LOSS TO RUGBY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 117, 20 May 1939, Page 12

LOSS TO RUGBY.

SOLOMON S TRANSFER.

TO PLAY LEAGUE GAME.

SIGNS WITH RICHMOND CLUB

Mo-t iliscnxsed player in local Huuby for the pa-'.t two wasoiix. Dave Solomon, n ell know-it I'onsouby Club, Auckland. ■ iinl former New Ze.Jand representative the eighths, announced to day his decision to transfer to tile Tongue code. He *i'_ r ned up yesterday with the Richmond ( l iib and this afternoon appeared in the inside backline of its senior thirteen at Pupaktira.

With his departure, Kden I'ark will lose one of the most colourful plavcrs if has seen in the past five vcars. At the In-sinning of last season Solomon, whose continued appearance as second five eighths for his club side seented to indicate that he preferred that position, was ntKile full back of the representative fifteen bv tl.e sole selector, Mr. F. W.

Lucas. Since several men who played regularly and soundly in the full back position were thus overlooked, a controversy was l>egun. It has waged ever since.

The argument regarding Solomon's true position, coupled with his colourful personality and playing style, has kept him a centre of discussion. As a fiveeighths he has always shown enterprise, but his eccentric running and inclination to cleave haphazard paths, without regard for his supporting players, have caused disapproving comment. His sporadic brilliance has been likened to the typically eccentric style of Maori stars.

Solomon's defence has always been his strongest attribute, and he has therefore shone as full-back of the representative side. His chief ability there was to run the back line into position from defensive play instead of taking the line of least resistance and kicking clear.

His style is mors suited to the League code, which, with its smaller teams, gives more scope for individualism. He will probably be'one of the first players considered for inclusion in the NewZealand team which will tour England this season. His versatility allows him to play in nearly every back position. He has appeared as half-back, fiveeighths. centre and full-back. In 1035, when he toured England with the All Blacks, he played seven games, three of wbieh were as full-back. Gratuity of £300? "1 had to consider myself," said Solomon to-day, when questioned regarding his reasons for changing allegiance. '"There is a good deal of sentiment attached to such changes—l liavu been with the Ponsonby Club for a good many seasons—and 1 didn't make my decision on the spot. I have been thinking over o'ffers made to me for over two months."

He declined to discuss the terms of his transfer. It is understood, however, that the conditions involved the payment of a gratuity in the vicinity of £200, in addition to provision for future arra ngementa.

It was at Mount Albert Grammar School that Solomon first came into prominence. He was next in the picture as a Waikato representative, and then came to Auckland and joined Ponsonby. Brilliant second five-eighths play gained him a place in the representative side, and his career reached its peak in 1935 when he went to England with the All Blacks. Two years later he was in the running for a place in the All Black side to play the Springboks.

Solomon ha* also been a senior grade cricketer, appearing for several years as wicketkeeper for the Y.M.C.A. side. He coines from a notable sporting family. His elder brother Frank, an All Black forward in 1031 and 1032, is possibly the finest footballer the family has produced, while (icorge has appeared as half-back and live-eighths for several provincial representative sides. He played in the Wuikato team for several Hcasoiis.