THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21173, 4 May 1932, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE.

MANY NEW PLAYERS APPEAR. RICHMOND PROMOTES JUNIORS. HALL AGAIN IN NEWTON TEAM. Many new players made their appearance in senior Rugby League teams on Saturday. Although the heavy ground conditions were against good football, the new talent gave displays well up to the average at Carlaw Park last season. In tho principal game, between Devonport and Porifonby, for the former, Laing, fullback, and Smith, five-eighths, played fine football. Both showed a sound knowledge of tho League code. With experience Smith is likely to develop into a fine back.

Playing for Potisonby, Bright, centre, was one of the best backs 011 the ground. 11 is try in the first half was a beautiful effort. Mills, another junior, rnado a good impression on the wing. He has the pace and runs strongly as well.

Richmond upheld its reputation of producing good junior players, who had much to do with its victory ovor Marist. With one or two exceptions, Marist fielded the same team as that which won tho 1931 championship. Richmond's fullback, Valentine, it promoted third grade player, was perhaps the most impressive back. He showed excellent judgment in his kicking and several times he attempted to run tho threequarters into scoring positions. Turner, Ellis and Marshall played senior A grade for the first time. Ellis, a Rugby junior, is a good stamp of threequarter. Although Dunne played well behind the Marist pack, the champions missed Hassan from his usual position. The Auckland representative half is at present in Cambridge, but it is stated an effort is to be made to get Hassan's services for the next match. Newton's victory over City was an early reward for interest taken in training. Several weeks prior to the opening day Newton had splendid trial matches, and its players showed much enthusiasm. The thirteen which defeated City may not take a prominent part in the championship, but with a little improvement Newton is likely to cause surprises. ' It was pleasing to see Hall make a reappearance with Newton, after an abaenee of two years in England. He played a fine game in the forwards, and ably led a good all-round pack. Two young players, Deinpsey and Brimble, played outstanding games. The firstnamed has no equal' 33 a fullback. City was unfortunate in losing the services of B. Davidson, who received a painful injury to his mouth. Hospital treatment was necessary, and it may be a few weeks before Davidson is able to play again.

City is likely to be strengthened by the inclusion of Karrup, a (gsfc forward who made a good impression in the mid-week competition last season. It. Longville, who was a prominent player several seasons ago, is training with a view to selection as fullback with City. Longville will be valuable as a place-kick. The visit of the English Rugby League team to Australia is causing considerable interest in Sydney, where record crowds have attended club matches. On tho opening day 15,500 spectators watched Western Suburbs defeat South Sydney, last year's champions. The standard of piny was high, and a powerful combination is expected to oppose the Englishmen.