Peter Lewis (30 May 1979) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a centre 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.
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| Born | 30 May 1979 Auckland, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 98 kg (15 st 6 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Background
editLewis was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and is of Cook Islanders descent.
Early years
editA 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.[2] 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
editNot 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
editIn 1999 he was selected by the New Zealand Māori and played against Great Britain.[2]
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]
References
edit- ^ RLP
- ^ a b c Peter Lewis bio rugbyleague.co.nz
- ^ New Zealand Rugby League Annual '98, New Zealand Rugby Football League, 1998. p.181
- ^ Jessup, Peter (16 March 1999). "Rugby League: Injury gives Hoppe a starting chance". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
- ^ John Coffey (17 June 2000). "Lions roar after slow start". The Press. p. 30 – via EBSCOHost.
- ^ Rugby league teams for semi-finals Sydney Morning Herald, 17 September 2003
- ^ 2005 Player Movements Darryl's Rugby League
- ^ "Warriors team named for trial match". Television New Zealand. 8 February 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
- ^ Rugby league teams Sydney Morning Herald, 7 September 2005
- ^ 2006 Player Movements Darryl's Rugby League
- ^ Tim Smith remains in Premier League rleague.com, 23 May 2006
- ^ Kiwis will test survival hope of Islands The Telegraph, 2 November 2000
- ^ Oceanic Pacifica Rugby League Media Release League Unlimited
- ^ Island Nations Denied Top League Talent Pacific Magazine, 27 September 2006