TEMPTING OFFERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22209, 9 September 1935, Page 11

TEMPTING OFFERS

SIX RUGBY PLAYERS

ENGLISH LEAGUE ACTIVITIES WELL-KNOWN MEN APPROACHED R, G. BUSH AND F. SOLOMON An Auckland agent of the English Rugby League lias received instructions to approach prominent Rugby players with un offer to enter into a contract to play under the League code in England for a jxriod of two years. Six players, four of whom have represented New Zealand, have already been approached. Thev are as follows: — K. G. Bush, fullback, Auckland. F. Solomon, forward, Auckland. C. Smith, wing-threequarters, Hawlie's Bay. H. T. Lilbiirne, five-eighths, Wellington. H. Deavoli, forward, Canterbury. E.. Holder, wing-threequarters, Buller. Bush has played for Auckland for a number of seasons. Ho represented New Zealand while resident in Otago in 1931. Solomon has also played for Auckland For several years. He gained his All Black cap in 1931 and 1932. Smith recently toured Australia with the Maori teiim and his dashing displays earned him high praise from the critics. Lilburne toured South Africa in 1928 and played for New Zealand in 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932 and 1934. Formerly a Canterbury representative, he was transferred to Wellington in 1931 and has played for that province ever since. He changed ever to the Leaguo code lasi; week ancl made his first appearance against the Auckland team in Wellington last Saturday. Deavoli has been playing football only two years, and has made rapid progress. Holder won his All Black cap in 1932, and again in 1934. Ali six players took part in the trial matches preparatory to the selection of the All Black team at present in England. They were all seriously considered in the Jinal selection, and were regarded as being unlucky in missing the tour. The terms offered the players were as follows: —A contract for two years, return fare paid to England, £IOO cash upon arrival, £3 10s per week for two years, and £5 for a win and £4 for a loss in each match in which they play. AI ICELANDERS' VIEWS bijsih awaits particulars SOLOMON NOT DISGRUNTLED I have riot, been personally approached, but the conditions were conveyed to my father with a request that he hand then on to me," said Bush when asked about the offer. He added that he understood further particulars were coming to hand, but until he received thein he would not give any indication of his intentions. In any case he hud in view a trip to Japan with the New Zealand University team. Solomon said there was a certain amount of glamour attached to such a trip, and it would he tempting to any pluyer out of employment. However, lie hind a position with a firm that had treated him well, and when he sat down to think of the future, he considered he would be ill-advised to leave his work for the iiake of two or three years' football. He added that he was sorry the matter Iliad been given publicity, as a great many people might be led to the conclusion that the players were disgruntled because they_ had missed the trip with the All Blacks. However, so far an he pei'sonally was concerned, he was riot at all disgruntled, as he recognised that it was inevitable that several players had to be passed over.

NOTHING DEFINITE CANTERBURY MAN'S INTENTIONS [by telegraph —OWN correspondent] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday Once again the English League authorities are making a bid to strengthen their playing ranks by inducing New Zealand Rugby stars to change their code and make a trip to Great Britain. H. Dewroll, the Canterbury forward, told a press representative that he had received no definite offer, although he understood that "something was in the wind." He would make no disclosure of his intentions in the event of a remunerative offer, merely stating that be was in st permanent position at presient and would not sacrifice it lightly.