens, Paul Christensen, Gary Butler, Dick Uluave, Bill Rona, Jack Knuckey, Paul Te Ariki, Howie Tamati, Kerry White, Graeme West (c), N. Pekopo, Mike Butler. Reserves – J. Mitchell, Brent Peri. Coach –

Great Britain: George Fairbairn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, Mike Smith, Roy Mathias, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, Mel James, David Ward, Charlie Stone, Jeff Grayshon, Steve Norton (c). Reserves – John Burke

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 29 July 1979

|time =

|team1 = Wellington {{leagueicon|Wellington|16}}

|score = 3 – 39

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Mark Petersen

|goal1 =

|drop1 =

|try2 =
David Barends
Len Casey, Steve Evans, John Joyner, Alan Redfearn, Mike Smith, John Woods

|goal2 =
John Joyner (9)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Petone Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt

|attendance = 2,000

|referee = Des O'Sullivan

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_23/wellington-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Wellington: Warren Collicoat, Alan Brooks, Tariana Wharekura, Arlan Taylor, Mark Petersen, Nolan Tupaea, Gary Campbell, Whetu Henry, Kevin Tamati (c), Steve Brewster, Whare Henry, Tamu Tua, John Whittaker. Reserves – Wayne Rutene, James Porter, Bruce Tatnell, Lawrence Tekahiki. Coach – Clarke Tarawati

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Mike Smith, John Woods, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls (c), Len Casey, Phil Hogan. Reserves – John Joyner, David Watkinson

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 1 August 1979

|time =

|team1 = Canterbury {{leagueicon|CanterburyNZRL|16}}

|score =

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =

|goal1 =

|drop1 =

|try2 =

|goal2 =

|drop2 =

|stadium = Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch

|attendance =

|referee = Don Wilson

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_24/canterbury-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

This match was cancelled due to flooding causing the Showgrounds to be under-water.[https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/your-weather/9795243/Records-show-extreme-weather-history-repeats-for-Canterbury Extreme Weather History Repeats for Canterbury]

The Showgrounds would be clear for the Second Test 4 days later.

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|bg = #eeeeee

|date = 5 August 1979

|time =

|team1 = {{rl-rt|NZL}}

|score = 7 – 22

|team2 = {{rl|GBR}}

|try1 =
Olsen Filipaina

|goal1 =
Olsen Filipaina (2)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Len Casey
Steve Evans
Jeff Grayshon
Eric Hughes

|goal2 =
George Fairbairn (5)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch

|attendance = 8,500

|referee = John Percival {{flagicon|NZL}}

|manofmatch =

|report = {{cite web |title=New Zealand vs Great Britain 1979 Series - Game 2 |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/new-zealand-vs-great-britain-1979/game_2/new-zealand-vs-great-britain/summary.html |website=Rugby League Project |access-date=16 April 2023}}

}}

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 7 August 1979

|time =

|team1 = West Coast {{leagueicon|St Helens|16}}

|score = 0 – 19

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =

|goal1 =
Wayne Dwyer (0/1)
Peter O'Neill (0/3)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Phil Hogan (2), John Woods (2), Roy Mathias

|goal2 =
John Woods (2)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Wingham Park, Greymouth

|attendance = 900

|referee = Peter McKenzie

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_26/west-coast-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

West Coast: Peter O'Neill, Stephen Low, Mike McEwen, Bernard Green, Greg Mooney, Chris Menzies, Gordon Smith, Peter Harris, John Griffin, Wayne Dwyer, Tony Coll (c), Ray Baxendale, Michael Whitehead. Reserves – Alan Atkinson. Coach –

Great Britain: George Fairbairn, David Barends, Peter Glynn, John Woods, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Charlie Stone, Brian Lockwood (c), Phil Hogan. Reserves –

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|bg = #eeeeee

|date = 11 August 1979

|time =

|team1 = {{rl-rt|NZL}}

|score = 18 – 11

|team2 = {{rl|GBR}}

|try1 =
Kevin Fisher
Mark Graham
James Leuluai
Dane O'Hara

|goal1 =
Olsen Filipaina (3)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
Eric Hughes
Mike Smith
Gary Stephens

|goal2 =
George Fairbairn (1)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Carlaw Park, Auckland

|attendance = 7,000

|referee = Kevin Steel {{flagicon|NZL}}

|manofmatch =

|report = {{cite web |title=New Zealand vs Great Britain 1984 Series - Game 3 |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/new-zealand-vs-great-britain-1979/game_3/new-zealand-vs-great-britain/summary.html |website=Rugby League Project |access-date=16 April 2023}}

}}

{{clear}}

----

{{Rugbyleaguebox

|date = 13 August 1979

|time =

|team1 = Auckland {{leagueicon|AucklandNZRL|16}}

|score = 10 – 18

|team2 = {{leagueicon|GB|16}} Great Britain Lions

|try1 =
Toa Fepuleai, Olsen Filipaina

|goal1 =
Olsen Filipaina (2)

|drop1 =

|try2 =
David Barends, Peter Glynn, Brian Lockwood, David Topliss

|goal2 =
John Woods (3)

|drop2 =

|stadium = Carlaw Park, Auckland

|attendance = 15,000

|referee = Bob Lynch

|manofmatch =

|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1979/game_28/auckland-vs-great-britain.html Report]

}}

Auckland: Gary Kemble, Toa Fepuleai, Olsen Filipaina, Ken Anderson, James Leuluai, Fred Ah Kuoi (c), Shane Varley, Wayne Robertson, Murray Netzler, Doug Gailey, Owen Wright, Alan McCarthy, Gary Prohm. Reserves – John Smith, Ian Bell. Coach – Don Hammond

Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, David Watkinson, Mel James, Brian Lockwood (c), Charlie Stone, Phil Hogan. Reserves –

{{clear}}

----

Leading try scorer

• 16 by Steve Evans

Leading point scorer

• 48 by Steve Evans (16 tries)

Largest attendance

• 26,857 – Second test vs Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground

Largest non-test attendance

• 15,000 – Auckland vs Great Britain at Carlaw Park

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{reflist|2}}

{{Great Britain Lions tours}}

{{Rugby League Ashes series}}

Category:Great Britain national rugby league team tours

Category:Rugby league tours of Australia

Category:Australia–United Kingdom sports relations

Category:Rugby league tours of New Zealand

Category:New Zealand–United Kingdom sports relations

Great Britain Lions tour

Great Britain Lions tour

Great Britain Lions tour