NORTHERN UNION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 80, 6 April 1910, Page 4

NORTHERN UNION.

PREPARATIONS FOR COLONIAL TOUR. DATE OF DEPARTURE. (From* Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, 25th February. "Forward," writing in the Athletic" News,., says :—: — Cablegrams were despatched on Wednesday to both tho Australian and New ZfdJand Leagues, notifying tho acceptance of terms, and confirming the J tour, and also informing the New Zealand League that the Northern Union had decided to present a trophy for competition between the New Zealand provincial sides. I mentioned last week that the team woufil probably sail on 22nd April, but the committee desire to provide the players with opportunities for training prior to the opening game on 4th June, and the day of sailing will be a week earlier, 15th Apni. Those players engaged in the Cup and Leagse c&onpionship matches will not leave until theso games are decided, and Che team will go out in two sections. SHARROCK SURE. SpocuiaUion is rife as to the men to be chosen. None have as yet been even informaHy asked, but the Selection Committee are distributing themselves, and will each Satwday witness certain games with the avowred object of team selection. For obvious reasons publicity is not desired, but the committee began their duties on Wednesday, and — well, J.-wnefl Sharrock, the Wigan fullback, convinced all interested that he should be taken out as tho number one ' of tie team. Each position is to be duplicated, and one enthusiastic member erf the committee has already two score of players anxious and eager to "catck the selector's eye.' A correspondent from Runcorn writes that a match between the colonials in England ijnd a Northern Union side would be interesting. His desire may bo gratified, for one official suggestion is to j play the probable team for the colonial tour against the English Colonials at Headdngley on a suitable mid-week date next month. CLUBS OFFER TO ASSIST. During the coming week each club in the union will receive a circular asking for nominations of their players who desire to take part in the tour. This, of course, does not necessarily mean that the Selection Committee will make their final choice from such nomina tions, but I would advise players who are anxious to go out to see that their club officials take the necessary steps to bring their wishes before tire committee. I find a more patriotic feeling alvrosul even in quarters recently opposed to the teur. Thfs is a step in the right direction, and some have gone so far as to suggest that they make the payments to tho players' dependents and send in their claim to the union at the conclusion of the tour. If all the woaithy clubs will adopt this procedure the union will be relieved of many duties, and the settlement of all claims by means of one payment will be appreciated by tho officials. JOINT MANAGERS. Thfl colours of team will probably be red and white, for the jersey which finds most favour is that of Lancashire County— red and white hoops. Eitch player will havo in addition the speciah International bad go symbolical of the Northern Union. Blue pants will be worn, nnd tho "outfit" wnl be in striking contrast to tho sombie "all black" and tho "miscellaneous mixture" jersey worn by the "Kangaroos." The team and tour will probably be controlled by two gentlemen well known in official circles, for Mr/ J. H. Honghton, the Northern Union president, and Mr. John Clifford, of Huddersfield, have been invited by tho union to undertake the entire management of the tour. Mr. Houghton has decided to accept. Mr. Clifford will make known his decision. Tho two gentlemen will, if precedent be followed in these matters, probably invite one of the players, not necessarily the captain of the side, to assist in the all-important duty of team selection. Mr. Houghton will have, in addition, the secretarial duties. I have been asked as to tho faking of a referee. Here again precedent must be followed. The "Kangaroos" loyally i accepted the Northern Union referees, and the visitors to Australia -will need to be conversant willi tho local requirements.