LEAGUE TEAM'S TOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 152, 28 June 1924, Page 11

LEAGUE TEAM'S TOUR.

BETCbACIKG IHJXTRED PLATERS OBJECTION BY ENGLISHMEN. A matter which hag to be considered by the New Zealand Rugby League Council before the English Rugby League opens its tour in the Dominion is that of allowing injured players to be replaced during a game. In New Zealand the League has always permitted such players to be replaced, not only in fairness to the team affected, 'but also in fairness to the paying public, who consider it quite in keeping with good sportsmanship. The Englishmen object to *he replacement of any player who may have to leave the field for any cause at all. The. controlling body in Auckland has different views on the question, and will offer strong protest to the proposal of the visitors. The Englishmen consistently insist upon their opponents playing under conditions which they themselves set out. both at Home and when on tour, and on occasions, when New Zealand teams have visited the Old Country, our players have had to alter their methods at least a little. It was the same when the Springboks came out here. They played under the old rules, and it cannot bo said that the football was improved. It is suggested in local League circles that the aphorism, "When in Rome do as Rome docs," should apply, and if New Zealanders have to play under certain conditions when they go abroad, then visiting teams should be called upon to respect our rules and customs when they come here. The replacing of an injured player has always been permitted in the Dominion, and the New Zealand Council will endeavour to insist that the custom Which has prevailed in the past continues.