Test Captain Dropped, “Warning To Cool Down”

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30856, 15 September 1965, Page 19

Test Captain Dropped, “Warning To Cool Down”

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

LONDON, September 14.

The decision of the England Rugby League selectors to drop the St. Helens scrum-half, A. Murphy, from the first test team to play New Zealand at Swinton on Saturday week was the biggest international shock for years, the “Daily Sketch” said.

The Bradford Northern skipper, T. Smales, takes oyer the scrum-half position.

“This is a clear warning to Murphy, widely tipped as a possible tour captain next (northern) summer, to cool down," said the “Sketch.”

“Several selectors have recently expressed concern about Murphy’s outbreaks on the field.

“The 14-strong selection committee, who chose the team in Leeds, obviously fancy Smales as a better bet because of his tactical teamwork.

“Murphy, a brilliant match winner, is a more individual player, often attracting trouble like a magnet.” Smales, a previous captain of Britain, could keep Murphy out of the position in the remainder of the test series. The selectors chose P. Kitchin instead of the recently injured A. Hardisty at standoff. Although Hardisty had reported fit the selectors apparently decided not to gamble with his fitness in the first test.

Kitchin, a miner, was waiting at the pit head to hear the team before going down. “This will be the happiest shift I have ever worked,” he said.

Six New Caps

The selectors have included four new caps in the forwards and two in their back-line, writes Bruce Montgomerie, the N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent. The new forwards include G. Kemmel, of Widnes, who outhooked the Kiwi, C. E. O’Neil, when New Zealand plaved Widnes. The other three are M. Hicks, who played for the Commonwealth thirteen against the Kiwis, D. Gardiner and C. Renilson, both of whom have already played against the tourists on this tour.

The two new backs are Kit-

chin and K. Senior, the Huddersfield winger.

The team is: K. Gowers (Swinton), W. Burgess (Barrow), F. Myler (Widnes), G. Shelton (Hunslett), K. Senior (Huddersfield), W. Kitchin (Whitehaven), T. Smales (Bradford Northern), W. Gardiner (Wigan), G. Kemmel (Widnes), K Roberts (Halifax), W. Holiday (Hull K.R.), W. Hicks (St. Helens), C. Renilson (Halifax).