NEW SOUTH WALES RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 18239, 2 April 1923, Page 3

NEW SOUTH WALES RUGBY

THREE STAR PLAYERS RETIRE. The New South AA'alcs Rugby Union is to lose the services of three of its greatest footballers this season. A. 11. S. Walker, the State captain, announces that he dues not intend to take the field, owing In the pressure of business. AValker was a wonderful scrum half, and his absence will be a big loss to the fifteen a side game (says the’ Daily Telegraph ’). He first represented New South Wales in 1912, and made the trip to America with Hie Australian team in that season, lie also has the following dates for his “rep” cap: —1913. 1914, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922. In 1921 and 1922 lie was captain of the New South Wales team, and his leadership was associated with a large measure of success. AValker had the unique experience of leading the New Smith Wales team in (ho 1921 tour of New Zealand, and winning nine out of ten matches of the tour. Last year he led the New South Wales loam against the All Blacks in Sydney, and for the first time in the history of the game The rubber in the tests was won by the home team. As a half-back his play reached a very high standard, and'after a careful observation of his play for many years Mr T. 11. Rosward considers that AValker has been the equal of any of the champions of other days in his position, (finis. AlTvivatt himself could not have given finer displays than Walker las! season. J. M. Taylor also advises retirement. The celebrated cricketer is just as capable on Hie football as on Hie cricket field, and promised lo be one of the star players of the season, but, wisely, ho has decided to place his studies before his sport, No doubt the injury to bis leg last season hastened (bo decision to “ rest ” during the criming winter, though, fortunately, the fractured bone lias mended successfully. A tnp-notcher in cricket and football is certainly faced with the temptation to sacrifice considerable time for his games, and ho is wise who can regulate his sport without prejudicing Hie future. Taylor is now at the University doing a course, of dentistry. As a footballer he brought all his pace and dash into play, at tho same time being remarkably cool, beady, and resourceful. Every movement had the objective of bettering bis partners’ positions, and this is, after all, the true test of ability. In defence he was very sturdy. Arthur Alayne relinquishes Ids place in the Glebp-Balmain learn after many years of able play. He has frequently represented the State, and but for a temperamental impetuosity may have been a regular “winger.’’ Overanxiousness made him somewhat unreliable in handling, otherwise bis play was of good quality, dash and determination being always in evidence. This year Alayne is undertaking tho duties of referee.