English Leaguers Arrive

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 419, 30 July 1928, Page 11

English Leaguers Arrive

HARD GAMES IN AUSTRALIA

Great Adaptability of Team

LOOKING fit and well after the test and various State games in Australia, the 26 members of the English Rugby League team arrived at Auckland from Sydney by the Aorangi this morning. They will make an extended tour of New Zealand. The members of the team appeared very smart in their Oxford trousers and plus-fours, and although the All Blacks have built up quite a reputation in South Africa for their good taste in clothes, it is doubtful if they could go “one better” than these English Leaguers.

“We found the Australians a tough proposition,” said Mr. E. Osborne, the ;eam manager, “and we dropped a few games over there, but our team’s better physique and ability to adapt itself to ill conditions, proved a deciding factor n the tests. “The Australian teams are very fast and since our last

tour of Australia in 1924, we found that the country sides especially, have improved by well over 50 per ! cent. Although New Zealand won the ashes from us on the last occasion, I think the result will be different this time; in fact I feel that this team of internationals which

England has produced this year will defeat anything.” Mr. Osborne said that the team was an exceptionally strong combining one, and the key to its success in Australia was undoubtedly its versatility and adaptabiliy to any conditions. AMONG THE PLAYERS.

Brough, who is really a full-back, proved himself in Australia as both a brilliant centre and five-eighth, and Reece as a scrum-half, was outstanding. .Sullivan’s wonderful goal kicking has been invaluable to the side throughout, and. Gowers, a full-back, has also shown that he can find the props at remarkable angles. Although the Englishmen played some hard games, and in some cases against heavier sides, their casualty list has by no means been heavy. Parkin broke a thumb during one game and another member of the team suffered a broken ankle. Jack Evans went into hospital for an operation for appendicitis) but has now quite recovered and will be seen in action during the New Zealand tour.

Six members of the visiting team are well-known to League followers throughout New Zealand. They were in a team which toured the Dominion in 1924. These are, Sullivan, Thompson, Bowman, Burgess, Sloman and

Parkin, the captain of the present team, who i-s now making his third visit to the Dominion in a representative side. The average weight of the side is 13 stone, but the forward division can make a good average of at least 14 stone; there are one or two light men in the rearguard who are responsible for bringing the general average down to 13 stone. The average age of the team is 26 years. THAT “TERRIBLE SIX”

“You mention our ‘terrible six ’ ” (I s name given to the six crack Englisn forwards), said Mr. S. F. Hutchins, secretary-manager of the visitors, “yes they are undoubt-

edly a terrible six and beside being able to pack hard and dribble brilliantly when playing under wet weather ednditio ns, they are demons in the open and can throw the ball about like a set of backs. When they get going like this they would break . the hearts of any side,” continued

Mr. Hutchins. The Englishmen had a run at Victoria Park this afternoon and they will play their first game in the Dominion when they meet South Auckland at Taupiri on Wednesday. The team will then return to Auckland where it will play the New Zealand team in the first test.