RUGBY LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 91, 18 April 1931, Page 23

RUGBY LEAGUE

POINTS OF INTEREST

(By "In-Play.") The coming season will be a vital ono for the code, but "forewarned is forearmed," and tho policy of being prepared will have to be carried out by the league management. Enthusiasm is being shown by members, but hard work intelligently applied is needed. Value of Coaching. "In-play" has always been a strong advocate of proper coaching. Natural ability is improved when correct coaching methods are adopted. The proper way to pass, as taught to players in England, would mean a try instead of .- tackle. The proper way to dropkick, as taught to the Australian League player, would, raise the ■ score on many occasions. The proper way to tackle would often mean a score averted and sometimes perhaps an accident prevented. "In-play" is informed that the services of a well-known gymnast are being sought to coach players in this important phase. Tactic Talks. There is no doubt that tactics (team work) will often prevail against superior speed and weight. Players should get together and plan their play. Tho Winter Show Pavilion will be available, aud no doubt players will be able to meet for discussions. Players from other centres, such as B. M'Kenzie, A. Halliday, J. Kelly, and others, would, be a tower of strength in this connection. Galvin (Auckland) is another whose services would bo invaluable. : Chandler, late of Glebe (Sydney1) and coach in 1029 of the successful Cairns Club, should prove of great assistance to' local players. "Shepherding." Shepherding is not playing the game—that is when a player shepherds one of his own side; but there is another type of "shepherding" very useful in League. Ono of England's foremost players was in. tho habit of saying "Never tackle those fellows who ■won't rim straight, just shepherd them into touch, its easier." There is sound sense in that remark, and it should act as a warning to the player who does not realise that the straight road is the nearest. Of course, that does not mean to say that a player has to "bullock" his way over. There, is such a thing as a sidestep. In this connection, it has been, suggested by a supporter who is always quoting Horder and Hardgrave. that a side-stepping race would be a novelty. It would bo a good movo for the management to stage one in its opening trials. Colonials in England. The latest news of Rugby League colonials is encouraging, yet annoying. Of tho eleven leading try-scorers, four are colonials. Harris, the phenomenal Australian, occupies first place -with a total of forty-five tries, the next on the list being Ellaby (St. Helens), whose speed impressed during the last English tour through New Zealand. His total was 28 tries. Mills, another Australian, -was fourth, whilst tho New Zealanders, Hardgrave and L. Brown, are in sixth and eleventh positions respectively. That New Zealand can produce League players of this calibre is a matter for congratulation, but it is also- regrettable that they aro not playing iv New Zealand. The loss is not confined only to these two. Among (■lie prominent English League players there aro the following New Zealanders: Desmond, Hall, H'utfc, Mason, Spillane, Wilson-Hall, Hanlon. Other New Zcalaiulcrs include Ifalwa-sscr, Walter, . and Buckingham —quite a formidable list. The Annual Meeting. Enthusiasm was displayed at tlie annual meeting of tho Wellington Bugby League on Tuesday evening. A number of new recruits were signed up, there being keen competition among Messrs. Davies, Kelly,. M'Kewan, and Davis, club secretaries, for signatures. The City Club secured M'George (Canterbury) and Bouvaid (Auckland). Along with old-timers Pollock, O'Gra.dy, and company, Newtowu signed up Eraser, Dutch, and C. W. Hedges. . .