MORE RUMOURS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 76, 30 March 1926, Page 8

MORE RUMOURS

FROM RUGBY TO LEAGUE

HAS COOKE ACCEPTED AN OFFER!

Following the return of the 1924 All Blacks to New Zealand various reports were circulated to the effect that certain members of the team wero likely to join up with another code, the main inducement being another trip to England, this time as members of the New Zealand League football team. There were also rumours that Nepia and others were to accept engagements with League clubs at Home. From inquiries which -were made the information was obtained that Rugby Union players were being canvassed, and that an attempt was being made to organise a team of Rugby players to participate in a match with the Queensland League team during its visit to New Zealand last season. It was also ascertained that the prospects of being included in this year's League team to visit England were also held up to prominent Eugby players as an inducemert to go over to League. Evidently the results fell far short of expectations from the League football point of view, the Rugby Union players most sought after making it apparent that they were^remaining true to the .code in which they had made their mark. The name of A. E. Cooke, the brilliant member of the 1924 New Zealand team's back division, was freely mentioned during the time that the rumours were afloat, but Cooke was not to be tempted. Some little time ago this player again formed a live topic of discussion by reason of his departure from Auckland. He came to Wellington, and after a short stay here he proceeded to Hawkes Bay, where he has since been located. Any possibility of Cooke going over to League has not been discussed, the main question for which an answer was sought being: "Where will Cooke play next season?" Cooke is still in Hawkes Bay, aud although there have been reports that he is likely to return to Wellington and others that he is going back to Auckland, a Hawkes Bay football writer mentioned last week that "Cook's presence in Napier should be a valuable addition to the Shield team." Now comes advice from England that Cooke is likely to be included in the New Zealand League team. A writer in the "Oldham Evening Chronicle," in dealing with the proposed visit'-of a, New Zealand. League1 team to England, states: "The success of the All Blacks' team which toured here last season under Rugby Union auspices I>'| been Eointed out to them (the New Zealand league authorities), but they reply that there are only a few members of that team who are considered good enough for the professionals' tour. I am given to understand, however, that Cooke, the crack centre-three-quarter of the Rugby Union team, has been offered, and accepted, an invitation to join next seasou's tourists. Cooke made a fine impression here and wa3 much sought after by professional agents. Indeed, it was reported that he and the Leeds Club had arranged terms, but something cropped up which caused the colonial to change his mind. Latest advices are reassuring that New Zealand will bring a fine team, and, again comparing them with the All Blacks, it is stated that Nepia, the full-back (whom Hull were reported to have secured), whatever his desires may be about joining the professionals,would not be given an invitation, as the selectors are satisfied they have a better player at their disposal."