LEAGUE FOOTBALLERS NEARING HOME

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3542, 25 February 1927, Page 7

LEAGUE FOOTBALLERS NEARING HOME

MANAGER MAKES EXPLANA- ,, ' TIONS.- ■- ,/ [By Electric Cable—Copyright! [Aust and N.Z. Cable Association,] (Received Thursday, 5.45 p.m.) \ SYDNEY, Feb. 24. On the arrival of the New Zealand Rugby League team at Sydney to-day Mr Hair said they did very well considering the adverse circumstances, as the standard of football in England was very-high. ' }' , The team was essentially an attacking side , and owing to dissentlon in the team the hooker was not always available and they were unable to get the ball. English crowds gave th© team wonderful treatment and the games were played in the b'est spirit. During the final six weeks of tho tour all matches were played with the nineteen loyal players, some of whorii played thirty, out 'of thirty-four matches. Seven' forwards being on strike meant that each match there were backs playing forward as the team took away only twelve forwards. The seven strikers were not left penniless in England after suspension They were each given £lO by the English Rugby League. Mr Mai r thinks the trouble will be all for the betterment of Now Zealand football as he has- no doubt the type of player will be considered to a greater extent in future selctions than in the past. Mr. Parata also arrived to-day. Referring to the Maori tour he said; "Wo feel that we ar© under a great debt, of gratitude to the French for the invitation, as their finances were very low.. Our 1 tour more than Justified itself and we hope the French will be able to accept the Invitation for a tour of New Zealand. , . The French both crowds and players are wonderful sports. Football la going ahead rapidly jn France where there are over 1,500 clubs playing senior football.”

LEAGUE COUNCIL INQUIRY ON WEDNESDAY. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The New Zealand League football team which had been touring England Is due to arrive at Auckland next Tuesday. There is much speculation regarding events likely to occur when the New Zealand Rugby League Council holds an inquiry next Wednesday regarding the suspension by the English League of seven players and the team manager, Mr. E. H. Mair. The seven players who were suspended are: N. Mouatt, N. Peterson, J. Wright, E. J. Carroll, W. Devine, H. Singe and P. Henry.'