PLAY OF FORWARDS VITAL FACTOR IN CITY'S LEAGUE WIN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 232, 30 September 1944, Page 3 (Supplement)

PLAY OF FORWARDS VITAL FACTOR IN CITY'S LEAGUE WIN

THE success of City Rovers in the * Auckland Rugby League championship for 1944 was well merited, seeing they gave the other teams four points start as the result of forfeiting two matches. City played a traditionally good forward game, and the standard maintained from the start of the season was high. The club depended a lot upon players of long experience, although there were a few younger ones who were introduced as seniors for the first time. In F. James, who gained North Island honours, and Bodman, the- City club have two promising forwards. James played first (on occasions last season) as a wing three-quarter, but this year his pace, and improving physique, saw him get a place in the scrum. He is a splendid handler, and next season should do well if played as a back row forward.

Bodman justified his chance the day he was promoted from the junior ranks, -and although not very heavy, he is a great battler, rugged, and a lion for work in the loose. He gets his share of tries. The City forwards owe much of their success to the fine play of the front row trio, H. Mataira, H. Leatherbarrow and W. Jackson. The two former are veterans, but they retain their form well, especially Mataira, who in 1934-36 represented New Zealand as an All Black. Jackson has shown excellent form this season, and it is safe to say that the City trio, are the best front row forwards (as a combination) in the League code to-day. The City rear division has not played as constructive football as some of the other clubs; at times the set was weak in comparison. Most of the backs, with B. Taylor, the wing three-quarter, excepted, have played a number of years as seniors. Taylor, who gained a place regularly only recently, has speed and determination, and promises to make good next season. The outstanding player among' the backs was P. Salaia, whose colourful football has been a feature of City's success. Salaia may be lost to the code shortly, as it is reported he is to return to his native Samoa. City has hopes, however, of getting his services next season. The Auckland Rugby League season will continue on until October 21, and on Saturday next an Auckland rep. team will visit .Huhtly to play a return game against South Auckland. Following is the list of matches yet to be played at Carlaw Park; October 7, two series of Roope Rooster games; October 14, Roope Rooster final; October 21, champion of champions. An interesting position may arise in the last-mentioned fixture. The champion of champions is played between the winners of the senior championship and the winners of the Roope Rooster. City has already one leg in, and may win also the Roope Rooster. In that event the runnersup in the senior competition takes a place as one of the contestants in the champion of champions. As both ManuKau and Mount Albert are equal for second place in the senior championship, the position is most unusual, and will have to be defined by the Control Board.