THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23058, 8 June 1938, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

NEW ZEALAND . TEAM TOUR OPENS NEXT SATURDAY MATCH WITH NEW SOUTH WALES The New Zealand Rugby League team will open its tour of Australia in Sydney next Saturday with a match against New South Wales, and a good deal of interest will centre in the result. It is eight years since a Dominion team visited Australia. The New Zealanders have had a week in Sydney in which to get fit for the opening match, which is sure to be a severe test. The selection of the New South Wales team lias caused a lot of comment in Sydney, especially the exclusion of W. Prigg, captain of the Australian test team. Prigg is ranked by many critics as one of the finest back-row forwards in the world. However, Aucklanders will remember that Prigg was never seen to advantage in his six matches played at Cailaw Park during recent tours. His place at the back of the scrum will be taken by Norval, who is a very speedy forward and a prolific scorer in club football. The team to play against New Zea< land includes only five of the Kangaroo side which recently toured England, namely Williams, halfback, Dawson, threequarter, Stehr, Harris and Pearce forwards. Pearce has made a splendid recovery form tho broken leg he received at Carlaw Park last year, and it is reported that his form is better than ever. The loss by retirement of such noted players as Beaton, McKinnon, Norman and Ward from the backs must greatly reduce the strength of the New South Wales team. With the exception of Williams and Dawson the backs represent New South Wales for the first time and they are all young players showing brilliant form in club football. A lot is expected of Anderson, a five-eighths, whose splendid football created a favourable impression, and he is said to ho an even more thrustful player than Norman.

The selection of the New Zealand team for the first game is sure to be followed with interest. The choice of the forwards presents a difficult problem and it is a question of who to leave out of the scrum. Before the team left Auckland it was stated that Herring

■would in all probability play as a backrow forward, a position which is not new to him. Herring played good football last season as a third-row forward. CONFERENCE TO-DAY DISCUSSION OF RULES ' A conference will bo held in Sydney to-day when the New Zealand managers, coach and captain will discuss rulings with the New South Wales Referees' Association. This is a' new departure, and will no doubt be welcomed by the New Zealand team. There is not a great deal of difference between the two countries in the interpretations. The New Zealanders will need to play strictly to the whistle. SUCCESS OF MAORIS PROMINENT PLAYERS Playing bright and entertaining football the Maoris gained a well-deserved win over Auckland in the King's Birthday attraction at C'arlaw Park. Kendall was safe in fielding and kicking at fullback for the winners, but made one costly mistake in passing when tackled and giving Peterson a gift try. Chase was always in the picture at centre and he was more than useful as a goal-kicker. Wilson showed speed, but his defence was not sound and he lost a certain try through mishandling in the later stages of play. Bickerton was uncertain and disappointing. Mahima played well behind a winning pack, although he was inclined to- go alone too often. The forwards were a fine set and Nathan was adept at getting the ball away to the backs at every opportunity. Hansen was outstanding throughout. Watono made his reappearance and showed surprisingly good form while his condition lasted.

Scott was not faultless in handling at fullback for Auckland, but kicked and tackled well. Donovan, at centre, was'-tlie pick of the threequarter line, although lacking in speed. Duncan showed speed on the wing, and with better handling and more determination would improve greatly as a scoring medium. Walker was nippy at half and stood up well to the heavy opposition. Banham and Maclnnarney showed glimpses of their best form at fiveeighths. Holding on and being smothered with the ball was their chief fault. Petersen, Gunning, Morgan and Leatherbarrow were the pick of the forwards, Petersen being in great form throughout.