Following the first "test", won by the Māori 16–14, about 5,000 of the 30,000 crowd invaded the pitch, upset with the standard of refereeing.
The NSWRL paid Jack his claimed debt, rather than risk the match being called off.
Seventeen travelled with the main party, however Nirai Whareure broke his collarbone after the first match.
[1] Mākereti (Maggie) and Murai (Bella) Papakura and two Māori chiefs travelled with the side.
Before the side left New Zealand they lost 14–21 to Auckland on 10 July 1909 at Victoria Park in front of 2–3,000 spectators.