Neville Kesha played 13 straight years for the Richmond Rovers (now Bulldogs), before having to give up playing due to working night shifts and the coaches rule of "no train, no play".

Neville, wanted to stay involved in the game and what better way than to take up the whistle. Being an ex-player, he quickly excelled and rose through the ranks to some top appointments including Fox Memorial Grand Finals, Roope Rooster, International Test matches and visiting Winfield Cup teams. What he also didn't realise was how much he enjoyed being close to the action and contributing to the facilitation and enjoyment of the game for the players. 

Neville had the pleasure to be involved with so many great Players, Coaches, Managers, Spectators, Administrators and Referees here in Auckland, around New Zealand and in eight other countries around the world. Many he still keeps in touch with. 

There are so many highlights to his more than six decades of involvement at the various levels.  

Three things that really humbled Neville, one was being able to referee two teams that played at 100% and just played the game for the love of it.

The second was being able to referee the kids and give them a great experience to enjoy the game we all love. One day at Papatoetoe it was a schoolboy game and he had just come back from a Quadruple bypass. The coach of Papatoetoe lined up his team to shake Neville's hand at the end of the game and one of the little guys said " it is a pity you are so old you could have been a top ref". 

The third was coaching and talking to the younger or older up and coming referees to help them be better and get more enjoyment from the game. 

In addition to his refereeing career, Neville served as a director on the Auckland Rugby League (ARL) Board and the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) Board. He has always been committed to enhancing the game for everyone involved.

Neville's unwavering dedication to rugby league has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his contributions continue to inspire those around him.

Article added: Thursday 31 July 2025