In a Different League

Ridgey was an All Black fullback and he was on his way to being one of the best. He had all the skills, but more than that he had the determination to get to the top. Well he got there ... twice. First with us [the All Blacks] and then with those other blokes with the money.

– Presenter John “I wouldn’t go to rugby league for a million dollars” Kirwan

Would’ve Matthew gone if he knew Kipper [All Black incumbent John Gallagher] was gone?

– Matthew Ridge asks himself the big question

Ridge's successful defection from reserve All Black fullback to stand-out starter in the number one jersey for Manly in 1990 began a trend that changed the face of the union and league codes in New Zealand.

– Sports writer Andrew Alderson in the NZ Herald, 8 January 2012