Lifting Of League Ban Welcomed

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30369, 19 February 1964, Page 10

Lifting Of League Ban Welcomed

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) SYDNEY, February’ 18. “Inflation” is sure to follow the lifting of the Rugby League ban between Australia and England, the “Sydney Sun’s” writer, E. E. Christensen, said today.

This, will be caused by wealthy Sydney clubs having to bid against powerful English interests in their quest for talent, he said.

Christensen said top Australian players have hailed the end of the ban —which has operated since 1947 at Australia's insistence —because now. as they become available for transfer, they

can "hawk” their services to England as well as around Sydney clubs. “Local clubs are not worried because they feel they can outbid any English elub. They also think they will get the English stars they require without the present humbug where players have to post as migrants to get a release.” The raising of the ban by the Australian Board of Control now was a formality after the New South Wales League decision last night that its board members should have the transfer agreement changed, Christensen said.

The English league had asked ’ that tlie position be reviewed as many players were going to Australia from

Britain. In recent years the Australian board had steadfastly declined clearances for Australian players to England. But as most Australian players were under contract to clubs here there would be no "wholesale walkout to England,” he said.