Arthur Hardgrave was Manukau's first New Zealand representative in 1912. He scored their only points in their first ever first grade game against Ponsonby with a try and a penalty on May 11, 1912 at Eden Park 2. He played in all 7 of New Zealand's matches on the 1912 tour of Australia at fullback, kicking 4 goals. In 1913 the Manukau first grade side folded and Hardgrave was granted a transfer to
North Shore Albions before joining
Otahuhu Rovers in
1914. His son
Roy Hardgrave also represented New Zealand in 1928 and played for St Helen's in England. Another notable player in the early Manukau side was
Jim Rukutai who had already represented New Zealand Māori, Auckland, and New Zealand. He played four game, scoring two tries for Manukau this season. In
1936 the Manukau club travelled around the North Island recruiting players to join their side for a re-entry into the first grade competition in Auckland including
Steve Watene who captained the side after having played seven seasons for
City Rovers before transferring. They secured the services of an astounding group of talent which ultimately carried them to the first grade Fox Memorial championship in 1936. They included
Jack Hemi from the Wairarapa,
Frank Pickrang and Len Kawe from the King Country, and
Angus Gault who had been born in Scotland but moved to New Zealand aged 16 to farm in the King Country, and
Jack Brodrick in August of 1936. Brodrick was 23 years old and had been born in Ruatoke North in the Bay of Plenty. Others included
Thomas Trevathan from North Otago, Joe Broughton, Joe Murray, Peter Mahima, and Jack Whye. Then in 1937
Rangi Chase from
Moawhango in
Whanganui along with his brother
Tommy Chase, came to Manukau, as did
Pita Ririnui,
Thomas Trevarthan from
Otago, and then
George Nēpia from All Black fame who had converted to rugby league in 1937 but played for Manukau in 1938 & 1939. In
1938 Walter Brimble joined the Manukau side after transferring from Manukau rugby. His brothers
Ted Brimble and
Wilfred Brimble all grew up in
Onehunga after moving to New Zealand and were of English (father) and South African (mother) origin and also played for New Zealand though were at the Newton club. The club later had a close association with the Bell family as
Dean Bell,
Ian Bell and
Clayton Friend all played for the club and
Cameron Bell coached the club. The following players have played for Manukau and gone on to make the
New Zealand national rugby league team with the year(s): •
Arthur Hardgrave 1912 •
Jack Hemi 1936 •
Puti Tipene (Steve) Watene 1936 •
Frank Pickrang 1936 •
Thomas Trevathan 1936 •
George Nēpia 1937 •
Walter Pierrepont Brimble 1938 •
John Purewa (Jack) Brodrick 1938-39 •
Rangi Chase 1937–38 •
Angus Gault 1938-39 •
Tommy Chase 1939 •
Pita Ririnui 1939 •
Lummy Graham 1970 •
Doug Gailey 1974 •
Ian Bell 1978–83 •
Clayton Friend 1982–91 •
Dean Bell 1983–89 •
Nick Wright 1983 •
Kelly Shelford 1989–91 ==Manukau Senior Team Records (1912-24, 1933-45, 1990, 1992-96, 1998-99, 2001-02, 2004, 2022-25)==