1953 New Zealand rugby league season

New Zealand defeated Australia 2–1 in a Test series. New Zealand were coached by Jim Amos and included Des White, Jimmy Edwards, Ron McKay, Tommy Baxter, Bevin Hough, Bill Sorensen, captain Jimmy Haig, John Bond, George Davidson, Bill McLennan, Bob Neilson, Alister Atkinson, Frank Mulcare, Cyril Paskell, Vern Bakalich and Cyril Eastlake.

The Kangaroos recorded wins over the West Coast, 17–11, South Island 66–9 in Dunedin, Taranaki, 62–3, South Auckland 63–11 at Davies Park.^[1] They then defeated Auckland 26–4 at Carlaw Park. The Auckland side was Des White, Don Clapp, Tommy Baxter, Cyril Eastlake, Vern Bakalich, Bill Sorensen, captain Des Barchard, Jack Wright, George Davidson, Jack Meates, Henry Maxwell, Doug Richards-Jolley and Barry Singe.^[2] Australia finished the tour with a 98–7 victory over Northland.^[3]

The American All Stars arrived in the country after touring Australia.^[4] The squad had many injuries and so Des Barchard, Travers Hardwick, Frank Mulcare and Roy Roff joined the All Stars squad. Roy Moore and Dick Haggie also played in some matches. The All Stars lost to Auckland, 26–54, on 1 August before beating Taranaki, 21–18, on 5 August and Wellington 17–8 on 8 August. They then lost to the West Coast 10–27 on 11 August and Canterbury 8–39 on 15 August before beating North Auckland 26–5 on 19 August. They then lost to Auckland Māori, 23–40, on 22 August before finishing the tour with a win against South Auckland 22–19 on 24 August.^[4] The Auckland side was Des White, Jimmy Edwards, Tommy Baxter, Cyril Eastlake, Vern Bakalich, Bill Sorensen, Keith Graham, Henry Maxwell, George Davidson, Jack Meates, Jim Riddell, Doug Richards-Jolley and Bill Goulin.^[2]

Jack Redwood stepped down as the New Zealand Rugby League chairman, after serving since 1937.^[2]