Concern Over Loss Of Kiwis

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32214, 5 February 1970, Page 14

Concern Over Loss Of Kiwis

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. The New Zealand Rugby League may place under more severe contract players it wants to restrain from transferring to Sydney clubs.

Last year, the league contracted more than 30 players—all present or former Kiwis—and paid them, on a game-by-game basis, from $5 each for a club match to $3O for tests. Now, it has been suggested by the chairman of the football committee (Mr G. Plant) that there should be a review of the negotiating grants paid by Sydney clubs for New Zealand players.

The deputy-chairman, Mr R. McGregor said: “I think we should be negotiating contracts with players we want to keep. If we sign a player for two or three years, give him something reasonable, and if someone else wants him, we will have to be bought out At the league council meeting, the treasurer, Mr E. G. Knowling, suggested some type of right of renewal contract as a three-year contract could be very costly. A final decision was left until the next meeting in a fortnight’s time, but it seemed apparent the league will take steps to stop tfie drain of players to Sydney:

It approved the transfers of six players to Australia, worth $19,000 in negotiating grants. They were O. G. Danielson ($6000), W. P. Noonan ($6000), B. Liles ($3000), R. Tait ($2000), D. Ellwood ($1000) and S. Williams ($1000). Only Liles and Williams have not played for New Zealand and Danielson and Noonan were in the Kiwi team last season. Mr L. Blanchard, convener of the national selection panel, has asked that the grant for a present should be increased to $lO,OOO.

But the president, Dr L G. Cooney, said: “Remember the action brought by Gary jßlackler (the Kiwi who was :not allowed to play in Sydney) hinged on the question of reasonableness. “What is a reasonable restriction to put on a man who is playing amateur league and wants to play as a professional?” he asked. ‘‘lt is not what we feel is reasonable, but what the courts think is reasonable.”

Golf Team.—Tho Canterbury team to play in the South Island under 21 team* golf championship at Waitiltlrl on February 14 and 15 is: G. It. Titmus, B. D. Petherick, E. R. Griffiths, M. Small.