$3000 transfer fees for Hornby’s Kiwis

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34123, 8 April 1976, Page 18

$3000 transfer fees for Hornby’s Kiwis

(By

JOHN COFFEY

The New Zealand Rugby League last evening placed transfer fees of $lOOO on the heads of Bob Jarvis, Wayne Robertson and Murray Wright, the three Kiwis who have applied to move from Auckland to join the Hornby club.

In a motion carried by a 6-3 vote, the code’s national council ruled that the trio had breached contractual obligations to the N.Z.R.L. and decided that the clearances would be approved only if a total of $3OOO was paid by the Canterburyleague to Auckland. An amendment, moved by Mr Alan Gore (Auckland) and seconded by Mr Keith Blow (secretary), that “the players be directed to return to Auckland, and if this was found to be impracticable then the Canterbury and Auckland leagues be directed to get together to discuss financial compensation,” was lost by the same margin of voting. Most of the discussion was taken in committee, but the council had earlier decided that it had three .options — to disallow the transfers, to allow them without penalty, and to allow them with a penalty. The third course was that eventually taken. Although no applications were received from two .other Kiwis. Warren Collicoat and John O’Sullivan — both now- in Wellington — it is likely that similar action w’ill be taken. A special meeting of the council has been called for next Wednesday and Auckland has been asked to ensure that their transfer forms are presented in time. A delegation from

Wellington is expected to attend.

The secretary of the Hornby club (Mr Paul Nixon) was obviously very disturbed when informed late last evening of the new, and quite unexpected, turn of events. He claimed that there was no provision in the N.Z.R.L. constitution to allow for transfer fees to be imposed in such a manner within this country, particularly as Hornby had already fulfilled the present obligations. “I do not know how they can do it. They probably think they have given us an opportunity and we are supposed to snap at it. They have really got us over a barrel,” Mr Nixon said. “It is now over to our committee. The Canterbury Rugby League has not helped us to attract these players — it has been our decision and whether we will go back to the bank and pay out again I could not really say.”

Mr Nixon said that Hornby would have to discuss whether the club would approach the Canterbury administration for assistance. He w r as wary that involving Canterbury would split the allegiance of the players, and that the province could dictate what matches they were to appear in and make themI selves available for. The time that would be

required would probably rule out legal action, Mr Nixon said. There is no doubt that Canterbury would be grateful for the services of Jarvis, especially, when 't makes its debut in the lucrative Amco Cup tournament at Brisbane on April 21, and his case will have to be clarified before the squad is announced on Saturday. Wright has dropped out of contention somewhat because of the doubts concerning his availability. while Robertson was not available because of his coaching commitments with Hornby.

Both Hornby and Canterbury wil] receive some good news from the council meeting. however. The transfer of Wayn Bunn — a frontrunner for the Amco Cup team in the second-row — was ratified, and Hornby will no longer need the dispensation that he has been playing under. Tennis.—Raul Ramires Mexico) beat Hie Nastase (Rumania'. 6-3. 6- in the final of the World Championship Tennis tournament in Caracas. Venezuela. Ramirez, aged 22. won the title in 65 minutes with his immaculate backhand shots which often had Nastase completely beaten Tennis.—The Australians. Ken Rosewall and John Alexander, battled nearly three hours in sweltering heat at KeauhouKona, Hawaii, before Rosewail finally won their Avis Challenge Cup tents match He won 3-6, 7- 7-6. 7-6.