RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19844, 17 July 1926, Page 8

RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

TO I'HB EDITOR Sm,—A correspondent credited with considerable knowledge of Rugby League was given space in your columns this week to air his grievances about the selection of the New Zealand team for England. Apart from his indiscreet reflections upon the selectors, I think he displays a very limited knowledge of the code nationally. While I am prepared to admit .that Hickey is a good three-quarter back and a much improved man since he has come to play the modern code .it would be foolish to say that ho is the ablest exponent in that position The writer referred to wishes to assume that Saunders could not get a place as five-eighths, and was squeezed into the three-quarter line. How can wo hero toll the motives or reasons of the selectors for picking Saunders? In any case, the Otago selectors have not shown any more consistency in picking the Otago team when they chose Connolly as full-back for the West Coast tour. Personally I consider that much greater discretion in that direction must bo given to officials choosing a Dominion thirteen. From a close perusal of the reports it is evident that the selectors and northern public have a great admiration for Vorrath, yet your correspondent does not even mention this player. Again, I certainly do not hold with the parochial views of your correspondent with regard to the method of selection, through a scries of very extensive tests to choose the most suitable men. Otago is yet young at the game, but has splendid talent.—some equal to the four men who tripped north. We have to remember, however, that wa have much to learn to be up with the team standards which produce the big footballers. In view of the unwise remarks made at the end of your correspondent’s letter in regard to financial assistance, I take it that ho is some official of the Otago League. If so, the management should have something to say in connection with such a veiled and unauthorised statement, which is entirely out of place. Otago League supporters and players are essentially sportsmen, and out for’the interests of the code generally, and I am sure that most will agree that the New Zealand selectors have done what they feel to he their duty in choosing a national side, even if we are a little surprised that Otago did not get the recognition for which we hoped. It is well known to everybody that Rugby League is winning favour. Let us, therefore, carry on and not spoil progress by inconsequential whines or intrusions "which, to say the least, disclose & poor spirit, especially when they-come from within our own ranks. New and enthusiastic young players are joining up weekly and ill-advised criticism of the administration with regard to a national team is not encouraging. The selection of the Rugby League tourists is m capable hands. For all we know there may yet be changes in the side chosen, which does not sail until next month.—l am, etc., Wellwisheb.