1968 New Zealand rugby league season
The 1968 New Zealand rugby league season was the 61st season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. International competitions New Zealand co-hosted the World Cup with Australia. The Kiwis lost to Great Britain, France and Australia. The team was coached by Des Barchard and consisted of Jim Bond (c), Eric Carson, Gary Clarke, Oscar Danielson, Kevin Dixon, Spencer Dunn, Doug Ellwood, Anthony Kriletich, Brian Lee, Colin McMaster, Robert Mincham, Colin O'Neil, Paul Schultz, Ray Sinel, Gary Smith, Roger Tait, Henry Tatana and Ernie Wiggs. New South Wales Country toured New Zealand, losing to Southern Zone 12–10, Northern Zone 13-5 and New Zealand Māori 18–12. The NSWRL Premiership winning South Sydney Rabbitohs toured the country, defeating the Auckland Rugby League champion Mount Albert Lions 27–13, Ponsonby 31-1 and Auckland Māori 33–14. Ernie Wiggs won the New Zealand Rugby League's player of the year award. National competitions Northern Union Cup Canterbury held the Northern Union Cup at the end of the season. Auckland lost the trophy 16–3 to the West Coast at Wingham Park. The West Coast then defended it 19–12 against Canterbury at Wingham Park. However, they lost the return match 13–7 at the Addington Showgrounds and