Lowe seeks itinerary changes

Press, 16 May 1985, Page 44

Lowe seeks itinerary changes

PA Auckland The Kiwi rugby league coach, Mr Graham Lowe, is seeking several alterations to the proposed itinerary for the tour of Great Britain and France in OctoberNovember.

The British league has scheduled the Kiwis to play England’s top six club sides, three county selections and the Great Britain

team outside the three-test series.

But it is not the obvious strength of the tourists’ opponents which has Mr Lowe concerned, rather the teams the Kiwis are scheduled to play before each of the tests.

“We’ve got to play all of those sides and it’s going to be especially hard, but I would like to get the buildup to the tests as near as

possible to what we want.”

As the itinerary stands, the Kiwis have been asked to play Cumbria, Leeds and Widnes during the week before each test.

Opponents like Hull, Hull Kingston Rovers or Wigan would suit Lowe more, as those clubs Kiwis would not be allowed to play the week before a test.

proposed itinerary

went before the New Zealand Rugby League board last night when Lowe asked for his objections to be considered.

One aspect of the trip Lowe is taking warily is the three county matches, against Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

“They will all be games of origin, and I’m expecting them to be especially tough,” he said.

Lowe will also seek clarification on the French section of the proposed itinerary. Communication with French officials has been, at best, difficult and the Kiwi coach would like to be sure of what is being asked of his team. The French section- two tests and five other matches — includes a game against a team of France-domiciled Australians, the Koalas.