00:00
/
00:00
In a Different League
Television (Full Length) – 1990
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.
Would’ve Matthew gone if he knew Kipper [All Black incumbent John Gallagher] was gone?– Matthew Ridge asks himself the big question
Key Cast & Crew
See all 13 credits
Categories
If you liked this, you might also like...
The Good, the Bad and the Rugby
Features Ridge and Kirwan as All Black teammates
The Chair - First Episode
A later career shift for Ridge
This is Your Life - George Nepia
Legend George Nepia was an earlier league convert
Holmes - Christmas Party
Features Matthew Ridge as an Auckland Warrior
Popstars - First Episode
Features Ridge’s partner Carly Binding
Grammar Boys
Where Ridge played high school footy
The Wyllie Bunch
More from the Salizzo Kirwan sports stable
Blood, Sweat and Touring
More from the Salizzo Kirwan sports stable
Once We're Warriors
Doco on the Warriors' debut 1995 season
Matthew and Marc's Rocky Road to Russia
Matthew Ridge visits Russia with Marc Ellis
Fresh-up in the Deep End - Series Two, Episode One
Matthew Ridge switches codes again to professional dancing
Intrepid Journeys - Laos (Ruben Wiki)
Travel show hosted by fellow league player Ruben Wiki
Game of Two Halves - Series 1, Episode 6
Matthew Ridge is a team leader in this quiz