LEAGUE BAITS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 146, 22 June 1929, Page 10

LEAGUE BAITS.

REPORTED ENGLISH OFFERS,

HUTT AND HALL MENTIONED.

BERRIDGE DENIES RUMOUR.

Rumour has again set football circles agog. The latest reports that are current are that Lou Hutt, the burly Ponsonby forward, and E. T. flail, the fine Newton forward, both League men,.and Arnold Berridge, the brilliant Rugby Union five-eighths, have received overtures from English League Clubs., In Berridge's case, it appears to. be rumour and nothing more. He stated this morning that lie had Pot even heard the whisper himself, and there was certainly nothing in it. League officials admit that they. have heard of the possibility of both Hutt and Hall going abroad, though they hive nothing definite on the point. The two men are two of the finest forwards in the code to-day, and it is no idle flattery to say that Hutt, on Ins present form, is the "daddy of them all." A; man of fine physique, he takes a -power of pulling down when in . possession, has dash and pace that enables him to play three-quarters in cases of emergency, and mixes brains with brawn,. A player who consistently gives a good account of himself, and sets an example to others for his evenness of temper, he did not receive recognition . ih : representative games till last season,. when lie played in 'air three Tests against the English tourists, and also in the minor matches. He is about 25 years of age, and received his football education in the Waikato. i' j

Hall, who threw in his lot with the League code for the first time last season, is also a big stamp of a forward, and a tiger for work. Prior to that he played the union game with the Franklin Rugby Union. He is one of, the Outstanding forwards in the Newton Side. His rise to representative. honours wap meteoric. He soon learned little, tricks of the' League game, and his mastery caught the eyes of the selectors.-to such good purpose that he was chosen to play firfHv for the Auckland representatives, and then in the Test teams against England. Should Hall go Home lie will! be the second Newton player to be attracted by English offers within the week.

It is now definite that R. ("Shaver") Hardgrave, tlie Newton captain, and flying represeentative three-quarter, will go to the St. Helen's (Lancashire) Club. It is understood he will lcaye New Zealand for the Old Country by the Cormthic on July 0, in coippany with Albert Falwasser, the North Island and Maori Rugby Union representative. It is stated that Falwasser ,\vill receive £300 on signing on with St. Helen's, while in addition he will have all his expenses and fares paid between New Zealand and England, receive a retainer of £3 10/ a week, and additional payment for wins and other matches in which he plays. Approached by a "Star"' reporter before taking the field, Hall confirmed the rumour. "I" received a cablegram on Thursday from the St. Helens Club," said he. "I cannot give you anything definite, but I will probably hear something to-day.. I am considering the matter and have wired a reply, and ■ aip now waiting development." "I was approached by the New Zealand agent of the St. Helens Club who received a cable from Home asking Miii to advise as to outstanding forwards," said Hutt. "I have received' no 'ofrljiq from Home. but. should I receive an offer I will consider it. I like to •ga.j'j