N.Z. RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM NOT WANTED

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 60, 12 March 1938, Page 12

N.Z. RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM NOT WANTED

ATTITUDE IN ENGLAND CLUBS NOT TOO AFFLUENT New Zealand Rugby League has asked England to invite its team to visit England in 1939-40. The general feeling in the north of England is against the tour, wrote the Sydney Referee’s London correspondent. In 1926-27 New Zealand was invited in place of Australia, on the strength of defeating England in two out ot three Test matches in 1924. In 192627 New Zealand made a complete failure. The main argument against inviting New Zealand is that the English clubs in the main, are not in an aillent state, and that if there is any money to spare it should be used to develop the junior clubs. The recent tour of the Australian team was not the success of previous ones, but its financial success was virtually secured by the £7762 taken in the Test matches and £ISOO in tne game with Lancashire. Though the Kangaroos’ tour was a success financially, it was felt tnat the last Australian team was well below the best form of Australian teams and not worth the extra admission money charged to see them. It was true they only lost the “Ashes" by a point margin, but they had too many defeats.

Any further tours from the Dominions will have to be of such a character that no strain is placed upon Rugby League clubs in England. English clubs depend upon ordinary people for their support. The majority of the players have to work all the week and play on Saturdays. If there is any money lo be thrown away, a few of them feel they ought to have the first opportunity of getting in on it. There will be no New Zealand tour in England for the next few years, and signs at the moment are not too promising for another Australian tour.