Tony Kemp

Anthony Edward Ellis Kemp was born on January 18, 1968, in Whangārei, New Zealand, and raised in Waitara. He began his rugby league career with the Randwick Kingfishers in Wellington and as a Junior Kiwi rep in 1987. Kemp played professionally for Doncaster in England during the 1986-87 and 1989-90 seasons. His aggressive running style and versatility in various backline positions established him as a valuable player. He joined the Newcastle Knights in 1988, after overcoming initial bureaucratic hurdles to secure his move. He remained with the Knights for six seasons, notably as the club’s top try-scorer in the 1993 reserve grade grand final loss to Norths. Following his time with Newcastle, Kemp moved back to England, playing for Castleford from 1993-95, Leeds from 1995-98, and Wakefield Trinity from 1999-2000. During his playing career, he earned 25 Test caps for New Zealand, participating in significant international series and World Cup tournaments.

Kemp transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of head coach for Wakefield Trinity after his playing stint, where he successfully helped the club avoid relegation. In 2001, he joined the New Zealand Warriors as an assistant coach before becoming the head coach during the 2004 NRL season, a position he held for a season and a half. Following his coaching tenure, Kemp continued his involvement in rugby league in administrative capacities, including being appointed team manager for the New Zealand national rugby league team in 2010. His insights on the sport have also led him to a role as a commentator for Māori Television’s coverage of the Auckland Rugby League competition. Kemp has been recognised for his contributions to the sport, being named in the Taranaki Rugby League Team of the Century in 2008 and the Wellington Rugby League’s Team of the Century in 2012.

Beyond his professional achievements in rugby league, Tony Kemp has dedicated himself to personal development and community engagement. He has immersed himself in learning te reo Māori and embracing te ao Māori, which he describes as a journey of self-discovery and cultural understanding. Kemp is actively involved in speaking to tamariki, youth, and adults, drawing on his experiences to offer guidance and support, particularly to at-risk youth. He has developed programs with Corrections, focusing on self-awareness and personal growth. His commitment extends to mental health advocacy within professional sports, highlighting the need for better support systems for young athletes facing pressure and career challenges. Through his various roles, Kemp continues to contribute to both the sporting community and broader social well-being in New Zealand.