Clayton Friend

Friend, who made his debut for NZ in 1982 and played in two upset wins over Australia (1985 and 1987), joined Norths in 1986 and was second runner-up in the 'Dally M' Awards the following year. He seemed to lose his way in the early 1990s; cut from Norths, he played for Ryde-Eastwood in the Metropolitan Cup and Carlisle in England before returning to Auckland. In a stunning comeback in 1991, he was selected as a reserve for the Test series against Australia and had a great game in the Kiwi's shock First Test win when he came on to replace Gary Freeman. Friend later returned to England to play for Whitehaven (1992-95).