ASHTON FOR CAPTAIN?

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31017, 24 March 1966, Page 15

ASHTON FOR CAPTAIN?

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

LONDON.

The veteran Wigan centre and coach, E. Ashton, should be the captain of Britain’s Rugby League team to tour Australia and New Zealand this year, the “Daily Sketch’’ Rugby League writer, Alan Smith, said.

The team of 26 will be announced today.

“Britain’s touring team needs men of polish and experience,” Smith wrote. “Men who can smooth out the rough patches and blend a glut of enthusiasm and vigour into a well-drilled side to test the Australians.”

He said the Wigan players, E. Ashton and B. McTigue, and the Leeds loose forward, H. Poole, must go in the team.

Out Of Favour

Ashton, who quit test matches when he became coach of Wigan in 1963, should be brought back into international football. Smith said. “Some selectors seem to! hold his early retirement I against hint, but it is time they had second thoughts. “The captain’s job for this tour is a vital one because there is a worrying shortage of topclass internationals.” Others in the running for the captaincy are A. Murphy (St. Helens), K. Gowers (Swinton) and T. Smales, the Bradford scrum-half who led Britain in tests against the Kiwis but was later dropped from the side. Fiery Temperament Several selectors have doubts about Murphy because of his fiery temperament, said Smith. Gowers, although a brilliant player on the field, is considered by some people to lack the determination and iron will needed for a tour leader. Smith named his choices as:

Backs: K. Gowers, B. Rfsman. Wings: B. Jones, J. Stopford, W. Burgess, B. Glover. Centres: G. Shelton, A. Buckley, F. Myler, E. Ashton (captain). Stand-offs: M. Shoebottom, A. Hardlsty. Scrum: halves: A. Murphy, T. Smales Hookers: J. Ward, C. Clarke. Props: K. Roberts, L. Moore, C Watson, B. McTigue.

Second row: J. Mantle. W Bryant, W. Holliday, W. Ram sey. Loose forwards: H. Poole D. Robinson.