New Zealanders are mourning the death of Rotorua league legend Tony "Tank" Gordon whose tenure as Kiwis coach included one of the greatest tests in the history of the game.
Gordon died in Rotorua early yesterday, aged 63, following a lengthy illness.
A former New Zealand rugby league coach and player, in his playing days he represented the Bay of Plenty in league and King Country in rugby union, playing at fullback or wing.
His coaching career included stints with the Bay of Plenty league team and in the UK, he coached the London Crusaders and Hull.
In 1987 he coached a team of mainly no-name New Zealand domestic league players who bowled over the Kangaroos 13-6 in a match considered one of the greatest upsets and best tests in Kiwis history.
The captain of that team, Dean Bell, told The Daily Post yesterday he had great memories of that night.
"We didn't beat Aussie much back then," he said.
Gordon's death was a sad loss for New Zealand league, Bell said. He remembered Gordon as being very passionate.
"He made sure the players recognised the importance of representing their country and wearing the black jersey.
Gordon returned to Rotorua and coached the Central Rugby League Club before switching codes again to help coach at Kahukura Rugby Club.
Former Bay of Plenty player and Kahukura player and coach Ron Preston said Gordon's contribution was awesome.
"He was well respected and [his death is] a real loss for league and rugby.
"Tank was 110 per cent involved and totally passionate. He helped out with our defensive structures. We all enjoyed his company and had some great laughs. He was a bloody good coach."
Central Rugby League Club president Manny Beazley was shocked to hear the news yesterday.
He said Gordon was a stalwart of the club, a coach during Central's "golden days" on the local league scene.
Mr Gordon's daughter Tanya Tuwhangai said her father had been unwell for two years.
Even though he had been sick it was still a shock for the family and she said he would be remembered as an awesome dad and grandfather.
He went through a troubled period in the late 90s. In 1997, he was sentenced to 15 months' jail after pleading guilty to attempted extortion.
He had tried to blackmail a tavern owner for allowing him to continue betting at her TAB outlet when she
knew he was $100,000 in debt.
In recent years, Gordon was head of Tuia, the union representing the majority of Te Wananga o Aotearoa academic staff.
Te Wananga o Aotearoa Pouhere (chief executive) Bentham Ohia said his death meant the loss of an exceptionally talented man.
"Tank was a man who was hardworking, humble and was committed to helping others."
Gordon had suffered declining health in recent years, but continued to advocate strongly for the staff he represented.
"Tank continued to use his range of skills to advocate for the best outcomes for those he represented. He remained passionate about his whanau and sport. His good humour and gentle, warm nature will be greatly missed."
Gordon is survived by his three daughters, one son and two grandchildren.
His funeral will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, March 28, at Taiwere Marae at Te Wananga o Aotearoa premises on Malfroy Rd.