RUGBY LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 134, 8 June 1935, Page 21

RUGBY LEAGUE

GETTING INTO SHAPE

PLAYERS IMPROVING

(By "Rake.")

It is a long time in Wellington since two more presentable thirteens took the field in a Rugby League game than was the case at the Winter Show Stadium when St. George met Central. The standard of play was not quite as high as that revealed the previous Saturday, .but what was impressive was the abundance of talent that was seen in action.

There were plenty of crudities—the handling and tackling, for instance, will have to be improved considerably —but, considering the handicaps under which the code was restarted here, it is surprising that players of such promise as those that were stepped out in this game could be induced to join up. The game itself was a little disappointing to those who expected spectacular football, but for those who understand something of the difficulties that had to be surmounted in reorganising the code, there was much to enthuse over.

The play-the-ball rule caused a good deal of trouble to the players and no little irritation to the spectators. The rule has been demonstrated so often that there is little excuse for breaches, and referees have no alternative but to penalise offenders. Possibly a few penalties in front of the goal post may prove effective. It is surprising that such a simple rule can cause so much trouble. It must be repeated that all the player in possession has to do is to pick up the ball and place it on the ground directly in front of him. He must face his opponent's goal line and' he must not place the ball to the side. It can be kicked forward or heeled in any direction, but it should be insisted upon by referees and team coaches that there must be no unnecessary delay in '.he movement. All players within a 10 yards radius must get behind the man who is acting as halfback for the time being. The rule is a splendid one for opening up play, and it is a pity that advantage is not taken of it more by players. ♦

Mishandling was another weakness but this ought to be rectified as the result of the systematic training that players are undergoing. There is nothing more exasperating than to see backs strung out for a perfect movement and before any progress is made a pass is dropped. Both sides in the game at the Stadium were at fault. Until this is remedied it is impossible to put on really attractive football.

Both packs worked very well, but a few short, snappy passes instead of kicks would, on occasions, have cut the defence to shreds. It cannot be repeated too often that possession in Rugby League is everything and the man who is continually presenting the ball to his opponents is not worth a place in any team,' however good he might be in other departments of the game. • ■ ■ '

St. George's new recruit, Leslie, was disappointing on the day, but it is understood that he was suffering from an old' injury and should not have played. Leslie has splendid physique and he should improve considerably on that performance, especially as he has played the game.

The inside backs of both St. George and Central made some splendid openings, but a lot of the good work was spoilt by hanging on. This is an unpardonable offence, and coaches shouldsee that it must not happen again.

Kennedy, who was recruited from one of the lower grade. Rugby teams in Wellington, is one of Central's most promising backs; though a lack of size might always prevent him from reaching the highest class. In the opinion of such a competent authority on the game as Mr. George Bradley, Kennedy shows more natural football ability than almost any other youngster he has seen in action for years.

McGregor, who played for Richmond (Auckland), reserves grade, has signed up with St. George. He is a younger brother of Duncan McGregor, who starred in both Rugby codes.

The chairman of the Wellington Rugby League Board of Control, Mr. V. M. Simpson, will'be in Auckland next week and has been given authority to make arrangements for the visit of the Richmond team, last year's triple champions. A. E. Cooke is a member of this side and his presence is sure to prove a big attraction to the Wellington football public.

Clive Williams, St. George's centre, is one of the best attacking backs in the competition and in many, respects is a real find, but a fault that will have to be checked is his.unfortunate habit of thinking that he has some proprietary right to the ball every time it comes his way.