Tongan brothers honoured in Auckland Rugby League awards

Kurt and Dane Sorensen played more than 600 games of professional rugby league between them and last Saturday, the brothers were “immortalised” at the Auckland Rugby League Annual Awards.

Their uncle, Bill Sorensen, was also given “immortal” status for his contributions to the sport in Auckland. And, their uncle Dave Sorensen was inducted into the Hall of Fame on the night.

The brothers Kurt and Dane were joined by cousin Debbie Sorensen (Daughter of Bill Sorensen) on the Overtime Podcast to reflect on their careers.

“Trying to remember back (then), I think it was mainly our mother that got us involved with league. I guess because we were already in the family. Once we started playing league, we took to it like a duck to water and we were good at it,” Kurt said.

“Playing Rugby League was the best thing that I did. We played Rugby League because it was in the family, and it was good to play. Rugby will always be number 1 in New Zealand, but Rugby League will get better and better as time goes on,” Dane, the older of the two, said.

Dane blazed trails in the early 1970s, debuting in 1972 for the Kiwis. This marked the beginning of a storied career that would see him represent both the national team and the New Zealand Māori.

Dane also broke new ground as the first New Zealand player to earn a Kiwis call-up while based overseas. By the time he hung up his boots, he had etched his name in club history with a record number of appearances.

Dane Sorensen played 73 matches for the Cronulla Sharks. Photo/Getty Images.

Kurt's rugby league journey, though beginning slightly later, was no less impressive. His Kiwis’ debut in 1975 kicked off a remarkable 14-year tenure with the national team - a record that stands unmatched to this day.

The following year, Kurt's exceptional play earned him the prestigious Rothville Trophy, recognising him as the premier player of 1976. His talents were further showcased as part of Auckland's grand slam-winning team in 1977.

“You could get away with a lot more things in the 60s, 70s, and 80s than you can now,” he chuckles.

“When we were at the Auckland club at a young age, there were a lot of hard Pākehā blokes, island blokes.

“I went and played in England, and I couldn’t believe it! Elbows flying everywhere, breaking jaws. I knew I had to get some eyes in the back of my head if I was gonna survive.”

The pair began playing rugby league during a time when Rugby Union in Aotearoa was booming in popularity.

Kurt said despite having some success in the junior grades, playing union, they preferred league.

“We did play rugby union later on at primary school, first XV and represented Auckland for the first XV. But we also felt Rugby Union in those days were kick and clap, kicking the ball all the time. But we were brought up to pass the ball, to use our skills.

“Back then league was very much in the minority, but we played it because we loved it. We stuck at rugby league because we loved it more.”

Bill Sorensen, who was the first Polynesian player to represent the Kiwis, was also inducted as an immortal at the awards. He played 24 tests for the Kiwis, representing New Zealand at the 1954, 1957, and 1960 Rugby League World Cups.

Debbie Sorensen remembers her father’s time playing rugby league in Auckland.

“My father and uncle Peter started playing for Ponsonby as their first club, and now you can go to the Ponsonby club and see photos of dad and uncle Peter and a couple of our other family members,” she said.

“He then moved to Glenora, and that was the club he played for when he first made the Kiwis. He was the first Pacific person to play for the Kiwis. He also played for the New Zealand Māori side, and that was a tradition that carried on.”

Bill Sorensen coached the historic Auckland Grand-Slam team who beat Australia, Great Britain and France. Photo/Warriors.

Debbie recalls playing rugby league in those times was a lot different than today.

“My father was tough, just like my cousins, he was tough and really made to play football.

“The other thing that was different compared to today is that Rugby League is a professional game. When dad was coming through, everyone had another job. He was a truck driver, so if he didn’t work he didn’t play.”

Debbie remembers her father’s determination as a player and coach, saying it is something consistent throughout the Sorensen family.

“The first time he went with the Kiwis they sailed to Europe, and dad being a poor Tongan boy had no money, so he earned all his spending money by playing cards on the ship.

“No matter what he did, he did really well. And there’s no such thing in our family as being mediocre. You are either really good at what you do, or don’t do it. That’s what you see with the boys here.”

For Kurt and Dane, their impact on the sport extended well beyond their playing days. In 2000, Kurt's contributions were acknowledged with his induction into the elite circle of NZRL Legends of League.

Now, with their elevation to 'ARL Immortal' status, both Dane and Kurt Sorensen's legacies in New Zealand rugby league are forever enshrined, honouring careers that helped shape the sport in Aotearoa.

Watch the full interview with Kurt, Dane and Debbie Sorensen on the Overtime Podcast Episode 13 airing tommorow at 10AM.

2024 Auckland Rugby League Hall of Fame Inductees:

2024 Immortals:

1. Duncan McLean

2. Bill Sorensen - Tonga.

3. Dane Sorensen - Tonga.

4. Kurt Sorensen - Tonga

2024 Hall of Fame Inductee

1. Eric Carson
2. Shane Cooper
3. Don Mann Snr - Tonga
4. Brian McClennan
5. Mike McClennan
6. Hugh McGahan
7. Lyndsay Proctor
8. Gary Prohm
9. Dave Sorensen - Tonga
10. Ray Williams - Cook Islands