jerseys with white numbers, pants and helmets, later, royal jerseys with white numbers and pants. Manurewa Miners: Returning home from the states, ex-college linebacker Eddie Tavae established the South Auckland Club with huge support from his parents, sons and partner. The Manurewa squad quickly gained a solid following due to the colourful roster of league and rugby stars turning out to play the up-and-coming sport...from League players like Kiwi and Auckland star Francis Leota, Fox Memorial Club dominating players like Peter and John Fue...from Rugby International and national celebrity Paul Tuoro...Rugby local hero Kere Maihi and another returning former US college player Rob Billington. Dave Dixon, the Pukekohe born played for the Miners...moved to the US on a scholarship...drafted by the National Football League New England Patriots. On the winning Super Bowl roster for the Dallas Cowboys and then played for the Minnesota Vikings where he retired after an 11 year career. Assisting Coach Tavae were two former Metro Lions players Ray Coulson and Ray Hinkes...the key to why the team was established was to create a club to bring the talents known in the south an opportunity to be seem...the club worked on sponsorships and fundraisers to alleviate the stresses on players for fees and acquired equipment from colleges in the states who donated and sent it to the NZ based club...Miners Football team played on for five seasons Team colours were Bottle Green Jerseys with gold numbers and Gold pants with green white green stripes. Manukau City Stallions: Founded by former Metro Lions and South Auckland Saints player Don Macleod and fellow Saints player Tony Fuimaono. At the time of formation they were the southernmost club in the country, despite only being situated 30 minutes south of the harbour bridge. They were based in Manukau City and attracted a good player base and following from that area. Benefitted from the fact that the founder was the official Rawlings representative in NZ. Former player Parrish Macleod played football at Orange Coast College before transferring to University of the Pacific. Colours: Sky blue jerseys and pants, white numbers and helmets. Tip Tip Bulldogs: Another fiercely competitive team from the power base of South Auckland. Founding members include John Tavae, Tom and Roy Bourke, John Rima, Moe Faaofo and Mose Petaia. Bulldogs were also managed by Rona and Lafuga Lokeni. Papatoetoe Wildcats: Originally formed as part of the NZAFL expansion by