Selection Of N.Z. League Team Well Received

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30125, 8 May 1963, Page 13

Selection Of N.Z. League Team Well Received

ALTHOUGH the New Zealand Rugby League side to tour Australia, selected last week-end, must meet with general acclaim by supporters of the code, Canterbury could be a little disappointed in its representation in the side. M. Mohi (Marist) must have gone very close to selection, but he is a young player and his turn is sure to come. G. Turner (Papanui) and G. Cooper (Marist) could both be considered unlucky not to gain front-row positions, but the writing was on the wall when neither of them was selected for the main trial match at Auckland. Both Cooper and Turner proved Last year that they could match the big English forwards, and the selectors could be considered to have taken a slight gamble . in choosing inexperienced men, J. Fisher and K. George, as understudies to H. Emery and S. Edwards in the front row. Most of the other forwards virtually selected themselves, although B. S. Lee could be considered somewhat of a surprise. Last year he was relegated to his club’s senior reserve side. When he toured England and France in 1961 Lee was considered a player of much

promise, and he could yet live up to that promise. K. F. George and H. R. Sinel were undoubtedly selected on their efforts at the refresher course at Rotorua last week and their performances in Australia will be followed with interest. The omission of R. S. Cooke (Auckland) from Us back-line could be considered a minor surprise. He scored 177 points in club matches last season and his goal-kicking would have been a great asset to the side. The only Wellington man in the side, G. J. Wollard, could make a name for himself on the coming tour. A very solid player, Wollard has a high reputation in the north.

Another player with a considerable reputation in Auckland is the centre, J. E. Sparnon. He could well prove to be New Zealand's answer to the brilliant Australian centre, R. Gasnier. F. White (Taranaki) is another who must have impressed the selectors at the refresher course and the final trial on Saturday.. He is the first Kiwi from Taranaki since R. McKay was selected in 1956. The exclusion of W. Harrison (Wellington) from one of the full-back positions could be a disappointment to some, but this position Should be adequately filled by G. Phillips and J. F. Fagan. Provincial representations in the side are: Auckland, 16; Canterbury, 4; West Coast 4; Wellington, 1; Taranaki, 1.