THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23354, 24 May 1939, Page 22

THE LEAGUE CODE

TOUR TO ENGLAND APPROACH OF TRIAL GAMES AUCKLAND'S FORWARD TALENT With the approach of the North Island trial games and the inter-island match interest is quickening in the selection of the New Zealand Rugby League players for the tour to England. Auckland has a wealth of forward talent and it is already obvious that some fine players in this department will be unfortunate when it comes to the final selection. There are some splendid forwards in other leagues and the New Zealand team should produce a strong vanguard to go overseas. Auckland at present is lacking in outstanding wing-throequarters but it is hoped more players of the required standard will bo found in the trial matches. There are some sound players for other positions—some at times brilliant—and there is sure to be keen competition for places. A good line as to the form of South Island players will be gained after the inter-Island match at Carlaw Park on July 8.

PLAYERS IN FORM SOLOMON'S FIRST MATCH Auckland players who have shown consistent form this season are as follows: — Fullbacks. Smith (Devon port), Braniley (Richmond). MacLachlan (Mount Albert). J. Hemi, who has been playing at centre for Manukau, is likely to be chosen as a fullback for the touring team. Threequarters.—Hardgrave (Mount Albert), Riley (Ponsonby), Mills (Richmond), Mclnnarnev (Mount Albert), Halsev (Marist). Centres. —W. Tittleton (Richmond), V. Scott (Xorth Shore), Marshall (Mount Albert), Kay (Ponsonby). Five-eighths.—T. Chase (Manukau), R. Banham (Mount Albert), B. Donaldson (Mount Albert). The former All Black and Auckland Rugby representative, D. Solomon, played his first game in the new code for Richmond last Saturday and gave an outstanding exhibition. There is little doubt that he will play himself into the touring side.

Halfbacks. Mahima (Manukau), Walker (Mount Albert), Watkins (Richmond), R. Grotte (Marist), Sterling (North Shore). Forwards.—Mataira (City), McLeod, Devine, Mitchell (Richmond), Brodrick, Ririnui, Marsh (Manukau), Jones, Fields, Morgan (North Shore), Hansen, Gunning, Cameron (Mount Albert), Anderson (Marist), Peterson (Ponsonby), Milliken) Evans (Papakura). AUCKLAND STRONG SUGGESTED THIRTEEN A verv strong Auckland side could be chosen from the players mentioned and the following team would give a good account of itself: — Fullback.—Hemi. Threequarters. Hardgrave, T. Chase, J. Smith. Five-eighths.—Banham, Solomon. Halfback. —Mahima. Forwards—Mataira, Leatherbarrow. McLeod, Mitchell, Milliken, Devine. PONSONBY IMPROVES MATCH NEXT SATURDAY Ponsonby showed impressive form to beat Marist and there is no doubt the forwards are improving in team work each week. Dry ground conditions, however, will always be required for Ponsonby to show its best form, and if weather conditions are fine the game next Saturday against Richmond is likely to be fast and open. F6r a greater portion of the second half against Marist, Ponsonby played with only five forwards, and the extra back did not interfere with the combination. Peterson proved a good utility player and his speed and good handling assisted the five-eighths. This method of attack, with eight backs, has been successfully tried by Sydney clubs. Ponsonby appears to have some good bncks to choose from, although the loss of J. Campbell, the representative wingthreequarter, who has been transferred to Christchurch, is a severe one. The success of Flanagan as a hooker has been a feature of Ponsonby's successes of late.