Abundance Of Talent For Provincial League Side

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30145, 31 May 1963, Page 8

Abundance Of Talent For Provincial League Side

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The Canterbury Rugby League senior selectors (Messrs E. C. Blazey, E. Butts and R. K. Andrews) should not be embarrassed by any lack of talent when they select the representative training squad. It is expected to be announced early next week.

It is thought that the first representative match will be against West Coast on June 22 at Christchurch. The New Zealand team will not have returned from Australia by this date and it Is disappointing that the two provinces will meet without their leading players. However, there is almost sure to be a return game later in the season. Canterbury has much to live up to this year as it was rated the number one Rugby League side in New Zealand last season.

If it is decided to play White on the wing, the highly promising B. Jjmgtoh (Hornby) could be the centre. Another contender for this position is H. Nepia (Marist). The five-eighths position should be filled adequately by J. Bond and R. Pounsford Many followers would prefer Pounsford at first five-eighths and Bond at second. J. Bray (Hornby) and G. Maloney (Linwood) would both be sound replacements. The choice of half-back must be a major problem. R. Irvine (Marist) may be a fraction ahead of his teammate J. Walshe. However, injury may keep Irvine out for some time. A third half-back very much in the running is G. Clarke (Linwood). There is very little between Walshe and Clarke and if selection is between them the one omitted will be most unlucky. Strong in Forwards

G. Turner (Papanui) and I. Drayton (Hornby) will also be considered.

The position of hooker is perhaps the only weakness, but it is rumoured that G. Blackler is transferring to Christchurch when he returns from Australia with the Kiwi side. He would be a decided asset. N. Diggs (Marist), who played for Canterbury a number of times last year, suffered a bad injury to hi- leg some weeks ago and and it is doubtful if he would be available. Probably the best hooker-forward seen this season has been B. T. Barron (Sydenham).

One position which may be more difficult to fill is the full-back berth. A. Smith (Linwood), who did such a capable job last year, has not played this season and could hardly be considered. Probably the soundest full-back seen this season has been P. Tounge (Hornby). His handling is sure and he kicks and tackles well.

Although a number of positions are wide open the following side would be very hard to beat: K Harding: C. Preece, B. Langton, P. White; J. Bond, R. Pounsford; J Walshe; M. L. Cooke (captain); M. Mohl. K Pearce; G. Cooper, G. Blackler, J. Fisher.

May Experiment However, the selectors may decide to take a player from another position to play fullback and if this is done a likely choice would be K Harding (Sydenham). He has played full-back before and been quite adequate. Another player who would probably do a good job is P. Smith (Marist).

The province is very strong in the forwards and a number of good ones will have to be left on the sideline. Barring injury, M. L. Cooke (Hornby) will be in the back of the scrum. Other good loose forwards are R. Turton (Christchurch), Harding, D. Nieman (Hornby), L. Mulcare (Marist), and T. Bisman (Papanui).

P. White (Linwood) is certain to be either wing or centre. He played on the wing last season but the selectors may feel that this position is too far from the play for this fine footballer. C. Preece (Marist), on his performances' this year, should gain one of the wing positions while G. Abercrombie (Linwood) lias also been in good torn.

Any two of the following five would serve the province well as second-row forwards: M. Mohi, G. Cooper (Marist). K. Pearce, E. Tavendale (Papanui), and J. Flanagan (Linwood). Cooper and Bisman could both be picked in the front-row but here again there are good players for these positions. J. Fisher (Linwood) must go in. while