FOOTBALLER'S RETURN

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 148, 25 June 1934, Page 9

FOOTBALLER'S RETURN

ROY HARDGRAVE BACK. KEEN TO PLAY IN AUCKLAND. Looking the picture of health, the Auckland international Rugby League football three-quarter, Roy Hardgrave, arrived by the Aorangi this morning with Mrs. Hardgrave and their four-year-old daughter June. They were met at the wharf by relatives and a hoet of friends, including players and officials of the Newton Rangers Club, with which Hardgrave is expected to reappear in local matches.

Hardgravo has played with notable success with the St. Helen's Club in England for tho past five years. Ho was disappointed to find that he would not be called upon to play locally until Saturday week, owing to an intervening interprovincial match. He declared that had he known this ho would have epent a few days longer in Sydney, where, incidentally, one of the leading clubs intimated it would like his services.

"The code is going very well in England," said Hardgrave, during a short conversation. "The extension of Rugby League to France is a real good move. I saw the Frenchmen in action on three occasions, and they impressed me ae good exponents of Rugby who will soon pick up the arts of our code. Their forwards are a fine type, and their captain, Jean Galia, a wonderful player. Two of their big centre three-quarters were also in the first flight, and it will be interesting to see how matters progress in France, where much enthusiasm has been in evidence."

The popular winger was loth to eay much regarding his own achievements, but after referring to the good play of a number of New Zealanders with clubs in England, particularly Len Mason, now starring as a centre three-quarter for Wigan after being a highly qualified forward, to Wilson Hall, the consistent Caetleford half-back, and E. T. Spillane, who has inspired the Keighley Club side, said in reply to a question that he had played three times for "Other Nationalities"! against England, and once was reserve. This was the highest honour a colonial could attain in the game.