Who captained Australia in the first rugby league Test match against New Zealand in 1908?

Dally Messenger captained Australia in the first rugby league Test match against New Zealand in 1908.

Messenger was one of Australia’s outstanding early rugby footballers and a major figure in the transition from rugby union to rugby league. He led Australia in the inaugural international match against New Zealand, played in Sydney on 9 May 1908, which Australia won 11–10.

The match took place during New Zealand’s first rugby league tour of Australia. Messenger’s goal-kicking and attacking skill helped establish his reputation across both codes. He had previously represented New South Wales in rugby union before joining the new professional game.

The first Test is distinct from later Ashes and World Cup matches. International rugby league was still developing in 1908, and Australia and New Zealand were laying the foundation for one of the sport’s longest-running rivalries.