One of the toughest rugby league stars of the 1970s and 80s has revealed he faces an even bigger fight ahead — against dementia. New Zealand international Kevin Tamati, renowned for his brutal on-field rivalry with Australian prop Greg Dowling, made the announcement this week.
“Sadly I have been burdened with dementia. Just hope it doesn’t get too bad,” he posted to the Rugby League Legends Facebook group.
The news sparked a wave of well-wishes from rugby league fans in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
“Gutted for you mate. I grew up in NZ watching you play. Now living in the UK and the rugby league community still talk about you. Good luck bro,” one follower posted.
“You certainly played it tough KT with the Kiwi spirit and mana, we are all behind you brother,” added another.
“I hope that you can enjoy the memories that you have, and while you can, recognise the mana that your name holds through many generations,” posted another.
Tamati’s Diagnosis Follows Arrow’s MND News
Tamati’s heartbreaking health announcement came just days after former Queensland State of Origin star Jai Arrow revealed he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after months of medical testing and concern over lingering symptoms.
The shocking announcement sent waves through the rugby league community, with current and former players rallying around Arrow and his family with emotional tributes and messages of support. Arrow, known for his toughness and relentless playing style, said he is determined to face the battle head-on despite the devastating prognosis.
The diagnosis has also reignited discussion around MND in rugby league following the deaths of former players including Carl Webb. Fans across Australia have praised Arrow’s courage in speaking publicly about the condition and raising awareness of the terminal neurological disease.
A Legendary Career
Tamati was one of New Zealand rugby league’s toughest and most respected forwards during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Hawke’s Bay in 1953, he began his senior career with the Petone Panthers before starring for clubs across Wellington. The former Kiwi enforcer was inducted into New Zealand Rugby League Legends of League in 1995.
Tamati represented Wellington 52 times and became a feared prop through his aggressive, uncompromising playing style. He played for the New Zealand Māori side and earned 22 Test caps for the Kiwis between 1979 and 1985.
Tamati moved to England in 1982 and enjoyed successful spells with Widnes, Warrington and Salford. One of the highlights of his club career came when Widnes defeated Wigan in the 1984 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
He became internationally famous for his fiery on-field rivalry with Australian prop Greg Dowling during the mid-1980s.
Life After Playing
After retiring as a player, Tamati coached Salford, Chorley Borough, Whitehaven and later the New Zealand Māori team. He was inducted into the New Zealand Rugby League Legends of League in 1995 and was later named an Auckland Rugby League Immortal. In later years, Tamati appeared on New Zealand television series The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes.
