Born: April 24, 1914 – Auckland
Died: November 2, 1987 – Auckland
Test record: 2 Tests – 2 tries (8 points)

Richmond and Auckland playmaker Noel Bickerton was New Zealand’s five-eighth for the 1937 Test series against Australia, scoring tries in both matches of the drawn rubber.

Opposing champion Eastern Suburbs pivot Ernie Norman, 23-year-old Bickerton dotted down in the series-opening 12-8 loss and the momentous 16-15 second-Test victory – both played at Carlaw Park. He was a New Zealand triallist the following season but missed out on a spot for the tour of Australia to fellow Aucklanders Walter Brimble and Wally Tittleton.

Bickerton had come through the strong Richmond junior ranks and made his senior debut in 1935. He represented Auckland Māori for several years and featured in Richmond’s 1937 championship-winning team and the 1938 combination that took out the Roope Rooster and the Stormont Shield.

Retiring from rugby league in 1939, Bickerton later served for New Zealand in World War II.