THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20593, 18 June 1930, Page 15

THE LEAGUE CODE.

NEW ZEALAND TEAM CHOSEN.

PLAYERS' FORM' REVIEWED.

SELECTION OF ONE HALFBACK

The personnel of the New Zealand Rugby League team to tour Australia has created considerable interest among followers of the code and there is divided opinion regarding the strength of the combination. It can ho said that tho selectors, with perhaps four or five exceptions, have chosen tho best team available. Tho idea of choosing only one halfback cannot bo regarded as a wise policy. If Abbott suffers an injury tho team will be without an experienced connecting link. Halfbacks are not found in a day, r.s tho position is extremely difficult to fulfil, especially in Australia, where, usually, dry grounds call for speed and clusivoness.

Many will not agree with tho choico of Abbott, l'eckham and Short-land have had much more experience, especially tho former, whose great game in tho exhibition and third test match played against England last season lias evidently been forgotten. Shortland was generally considered a certainty for tho position, but on Saturday ho would have been better advised not to play. Ifis injured anklo was noticeablo from tho moment he walked out with tho team. Shortland's failure on Saturday was duo to his injury. However, Abbott has given some highclass displays at Carl aw Park, but a second halfback would have given tho team moro balanco.

Strong Opposition

The New Zealand team will be faced in Sydney with high-class inside backs. The brilliancy of Busch and Weisscl made a favourable impression in England and their form at present is considered even better. Australian writers claim this pair to be the cleverest exponents of tho code ever 6een in Sydney. The selection of the five-eighths was not a very difficult task, as Wetherill, Gregory, Amos and Meyer stand in a class by themsolves. Meyer's form against tho South Island was too poor to be truo and his disappointing game must have come as a shock to the selectors. However, the Northland representative is a clever player likely to create a favourablo impression on tho tour. Wetherill usually rises to the occasion in big football. He is not quite so good as in former years, but is still a fine player. Gregory is the most versatile player in tho team. His brilliant game for the Probables shows the Marist back retains his form wonderfully well. At fullback Gregory has few equals in the code and could fill Dufty's placo with credit. Gregory was a member of tho successful New Zealand team which defeated New South Wales in Sydney in 1924. Solid on Defence. Amos, the Canterbury five-eighths, well deserves his place. Ho may not be so brilliant on attack as tho Auckland pair, but his defence must causo respect, when it comes to choosing tho best thirteen to oppose New South Wales. Amos gives tho impression that ho would make an ideal back-row forward, a position vitally important to tho success of a Leaguo thirteen. Brisbano justified his inclusion, as ho is easily the best centre. Although erratic at times in his handling, tho Marist player's powerful straight running makes him a dangerous scoring back. The wings are perhaps the team's weakness. Lack of pace may seriously affect team work, especially if the inside backs do well. Pearce, Otago, is said to liavo a lot of pace, but,, ho did not get many chances on Saturday last. Tho _ fastest wings will bo the most successful in Australia. Wateno gives promise of developing into a fine attacking back, especially on dry grounds. It is doubtful, however, if he has enough pace to secure tries in test football. Tittleton is a clover threoquarter with a neat side-step. He, too, does not possess an abundance of paco. Tho trio, however, havo justified their inclusion. It is difficult to place Riley and Seagar. The former's play in tho early trial must have impressed tho. selectors. Tho Ponsonby back was undoubtedly a fine player a few seasons ago, but ho received several injuries which kept him out of the game. It will be a question of soundness only for Riley to do well. Seagar is a sound defensive player who has played good games in representative football, His form has not been good of late.

Form ol Dufty.

That Dufty can reproduco his form of 1926 is a question to ho decided on tour. Many think tho Aucklandcr lucky to gain a place. Solid training, however, is likely to improve Dufty's football. Tho forwards are a powerful combination and few have not earned their places. O'Brien's defection from tho team owing to a broken leg will weaken the scrum. The three South Island forwards. Griffiths, Calder and Dobbs, are likely to play prominently in Sydney. Tho two former can be classed with the best sent on tonr. Tho inclusion of the South Auckland trio, Timms, Stephenson and Trautvetter, will givo the scrum solid formation. Stephenson is tho hooker chosen, but had Somers been invited to take part in the earlier trial gamo tho Aucklander would havo undoubtedly found a place. Somers stands alone as a representative hooker. Darchard and Clark, both of the City Club,' gain New Zealand Honours for tho lirst 'time. Both have conic into prominence in their two seasons of senior football. The experience on tour should benefit these promising young forwards. W. Jones must bo considered very lucky to beat Clark, Marist, for a place. Eckoff played splendidly as third-row forward and his inclusion was a foregone conclusion. Eckoff should mako a good leader among tho forwards.