SIDE UNDER REVIEW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 140, 16 June 1930, Page 16

SIDE UNDER REVIEW.

MANY YOUNG PL'AYERS. WELL-BALANCED COMBINATION. "(By BLACKWELL.) Close and competent scrutiny of the, party reveals that the judges have' executed their task, with* very few exceptions, in a manner that will meet with the general, approval of followers of the code in New Zealand. The aim has been to gather together for 1930 a set of players capable of working, harmoniously on and off the field, and producing the scintillating football that has made this country famous overseas. The team, and not the individual, has been first consideration. It is the most truly, national representative touring combination ever chosen by the New Zealand Rugby League and that, in a large measure, is a tribute both to the growth of the game and to its improving standard in many, directions. One gratifying feature is the infusion of young players,, who* with the aid of several experienced internationals, will be stepping out • for the first time to .uphold the name of the Dominion and of the code. No less than eighteen of the tourists will be new players to Australian people." It may be said, indeed, that the authorities here have adopted a similar policy to the Commonwealth cricket legislators, who are already demonstrating the wisdom of giving youth its full opportunity by trial on playing fields abroad. < There need be nb regrets on this score, for the League All Blacks as announced, have exceptional ruggedness, ability and speed all round. With the training and coaching incidental to such a tour, there is talent a-plenty in blends that will trouble any opposition. The average weight of the ten forwards is 13 stone and of the twelve backs list 61b, while the average age in both divisions is 25 years—an ideal average for a sound and dashing group .of players, on such a prodigious mission. As Benjamin Franklin "It is easy to see—but hard to foresee"." New Zealand, has seen and knows its stalwarts for this trip, and many people are also well aware of the fact that Rugby League has risen to great heights in Australia again this season. / That, however, will make the ambassadors of New Zealand the more determined to succeed and their hopedfor success the more glorious. Two Players Unlucky. Some disappointment will be felt by the. non-inclusion in the team of the classy and solid little five-eighths, J. Dodds, of. the West Coast, whose play against big, odds on Saturday, won the admiration of spectators. It is easy to understand why he has a South Island reputation as a player of calibre. Another who filled ' the eye was L. Simons, of Wellington. The ex-Devon-port full-back .gave evidence.of his skill, though he has been seen to better advantage. He and Dodds had hard luck (in missing selection. It is rather difficult, indeed, to understood how- Seagar could supersede .„Dodds.- Riley is also fortunate. Undoubtedly he is in the first flight of players, but his ability to withstand the rigours of heavy play is, based on observation, open to question. Watene is evidently the reserve full-back, in which position he excels. Otherwise, the rearguard commands general respect, and, with versatile and thrustful inside backs, the wingers should more than'keep Australia's best extended. The South Aucklander, Tittleton, is well endowed with pace and resourcefulness, and the Otago man Pearce is reported to have speed to burn. Both good defensive players, these two faced each other in the inter-island clash and the duel revealed fifty-fiftv honours. Nofr they may go arm iii arm Pearce is reported to be the fastest man in both New Zealand codes. No Spare Hooker or Half. One oversight by the, selectors lies in the omission to choose a spare hooker and a half-back, positions which are vital: The South Aucklander, Abbott, earned his place. Nevertheless, it is known that his experience has i been gained in the three-quarter line. There may be players able to fill the role in emergency, but that is likely to prove

an unsatisfactory expedient. On the last tour, three spare halves were sent to Australia and on occasion all of them were out of commission. It looks as though Abbott needs a mate of real type as a substitute, if necessary. The same applies with even greater force to the hooker in the scrums. Every man to his job and here is the crucial "possessive" point of both attack and defence with all responsibility on one man's shoulders —or rather-legs. True, there may be-others in the pack-with that requisite raking knowledge.-' Even soy it is hardly wise or fair to burden one man with the whole of that arduous duty on trek.

In spite of these few peculiarities it must be conceded that the selectors have done their part well and. possibly have reasons for the policy concerning all the players and their places. With time for departure so far off there may yet be some changes in the ranks of the appointed trippers. Their fate in the land of the kangaroo, virtually is in the lap. of the gods, wnose favours will be sought* with meritorious effort next month.