League DUTIES OF FORWARDS. OTHER ITEMS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 12, 13 July 1935, Page 22

League

DUTIES OF FORWARDS.

OTHER ITEMS

OFFERS TO PLAYERS

LOCAL BOARD'S ATTITUDE

CLUB FORM IMPROVES

The opportunity was taken at this week's meeting of the Wellington Rugby League Board of Control to make it clear'that, in spite of reports to the contrary, the board had not approached players in the Rugby Union game with offers of payment should they change over to Rugby League. Two players had offered their services, and it was decided to ■reply to them pointing out that payment to players was not countenanced by the League's Board of Control. There can be no doubt, however, that the controlling body in 'Wellington, which is proceeding steadily and surely in.the buildingup process; will study to.the full the interests of the players under its control. .." -"■..■;/,/ .■::'■'■•?,' ;. '

■ A good indication' of. the improving standard of play was given in' the match between Petone and Central at the Winter Show Stadium last Saturday. It was really an ■ achievement for the teams to provide so good ah exhibition of the- ; code at this early stage of the new.scheme of development in Wellington., i -

It was a tragedy; to see a team with backs of the calibre thai; lined out for Central' beaten so badly. : .-■ Petone put up a splendid game and are a,greatlyimproved side, but: there are no backs up to the standard of Dustin, and Elliott in the 'team,, good as are some of the players from Petone. Had the Central, backs been supported by the forwards as they should have been, the town team would have finished up handsome winners.: Central: have never packed a real scrum, and, though the hooker, Svyanson, would hold his own with the best here, everything being equal, his task has been made an impossible one by the failure of the supports to use their weight equitably.

Mr. George Bradley, one of the best Rugby League players Wellington produced in the past, would make an ideal coach, and he was called in by the Central Club's officials. He was able to locate... .instantly,the..tr_ouble,and it 'is hoped that in future games the Central: backs will see ' a little more of the Kail than they have in recent games. ' ■ : '.."•''

Apart from an unbalanced scrum most of the Central forwards have only an elementary notion of what a Rugby League forward should be. He is most emphatically not an.extra back with a roving commission to do everything but secure the ball for his scoring men. The Rugby League forward must have all the accomplishments of the forward in the older code, and, until he is reasonably proficient in this, he will always be a source of weakness to any team, however useful he might be in assisting with the trimmings. . ■ •

With systematic coaching both Central and Petone could be moulded into really first-class teams, capable of holding their own with the best from the strongest centres. In the meantime, players must realise that they have still a good deal to learn even though they are capable of spectacular showings. One of the biggest difficulties has been a shortage of efficient coaches, but with so many. ex-Auck-land players now in Wellington this might be overcome before the season ends. , , ■ • . ■ • ■■

Another splendid exhibition of refereeing was given by Mr. V. Simpson, the chairman Qf the Wellington Board of Control in the Central-Pe-tone game. Mr. Simpson allowed a good dear of latitude to the many players who have still to acquire the knack of "playing the ball" according to the rule book, but he was careful to see that the offending side did not gain very much advantage.. The Ad-, vantage Rule in Rugby League ought to be exploited to the fullest extent, and it was ah education to see Mr. Simpson in action.

Several referees with "Rugby Union experience have linked up with the League game in Wellington and, with tuition from Mr. Simpson should prove an acquisition, especially as iribre teams can be expected to be in action next season. . . -.' '

W. Dustin, an ex-Wellington Rugby representative, was played out of position last Saturday,-'being second fiveeighth, but he gave a most promising showing and scored one of the most brilliant tries of the Central-Petone game. A younger brother has also joined up with the Central League Club, and looks like developing into a useful winger. . .-■