He also played in the first ever provincial game of rugby league in New Zealand , helping Auckland defeat Wellington 16 - 14 on 24 August 1908 .
When he returned to New Zealand , Mackrell was involved in establishing the Newton rugby league club .
Mackrell also played in the first ever provincial game of rugby league in New Zealand , helping Auckland defeat Wellington 16 - 14 on 24 August 1908 .
When he returned to New Zealand , Mackrell was involved in establishing the Newton rugby league club .