LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 141, 17 June 1922, Page 12

LEAGUE

NOTES AND COMMENTS

(By "Half-back.")

The following are the positions in the senior and junior competitions up to th/ club games on 27th May.:— Senior.

Petone 8 points Newtown 6 points City 2 point* Central 0 points Junior. South 8 point* North .......... 6 points ICity 6 points Central .„ 2 points West ...;....' 2 points Nevrtown 2 points

Aa the third grade ha« just. comoMtieeii the first round, the positions of teams will be published at a later date.

It seem 9to me a great pity that there is so much wrangling over the first representative team that was picked U> meet Canterbury, and I am afraid if tilings do not change a good deal there will he a. repetition of what happened last year—a thing that will never do. The Wellington representative teams o£ the past two seasons have been practically the same, and if the younger players aye not going to bo considered tie game will cease going ahead. Young players must be given the opportunity to show their, ability and qualities in the big games. Wellington, I think, were somewhat a lucky team to win last Saturday, and if; was quite evident that a number of the players aro off form, and I am quite sure they would havo stood down in preference to players who have shown more form this season. The selectors never see much of all players, consequently few, are continually under their eyes. Why not a sole selector, one who is not attached to the managing body nor to any club? This would clear up all the illfeeling in regard to selection, and is the only method in which teams can be chosen fairly.

At the commencement of the «eason when new teams were being formed, a good deal of comment was made in regard to the Petone North team severing its connection with the Petone Club. 'Although credit was given them for the stand they had taken, grave doubts were at first entertained for their success, but recent form_ points .to them to be able to hold their own in the championship, and they are at present runners-up in the junior grade, being two points bohind the South team, which is leading. At last the referees in Wellington have formed an association, and Mr. Jackson, of the City Club, has been elected secretary pro tern. Quite an interest was evinced at Mondaj night's managementcommittee meeting, when the referees for Saturday were being appointed, a ballot having to be taken in each case. This is quite an unusual occurrence in this city, as up till the present time it has been a. difficult matter to obtain referees to take charge of the League games. This is just one instance which makes matters look encouraging for tho prospects of the League code in Wellington.

Quite a number of senior players have lately joined up with the Central Club, who hope to-day to spring a surprise in the local club games. But all players must be prepared to turn out and train on training nights—Tuesdays and Thursdays—at Newown Park. By constant training only do they stand chances 01 being studied for representative honours. The secretary of the Wellington Centre has been notified by tho Auckland body that the. question of a shield for'the junior competition has been gone into, and the prospects of getting the shield look very bright. At the present time the Petone North Club team can boast of having a good pack of forwards, who can more than hold1 their own with the teams they have met up to the present. The same can be said of the backs, but a little rearrangement must bo made so that aU players play in their right places. If this team trains constantly.they wilt certainly uphold the name Petono haa in regard to football teams —always in the front rank.

It is rumoured that an All-Black of Rug-by fame last season is turning over to tho League game, if be does, then the Newtown senior team will be considerably strengthened' by his inclusion. One almost thought that tho proposed visit of tho Sydney and Queensland Univeisity team to Auckland had fallen through. However, the League has been definitely advised that the University team is coming over. This is really good newt, for the tour should do much to boost the game along hero. ' The Wellington Centre wrote to Auckland in regard to a match here, but were informed that tho fixtures were being: arranged on the other side. The local secretary (Mr. C. T. White) immediately wrote to the New South Wales managing body, asking for a visit of tho team to be made to Wellington. A replywill be received in due course. It willbe unfortunate if the team is unable to travel to other centres where the Leaguo game is played. The code is firmly established in Auckland, judging by the attendance at Carlow Park each Safcirday, and from a propaganda point of view the visit would be of far more assistance to tho Leaguo down this way. However, the offer was to Auckland only, and the management committee accepted it. We shall wait and see what comes from Australia in regard to a match locally.

The South Auckland League has challenged Auckland for the Northern Union. Cup, and a date will bo aranged later. They have seme very fair players m this district, and the match should at least provo interesting, though^ the chances t>f the Southern repreajntaiives taking the cup from the best Auskland can put in the field is rather remote.

Another third grade team is to'be entered in tho local competitions this week by the City Club. The third grade competition is steadily growing in popularity among the yoimg players, and whereas at tho beginning of the season there were no third grade teams locally, there are now four. A oup wai very generously donated for competition among these players, and should bo keenly fought for. Tho New South Wales Rugby League 6hould not fear a lack of excellent material iof the big matches of the future. Great promise was 6hown in- the intermediate High School competition of last year, and the same form is shown this year. The premiers of last year'B competition were a very fino set of junior players. They came out on top without losing a game, but some of tho matches were keenly contested. Parntmatta, the runners-up, ga\-e them hard work on three occasions. Randwick showed splendid form and brillianco on several occasions. The final of the competitions this year should prove very interesting to League followers. Eandwick will very likely be in at tho final with either Parramatta or North. Sydney.