Bert Avery

World War I had begun and Avery signed up for the New Zealand forces in 1916 and served in the New Zealand Army until 1918,[2] Following the war he returned to rugby league, playing for the Maritime club who later changed their name to Athletic and then to Grafton Athletic.

[2] During this time he represented Auckland and was part of the side that held the Northern Union Cup and recorded victories over the touring Great Britain Lions in 1921.

He was part of tours of New South Wales and Queensland in 1921 and 1925 where no test matches were played.

After being released his brother Henry died in the same week suffering from pneumonia.

Bert Avery decided to retire from rugby league at this time.

Avery 5th from the left in the Auckland team to play the 2nd match against the Australian Universities side at the Auckland Domain on June 24, 1922.
Avery tackling Henry Waterhouse on July 11 at the SCG. NSW won 7-4.