THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22092, 24 April 1935, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

SEASON OPENS ON SATURDAY STRENGTH OF VARIOUS TEAMS AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES There is every indication of a successful opening for the Auckland Rugby League on Saturday next, when the senior grade championship will be commenced. Keen club practice matches have been witnessed at Carlaw Park and outside grounds. Many new faces, together with prominent converts from Rugby Union, should add to a successful opening. In past seasons six senior teams have comprised the senior grade, but the acceptance of Mount Albert with senior status gives the competition added interest. With the exception of perhaps one or two players, Richmond will field the same team which won all three championships last season. A reserve grade five-eighths, N. Bickerton, showed splendid form last year and may be given a chance to speed up the attack. In spite of a desire to retire, A. E. Cooke, the former Rugby All Black, will be found in the fullback position. Ho is still a brilliant footballer, although he has had a strenuous career in both codes. Much can be expected of E. Fletcher, who made a good impression at centre toward the latter end of last season. Powell, the representative halfback, will again fill that position. Richmond has Mincham, McNeil and Mitchell to choose from as wing-threequarters. Solid Forwards The forwards will again be a solid set, and the new plny-the-ball rule should suit Lawless, Satherley, Tetley and Telford, all of whom have speed in the loose. Broadhead and Metcalfe are also available. Toward the end of last season Marist played fine football, and the young players in the rear division should be in a better position t»>- show tbfir prowess this year. The club's policy of giving juniors a chance should be rewarded early. In a recent practice Loader, Furlonger and Glover showed good form. Loader is a wing with plenty of initiative, and dangerous on attack. Glover is a sound defender and has sharpened up his pace considerably. Smith was another to impress last season, and is likely to improve. Rennie and Wicks, from the Rugby code, showed fairly good form in a recent practice. N. Campbell will again play at fullback. The forwards will include J. Woods, a former North Queensland representative, and Rhodes, from North Auckland. Of last year's pack, Laird, Keane, Carter and Bakalich are available. Newton will field a yming side capable of playing attractive football. The most notable recruit is Franich, who represented North Auckland at Rugby last year. Ho is a determined runner and useful scoring back. Pope Cameron, Brady and Dempsey are likely to be included in the backs. J. Catlen, from Thames, a nomiiiee in last year's North Island team, is likely to be the halfback. Armstrong, formerly of Christchurch Marist, has a good record as a scoring back. The Brimble brothers have also showed promising form, and Newton appears to be strong in the rear division. The forwards are a solid set, and include Lunn, Nathan, Kelsall, JAnson, Quirke and Middleton. An acquisition is Kelliher, a forward from Wellington College. City Stronger City is reported to be stronger than last season, when it gave some erratic displays. In the event of L. Brown playing, the City backs will benefit considerably from his experience in England. Brown gave a fine display of clever running against Marist recently. He has - speed above the ordinary and he should prove a big attraction at Carlaw Park. One of the wings will be A. J. Savers, a speedy amateur runner, and former Grammar Old Boys player. Wiberg and Johnson, last year's five-eighths, are again in training. It is likely that a prominent five-eighths and New Zealand representative will also be secured for City. Both McLaughlin and Watene can play in either the backs or forwards.

The forwards need a little strengthening and will include Clarke, W. Johnson, Ragg, and later in the season, J Herring, who is a much improved player. Devonport may not be so strong as in former years, but there are plenty of young players to choose from. The club will miss the services of Laing and Leatherbarrow, who arc away from town. However, O'Donnell, Rhodes, Hall and Newton, of last year's team, are available. It is likely that Cowan, a promising junior, will pivot the backs. A smart set of forwards can be built up to support, Hunt, Simpson, and perhaps Donald. From the experience gained last season Ponsonby, with its young team, is likely to impress early. Kay, Riley, Stocklev and O'Halloran will again comprise the hack attack. Kay showed great promise last year and should do better this season. It is probable that R. Bright, a clever back two seasons ago, will again assist his club. The forwards will be led by L. Hutt, with Brown, W. Stockley and Blood to assist. It is doubtful whether Davis, the hooker last season, is available. The appearance of Mount Albert is sure to attract attention. The backs include B. and J. Schultz, who were formerly with Marist, and C. List, the wellknown Auckland and New Zealand representative. Morrisey, a formor Taranaki player, is a clever five-eights. Ono of the wings is McNeil, a powerful runner, and there is a likelihood of W. Hassan playing at fullback providing his transfer is approved. The forwards include Shadbolt, from the Grafton Rugby Union team, D. Herring, Campbell (hooker), Flanagan and Spiro.