RUGBY LEAGUE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19764, 15 April 1926, Page 5

RUGBY LEAGUE.

NEW ZEALANDERS’ TOUR. A BETTER FULL-BACK THAN NEPIA. (Fbou Oub Own Cobres xdent.l LONDON, February 24. “The Council of the Rugby League,’’ says the Oldham Evening Chronicle, “have received something in the nature of a rebuff from the New Zealand League concerning the playing strength of their Dominion in connection with the touring team for this country next season. In certain League circles here it is considered the council have fully merited the snub. When the invitation was extended to the New Zealanders to visit this country it was clearly understood as applying to New Zealand players only, the League Council believing that Dominion capable of fielding a team strong enough to hold its own against representative teams here. Nothing, apparently, has arisen to change that opinion, yet the council, at a recent meeting, decided to suggest that the team may possibly be strengthened by the inclusion of one or two of the Australian cracks, and the suggestion was duly cabled out to the New Zealand authorities. “No official reply has yet been received bythe League, but a Press message intimates that the suggstion has been turned down, and nothing but a New Zealand combination will tour. The council’s suggestion comes with more surprise, seeing that they already had the assurance that New Zealand had the choice of a fine set of players who would worthily uphold the traditions of the Dominion. The success of the All Blacks team which toured here last season under Rugby Union auspices has been pointed out to them, but they reply that there are only a few members of that team who are considered good enough for the professionals’ tour. I am given to understand, however, that Cooke, the crack centre-three-quarter of the Rugby Union team, has been offered, and accepted, an invitation to join next season's tourists. Cooke made a fine impression here, and was much sought aftei; by professional agents. Indeed, it was reported that he and the Leeds Club had arranged terms, but something cropped up which caused the colonial to change his mind. . “Latest advices are reassuring that New Zealand will bring a fine team, and. again comparing them with the All Blacks, it is stated that Nepia, the full-back (whom Hull were reported as having secured), whatever his desires may be about joining the professionals, would not be given an invitation, ag the selectors are satisfied they have a better player.