INTER-ISLAND RUGBY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23052, 1 June 1938, Page 22

INTER-ISLAND RUGBY

NORTH LACKS A FULLBACK Possibly the weakest spot in the North Island team this year will be the fullback position. There does not appear to be a class man available, says a southern writer. Of the two players who appeared in this position in the New Zealand trials last season, H. R. Pollock, who failed to show anything like his known form, is out of the game, and G. Hook, of Wangunui, was far below inter-island standard. He is reported to be showing improved form this year. B. A. Killeen, better known as a second five-eighth v and a centre-three-quarter, lias lieen playing at fullback in Auckland this season, and he may possibly commend himself to the selectors. Yet Killeen has never inspired any great confidence in big football ever since he left Wellington about five years ago. He was one of the most promising players, who has never materialised as it was anticipated he would, and this in spite of the fact that he did play for New Zealand in the first Test against the 1936 Australian side. W. Crisp, Wellington, may secure nomination, and actually there would be no great surprise if tie was chosen as North's fullback. But one would hesitate to say that he represents anything much more than good average class. He kicks well, but somehow he does not appeal as a near-New Zealand fullback.