League officials clash

Press, 23 July 1987, Page 48

League officials clash

NZPA staff correspondent Sydney Heated trans*Tasman rivalry in Tuesday night’s Brisbane rugby league test spilled into the Kiwis’ dressing room, with a reported clash between top Australian and New Zealand officials.

Two Sydney evening newspapers yesterday carried reports about a row between the Kiwis’ manager, John Bray, and Australian Rugby League secretary, Bob Abbott, over the payment of New Zealand’s share of the test takings. The “Sun” said the Kiwi players were stunned as the two officials almost came to blows.

The newspaper said that Mr Bray had demanded to be paid sAustM,ooo ($104,000) by cheque immediately after the game, but Mr Abbott had tried to explain he could not give any money until the gate takings were known. When Mr Bray continued to harangue Mr Abbott both men had to be restrained.

“Bray would not take no for an answer and things did turn a bit nasty between us which was an unacceptable situation as far as I was concerned,” Mr Abbott told the “Daily Mirror.”

“He wasn’t in the least concerned that the Australian league chairman, Ken Arthurson and the New Zealand chairman, George Rainey, were close at hand.” Mr Abbott was also quoted as being disappointed that Mr Rainey failed to intervene to tell Mr Bray he was “out of order.”

The “Mirror” said both sets of officials later mingled at a hotel function but “there’s little doubt relations between the countries at the very highest level are decidedly frosty.” After calculating the gate receipts, Mr Abbott said the Kiwis would receive sAust9s,ooo ($110,000) — a 50 per cent share of the gate takings and television rights. Meanwhile, the Kiwis’ coach, Tony Gordon, said in Brisbane that he would like to see annual tests established between Australia and New Zealand to give both countries regular international experience.