Born: November 6, 1931
Died: February 25, 1984 – Hamilton
Test record: 0 Tests
Tours: 1951-52 tour of Great Britain and France

A revered figure in Waikato and Māori rugby league – and a prolific tryscorer – versatile back Andy Berryman made a sizeable impression on the Kiwis’ 1951-52 tour of Great Britain and France despite failing to break into the Test side.

An Otahuhu junior, Berryman moved south and joined Taniwharau – famously scored 10 tries in one match for the club. He also managed a seven-try haul in a Waikato victory over Bay of Plenty.

Berryman was still a teenager when he debuted for New Zealand Māori on the wing against the 1949 Australian tourists, while he faced the green-and-golds twice more – as a centre for South Auckland in 1953 and at fullback for Waikato in 1961.

Widely regarded as having the most devastating sidestep in the game, Berryman’s senior career was still in its relative infancy when he received his national call-up. He played 12 matches in Britain and France and crossed for tries – all in the space of six outings – against Huddersfield, Bramley, Cardiff and Villeneuve.

Though further opportunities with the Kiwis were not forthcoming, Berryman toured Australia with the New Zealand Māori side in 1956. He was also their assistant coach during the historic 1975 Pacific Cup and was head coach for their tour to Great Britain in 1983, but passed away only months after the latter trip, aged 53.

Berryman’s son, Royce, and several grandsons and nephews, played rugby league for Waikato, while grandson Norman Berryman became and All Black and a Super 12-winning star for the Crusaders after starting out as a North Auckland rugby union cult hero.