Author(s): Rashelle Gordon

Rugby

On 25 March 2012 Tank Gordon was taken from this world, but he has left behind a legacy in rugby league and a story he wrote with his daughter Rashelle. On the rugby field he was a TANK who would run straight over the top of anyone that got in his way. His almighty kick drew gasps from the crowd. But there was a lot more to him than just a great footy player. Tank was a partner, a son, a brother, a mate and, above all else, a dad. The former New Zealand rugby league coach and player from Rotorua played rugby for King Country and quickly made the Kiwis once he changed codes. He made the national side after just 14 league matches with bustling hard-running displays at fullback or on the wing. The former Army PT instructor was the player/coach for the Waiouru Army side while he was stationed there and held the same role in Turangi when he left the army. In 1983 he took a Kiwi side of largely unknown and amateur players to upset Australia while he also helped the Bay of Plenty and Coastline league sides to some memorable wins and major trophies. This book is written by his daughter Rashelle, and takes the reader through all the stages of this legend's life. He developed rugby league in New Zealand, was dedicated to charities and helping communities. He also saw down-and-out days when he struggled to feed his family, fighting a gambling addiction, and even finding himself in jail. His ability to overcome adversity, pull himself out of the gutter and start all over again also marks him out as a legend. This story is not just about the footy - although there is plenty of that - but about the life of one of New Zealand's rugby league legends.