In a Different League

Presented by John Kirwan, this film looks at the 1990 decision of Kirwan's young All Black teammate Matthew Ridge to ‘defect’ from rugby, to play professional league for the Manly Sea Eagles. Ridge had been the uncapped understudy to 1989 World Player of the Year John Gallagher. Ironically Gallagher converted to league shortly after Ridge, news that Ridge receives while preparing for his league debut. Ridge went on to captain the Kiwis. His code shift began a trend that transformed union and league in NZ; union turned pro in 1995. Ric (Sports Cafe) Salizzo directs.

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

Key Cast & Crew

Ric Salizzo

Producer, Director

Matthew Ridge

Subject

Garry Clark

Sound Mix

Neil Newcombe

Sound Mix

Troy McLachlan

Sound

John Kirwan

Presenter