Born: February 6, 1904
Died: July 11, 1969
Test record: 4 Tests (1928, 1932) – 1 try (3 points)

Towering West Coast forward Herbert ‘Mick’ O’Brien tangled with the English forwards during New Zealand’s 1928 and 1932 home Test series.

O’Brien played his club football for Nelson Creek and Greymouth Marist, while he debuted for West Coast in 1925 and South Island in 1927, playing in the latter’s historic first interisland match victory in 1929.

Earning his New Zealand spurs in 1928, O’Brien played in all three Tests against England, debuting in the 17-13 win at Carlaw Park and scoring his team’s only try as it lost the decider in Christchurch 6-5.

He missed the 1930 tour to Australia but he was back in the line-up for the 1932 series opener against the touring Englishmen. He was one of three forwards dropped after the 24-9 loss at Carlaw Park but scored a try in a West Coast’s 32-8 loss to the visitors.

O’Brien later coached West Coast and guided Greymouth Marist to Thacker Shield success in 1951.