GAME REVIVIFIED

Evening Post, Issue 11, 13 July 1936, Page 18

GAME REVIVIFIED

LEAGUE IN ENGLAND

NEW ZEALANDERS' PLAY

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, This Day.

Reference to the movement in England to form a southern league to establish Rugby League football in the South of England was made this morning by W. J. Cutbush.on his return by the Wanganella after fulfilling a fiveyears' engagement in England. A former member of the Petone Club, Cutbush played four years with Halifax and last year with Acton-Willes-den.

Cutbush said that Nepia had become the idol of London sporting crowds, and whenever he appeared a big crowd turned up to see him. Holder took some time to reach his New Zealand form but a great deal was expected of him. Harrison and McDonald were regarded as two of the greatest forwards in England, while the play of Smith, the former Hawke's Bay three-quarter, had made the greatest impression of all both with the Home public and players. Smith was admittedly the hardest runner in the game. The all-round play of the New Zealand contingent had made the Streat-ham-Mitcham side and the play of the other New Zealanders scattered among other English teams had, it was considered, done much to revivify the game as far as methods of team play were concerned. Last season a colonial team, including the New Zealanders Nepia, Cutbush, Mason, King, Hall, and Logan, played France at Paris and had been defeated.

Cutbush said it was no good a New Zealander going Home on ■ the offchance of joining an English team, proper arrangements and a contract being necessary. He mentioned that Merritt had retired from League to concentrate on cricket.