Tony Kemp

Tony Kemp, a former New Zealand international rugby league player and coach, has transitioned into a role as a commentator and administrator, advocating for youth and cultural understanding. After making his debut as a Junior Kiwi representative in 1987, Tony Kemp went on to build a distinguished career as a New Zealand international rugby league player. He began his professional playing career with Doncaster in England across the 1986-87 and 1989-90 seasons before joining the Newcastle Knights in 1988, where he remained for six seasons, notably finishing as the club’s top try-scorer in the 1993 reserve grade grand final. Kemp then returned to England, playing for Castleford from 1993-95, where he was a Regal Trophy winner in the 1993/1994 season.

Kemp actively engages with tamariki, youth, and adults, drawing on his extensive experiences to provide guidance and support. He has also developed and delivered programs with Corrections, specifically focusing on fostering self-awareness and personal growth among participants. Tony Kemp’s commitment extends to impactful mental health advocacy within professional sports, where he consistently highlights the crucial need for robust support systems for young athletes navigating the pressures and challenges of their careers. Through his diverse roles as a former player, coach, administrator, commentator, and community leader, Kemp continues to make significant contributions to both the sporting community and broader social well-being initiatives across New Zealand.