NEPIA NOT GOING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23048, 27 May 1938, Page 12

NEPIA NOT GOING

RUGBY LEAGUE TOUR VISIT TO AUSTRALIA ANOTHER PLAYER REQUIRED McNEIGHT APPOINTED CAPTAIN The announcement that G. Nepia was not available for the New Zealand Rugby League team for Australia caused a mild sensation at last evening's meeting of the New Zealand Rugby League. Nepia, tho former famous All Black fullback, sent a telegram from his home, near Gisborne, stating that he would not bo making the tour. The president, Mr. J. A. Redwood, said that Nepia was the only player who did not report for training last Sunday. Nepia had actually signed a special agreement, made on Sunday, and had expressed his pleasure at the terms offered. Mr, Redwood then outlined. tho financial, dealings of Nepia with the Canterbury and New Zealand Leagues. • Mr. H.'.Wilson, said that tho statement was a body blow. It appeared as if they ' Had wasted time with Nepia. Mr. W. 0. Carlaw, one of the managers of the New Zealand team, said that every* effort'was made to carry out the arrangement with Nepia, who did not appreciate tho position.

Question of Beplacament After consultation with the New Zealand selectors, it was decided to- defer tho selection of a player to replace Nepia . until to-morrow night. W, McNeight, Newton, was appointed captain of tho New Zealand team and R. Brown, Canterbury, vice-captain. The request of the Canterbury Rugby League for permission to invito a Sydney club team to play a series of matches in tho South Island was deferred. Mr. Redwood said that several Australian club teams were prepared to come to New Zealand later in the season and already Auckland had opened negotiations with two clubs. However, the managers of tho New Zealand team proposed to discuss tours by club teams while in Sydney, and a report would be furnished later in the season. A Team from France The possible visit of a French team to New Zealand ,was mentioned in a letter from the Canterbury Rugby League, which suggested 'that tho team be invited to tour New Zealand in 1939. Mr. Redwood said that the Australian Board of Control had already dealt with the matter' and. it was intended to see what arrangements could be made after a discussion in Sydney. It would liot be wise to make any promises without the consent of tho Australian Board of Control