N.Z. FOOTBALLERS.

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1927, Page 5

N.Z. FOOTBALLERS.

LEAGUE MANAGER. Airs Views. (Received February 24 at 8 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 24. Ou the arrival of the New-Zealand Rugby League team at Sydney to-day, the manager, Mr Mair, said that they did very well, considering the adverse circumstances, as the standard of football in England was very high. The New Zealand team, ho said, was essentially an attacking side, and owing to dissention in the team, a hooker was not always available, and they were thus unable to get the ball in the scrums. The English crowds gave the team wonderful and the games wore played in the best spirit. During the final six weeks of the tour, all the matches were played with nineteen loyal players, some of whom played thirty out of thirty-four matches. The fact of seven of the forwards being on strike meant that in each match there were backs playing as forwards, as the team took away only twelve forwards. Mr Mair said the seven strikers were not left penniless in England after their suspension. T-hcy were each given £lO by the English Rugby League. Mr Mair said he thought the ■ trouble would be all for the betterment of New Zealand football, as he had no doubt the type of player would be considered to a greater extent in future selections than.in the past. THE MAORI TEAM. SYDNEY. February 24. Mr Parata, manager of the Maori Rugby team, also arrived here to-day. Referring to the Maori tour, he said: “We feel we are under a great debt of gratitude to the French for their invitation, as their finances were very low. Our tour has more than justified itself, and we hope that the French will be able to accept our invitation for a tour of New Zealand. The French, both the crowds and the players, are wonderful sports. Football is going ahead rapidly in France, where there are over fifteen hundred clubs playing senior football.” THE SUSPENSIONS. WHAT WILL N.Z. COUNCIL DO? AUCKLAND, February 24. The New Zealand League football team which has been touring England, is due to arrive at Auckland next Tuesday. There is much speculation regarding the events likely to occur when the New Zealand Rugby League Council holds an inquiry next Wednes* day regarding the suspension by the English League, of seven players and the team manager, E. 11. Mair. The seven players who were suspended are Nqil Mouatt, N. Peterson, J. Wright, E. J. Carroll, W. Devine, IL Singe and F. Henry.