RUGBY LEAGUE LOSSES

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28368, 29 August 1957, Page 15

RUGBY LEAGUE LOSSES

Canterbury Rugby League has suffered heavy losses this season. In the last few weeks three New Zealand representatives have retired, or have moved to other provinces. The first to go was the splendid Sydenham loose forward, T. Kilkelly. He toured with the last New Zealand team to England and France in 1955-56. He went back to the West Coast, from where he came to Sydenham a number of years ago. A veteran of three trips overseas with Kiwi teams is P. Creedy. He is reported to have retired from the game. He first played for New Zealand against the touring French team in 1955 in two tests at Auckland in the half-back position. He then toured England, and France and also was chosen to tour Australia on his return from the first tour. However, he went to Australia as a full-back.

Missed Goals This year he was again chosen to go to Australia for the World Cup series and played in all three matches. His greatest prominence on this tour came from missing four penalties; from almost in front of the posts in the match against France at Brisbane, goals that possibly would have won New Zealand the match. The latest loss to Canterbury is the international hooker, J. Butterfield, also a gain from West Coast some years ago. Butterfield has also returned to the same province. He first gained New Zealand representation in 1954 in the second test against the touring British team, at Greymouth. This was as a second row forward. He went to France for the 1954 World Cup and toured England and France with the 1955-56 Kiwi team. While on this tour he was tried as a hooker when the two regular hookers were injured, and he was such a success that he has played in that position ever since. In 1956 he toured Australia, and he was there again this year for the World Cup series.