Chance for newcomers in league squad

Press, 7 April 1978, Page 24

Chance for newcomers in league squad

By

JOHN COFFEY

Five players with no previous first-class experience, Grant Stocker, Russell Sea? ward, Dean Harris, Paul Truscott and Wayne Wallace, must be regarded as leading candidates for the Canterbury rugby league squad w’hich will be named tomorrow.

The composition of the 17man squad is clouded by the non-availability of established selections such as John Greengrass, Ken Tait and Bruce Dickison, the doubt surrounding the 1977 captain, Rod Walker — who is to decide tomorrow — and the need to rely largely on form of a season ago. Injuries prevented Lewis Hudson, Mike Godinet and Peter Tairi from appearing in the first round of the premiership and it is not expected that Hudson will be fit enough to take his place in the Linwood XIII against Marist-Western Suburbs tomorrow.

It is therefore very unlikely that Hudson will be considered for the match with Wellington at Wellington on Anzac Day, although he could be added to the squad later if injuries force alterations. Godinet and Tairi will

have their opportunities to impress for Papanui against Kaiapoi, should their respective knee and tendon troubles allow them to play. Stocker developed into an attacking full-back and goalkicker of exceptional skill last winter after having switched from 'rugby union. He has continued in that

vein during the qualifying and opening premiership rounds and might gain favour ahead of Kevin Williams as the understudy to the Kiwi, Michael O’Donnell. A wing who has seldom shown great enthusiasm for first-class football, Seaward has not notified the selectors (Messrs Trevor Bisman, Gary Clarke and Peter Yaxley) that he is not available. His strong physique and wide side-step, which have given him 62 tries for Papanui since 1972, would be a valuable asset for Canters bury. Both Seaward (in 1968) and Harris (two years later) were national schoolboy internationals who have subsequently realised their potential. Harris was outstanding for Eastern in its game with Papanui on Wednesday evening and could be among the 17 even

if David Field has the inside running as first-choice stand-off half.

i The logical starting lineup in the forwards would include Alan Rushton, Godinet, ! Terry Gillman, Mark Broadhurst, Barry Edkins and Walker or Mutu Stone. Because of the scarcity of specialist props, Truscott’s versatility would strengthen the reserves, with the youthful Wallace covering the loose forward positions if Walker steps down.

A possible squad (if Hudson is not able to play tomorrow, and no other players notify non-availability before the dead-line expires) would be.— M. W. J. O’Donnell (Marist), G. H. Stocker (Addington), R. L. Alfeld (Hornby), E. S. Kerrigan (Papanui), G. D. Taie (Papanui), D. V. Harris (Eastern), R. V. Seaward (Papanui), D. Field (Sydenham), P. W. O’Donnell (Marist), A. P. Rushton (Eastern), M. H. F. Godinet (Papanui), T. J. Gillman (Marist), P. W. Truscott (Linwood), B. R. Edkins (Eastern), M. E. Broadhurst (Marist), M. D. Stone (Addington), R. S. Walker (Papanui), or W. Wallace (Hornby).