LEAGUE RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 21721, 16 May 1934, Page 13

LEAGUE RUGBY

APPEAL FOR MORE PLAYERS LOCAL EXECUTIVE'S ACTION A special meeting called by the Otago Rugby League for the purpose of initiating a recruiting campaign was hold last evening in the pavilion at the Oval. Mr W, Holloway presided over an attendance which included forty-five players, representing the four clubs, and several members of the executive. In addressing the players Mr Holloway said the time bad arrived when it was necessary for the controlling body to take steps to prevent the game going under. The executive in the past bad spent a lot of money, and it still bad money to spend provided it was worth while and provided the four clubs could field full teams each Saturday. It depended entirely on the clubs whether the League game would sink or swim in Dunedin. So far this season none of the clubs had fielded full teams, and this could not continue. The constitution of the League prevented it paying players for their services, but there was no rule to prevent the clubs from following such a course. The secretaries of the clubs had certain information in their possession in this respect, and this would be made known to the players. He appealed to the men to recruit players and to build up strong teams. There was room for the League code, and if the clubs could produce tbo goods, then they might secure a share of public support. The four foams would, however, have to produce bright, open, and clean football. The whole matter was in the hands of tho present players, and the executive expected to sec full teams take the field every Saturdav. Mr Wilson assured those uresent that tbo City team would be at full strength on Saturday, and said that the team would be properly equipped. The players of the various clubs met later and discussed the Question of securing new blood to sunnlcment their ranks.