Canterbury wants ban on overseas Kiwis

Press, 30 July 1980, Page 34

Canterbury wants ban on overseas Kiwis

By

JOHN COFFEY

Canterbury’s rugby league administrators are firmly, if not quite unanimously, of the opinion that New Zealand players domiciled in Australia should not be considered for the Kiwi tour to Britain and France later this year.

They have decided to inform the New Zealand Rugby League of their opinion, and expect to have the [support of their West Coast counterparts.

Negotiations are at present ’under way to ascertain the availability of the Sorensen brothers, Dane and Kurt, who have been hailed as two of the code’s most effective forwards since they joined the Cronulla-Suther-land club in Sydney.

Two other New Zealanders, Olsen Filipaina (Balmain) and Mark Graham (Brisbane Northern Suburbs), are still in the first, season of three-year contracts which allow for their release to play for their country of birth.

But, although Graham was an outstanding loose forward in the home series with Australia in June, when Filipaina played with less prominence in the centres, Canterbury wants the selection restricted solely to resident New Zealanders. Only one argument against the decision was raised at the Canterbury board of control’s meeting to discuss the matter. Mr Alan Hughey said that after giving the contentious issue much thought he was of the view that rugby league’s public image was based on victories at test level, and the strongest possible squad should be sent to Britain and France.

Mr Harry Walker, a board member and one of the five national selectors, said that the panel would welcome some indication of the feelings of provincial officials. Criticism would be made against whatever decision was eventually reached. A variety of reasons were given to ban the overseas

players. Mr Mel Clinton said that the prime purpose of longer, and very expensive tours was to develop the potential of players and raise standards in New Zealand. He said that he was in favour of using overseas players if required for home matches because of the little time available to bring a team up to test level.

Morale was also mentioned more than once. Mr Ron Clarke suggested that players who had completed an extensive Australian season might regard the trip as something of a holiday, while Mr Merv James feared that team-chat about the contrasting financial benefits of the players could be demoralising.

“I know they are good footballers, but we should encourage our own players,” Mr Steve Gunby said. “If they can have the big money in Australia and still get tour and test selection there will be nothing to keep others in this country.”