RUGBY LEAGUE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 69, 23 March 1939, Page 25

RUGBY LEAGUE.

DRAW FOR APRIL.

PRELIMINARY GAMES. TEAMS FROM OVERSEAS. The draw for the preliminary round on April 1 of the Auckland Rugby League's season was arranged last evening. Further particulars of the Sydney combined team's visit at Easter were also received, The team will be: Backs. J. Sharinan (Western Suburbs), A. Mitchell (Canterbury -Bankslown), 1-'. Hyde (.Balmain), D. -Hanson (South Sydney). K. O'Loali (Eastern Suburbs). J. Quealy (BalmainJ, L. Pickup I Kastern Suburbs I, R. 'I'hoinpsrm (North Sydney) and .J. Hedinan I Balmain I: forwards. -L McCarthy (Kastern Subiirbsl, H. I'ierte (Kastern Subiirlisl. J. Arnold I Kastern Suburbs). A. Smith ißalmaiul. V. Cridiths I Balmain 1. ('. Watt (Balmain I and Kay Stchr (Kastern Subiii-bs). h'or business reasons S. {.loci l'canc cannot make the trip. His place is beinu taken by Athol Smith, formerly of Western Suburbs and now of Balmain, who represented Sydney against New Zealand last year and is regarded as one of the most pro-misinjt fr>rwards in the frame. Wigan Visit Likely. The chairman said he noticed that Wifran Club of Hn<rland was likely to come this way. The Knglish Hutrby League had wpecitied that the tuiirinjr side «houltl meet dub teams only. Apparently the tourists were likely to arrive hero early in June. Xn official information having been received .so far from Mr. Sunderlaiul. the manatrer. it was decided to await further information on the visit.

It was reported with regret that Mr. R. H. Benson was unable to accept appointment on the Referees' Appointment Board, the selection of a successor being deferred.

Mr. Wilkie reported on the discussion of the relative standing and value of the senior reserve and senior B grades. He pointed out that the junior management favoured the two grades being placed on one footing, as the reserve grade had not justified itself, whereas an amalgamated competition would provide opportunity for the junior club senior B teams to rise.

Sonic criticism was passed on the merit of the reserve grade competition, and it wa.i stated that several senior B clubs were ready for advancement. One board member said he would like to see the receive grade cut out. the two grades amalgamated, and the senior club? compelled to field a certain number of junior teams. After discussion, it was decided to defer to the wishes «f senior clubs to retain the reserve (Trade , , which, however, would be under review this season, with particular reference to the rules governing its existence. A batch of new player registrations was received and approval {riven, subject to clearances being received in several cases, including L. C. Sundew f ex-Eastern Suburbs. Sydney). The applications oi M. Stephens and ('. Blacklaws to play again for Xewton. after having been for a period in England, will go before the New Zealand Council for approval. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. MiAnciiy. Ur. H. Brisbane was nominated as a selector for the -North Island team.