Franklin seeks clearance

Press, 28 March 1981, Page 64

Franklin seeks clearance

By

JOHN COFFEY

Kevin Franklin, whose spectacular try was a vital factor in South Island’s victory over the world champion Australians last season, has applied to play rugby league in Australia this year.

The request from Franklin has been approved by his Christchurch club, Marist-Western Suburbs, and will be forwarded to the New Zealand Rugby League for consideration.

One of the most versatile first-class footballers in New Zealand, Franklin was selected for national 15-yeafs, 17-years, and: 19years sides, and represented West Coast as, a forward for three seasons before transferring to Canterbury in 1978. He played for Canterbury as a centre before reverting to the second row, and he appeared in all four of South Island’s matches last winter.

The penetration which had enabled Franklin to successfully switch to the centres was much in evidence as he evaded two defenders in a 25m dash to the Australian try-line. South, . trailing by nine points at- the time, responded to his example and won, 12-11.

That performance made Franklin a strong candidate for the New Zealand tour to Britain and France, but he failed to impress in South’s victory over Central Districts when not fully recovered from injury. That display apparently cost him a place in the final Kiwi trial. •. '

Bill Whitehead, the Mar-ist-Westem Suburbs see-e--tary, said that ' Franklin had applied for an amateur clearance to join Bathurst Charleston, which plays in Group 10 of the New South Wales Country Rugby League.

In his application .Franklin has indicated that he intends, to s*ay in Australia permanently.