Auckland Rugby League offer our deepest condolences to the Robertson family and friends as we mourn the recent passing of a true champion who left a lasting legacy and impact with all his Clubs and teammates.
 

Wayne Robertson came from a distinguished rugby league family; the nephew of NZRL legend Maurie Robertson and Bruce Robertson. Wayne represented the New Zealand Kiwis in 1974, playing three Tests against the touring Great Britain Lions.
 

Robertson had an illustrious career across Brisbane, Auckland and Canterbury and was a standout forward, playing as prop and second row, whose career spanned the 1960s and 80s and was a standout for Auckland against Australia in 1975.
 

He played for several Auckland clubs, including Ponsonby, Te Atatu, Glenora, and Richmond. In 1979, while playing for Te Atatu, he won the award for Auckland Rugby League Best and Fairest Player.
 

Robertson is remembered as a ‘Ponies legend’. He initially joined Ponsonby in 1968 after returning from a Grand Final appearance with Brisbane’s Norths club. He returned to Ponsonby for a more significant period in the early 1970s. 

During this time, he was a key part of an elite Ponsonby United team that featured several internationals, including Mike McClennan, Don Mann, Brian Tracey, Tom Conroy, and ARL Immortal and Hall of Fame five-eighth Roger Bailey.
 

Fans at Carlaw Park frequently recalled his famous fend and one hand ball carry, signature moves that became iconic in Auckland league circles.
 

Duane Mann, Auckland Rugby League CEO recalls Wayne Roberston as one of his favorite childhood players. ‘As a kid watching my dad’s Ponsonby team play stacked with superhero type players, Wayne was one of my favourites with his athletic style and gridiron type long passes. Developing a friendship with Wayne as a fellow Kiwi was very special’.

During Robertson’s Auckland Representative career, he was a consistent selection for Auckland during one of the most competitive eras in the province's history. He was part of the Auckland side during a period when the province frequently toppled touring international teams at Carlaw Park.
 

After his playing career, Robertson had successful coaching stints at clubs including Glenora, Richmond, and Central Districts.
 

Robertson was a celebrated painter operating out of his studio in Howick. He was famous for his Carlaw Park prints, which captured the atmosphere of Auckland rugby league's ‘spiritual home’.

Article added: Wednesday 13 May 2026