Aust, prop pulls out

Press, 25 May 1977, Page 42

Aust, prop pulls out

NZPA Staff Correspondent

Sydney Australian rugby league has been thrown into disharmony by the events which led to the sudden withdrawal of the Kangaroo captain, Arthur Beetson, from the team to visit New Zealand.

Disagreement among the selectors over the playing ability of the 32-year-old, 106 kg prop appear to have been at the seat of the problem. Beetson made his decision when faced with newspaper reports that the fiveman panel had voted to drop him, but that he had been reinstated at the direction of the Australian Rugby League.

The selectors met last Sunday, after New South Wales — led by Beetson — had straggled to beat Queensland, 14-13, at Brisbane after trailing by 2-13. It is believed that at one stage they sought permission to increase the squad to 19 players, and when the request was refused they chose Beetson as the one to be omitted. Mr Ernie Hammerton, the selector who reportedly supported Beetson, subsequently announced that he would not accompany another panel member, Mr Bert Quinn, to New Zealand because of business commitments. The chairman (Mr John Kelly) was appointed in his place, but the Australian league took an unprecedented move by declaring that the travelling selectors would have no say in the teams chosen in New Zealand. Inter-state rivalry is sure to be largely blamed for the

Parun out

NZPA Paris Onny Parun (New Zealand; n..u a quick departure from the singles in the French open tennis championships yesterday. He was beaten in the first round, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. 6-4, by Jiri Hrebec, of Czechoslovakia.

Athletics.— Some 2300 overseas participants from 31 nations will take part in the tenth Maccabiah Games — known as the Jewish Olympics — in Tel Aviv in July. One New Zealander will compete.

crisis. Beetson had been reluctant to play in both matches against Queensland last week because of injury, but had been prevailed on to do so. Many experienced observers rate him the best forward in rugby league, and at his best he is an inspired leader.

Sydney newspapers initially commented on the long selection meeting. By yesterday morning, doubts were being cast on whether Beetson would be able to hold his test place against New Zealand, and then later the “Daily Mirror” revealed full details of the controversy.

Beetson responded by saying that he could not lead the side without the full confidence of the players. His replacement is Graham Oiling, of Sydney. Although he made his Australian debut in 1966, Beetson’s only match in New Zealand was for his club, Eastern Suburbs, against Auckland last year. The present controversy, and previous injuries, have prevented him from wearing his country’s colours in New Zealand.