PAID FOOTBALLERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 749, 23 August 1929, Page 11

PAID FOOTBALLERS

SPECULATION RIFE IN CITY GROUND RUMOUR DENIED Speculation is rife in the City at present as to how, and when, the professional Rugby League game is to be established in New Zealand. r F' HIS follows the statement by a “*■ professional Rugby League follower earlier* in the week, that in 12 months the pair- player game would be commenced in Auckland. Tie stated that several business men in Auckland and a wealthy Queenslander were interested in the project. It was hoped to be able to raise £IO,OO. which sum was considered sufficient for initial steps. One rumour going the rounds is to the effect that the people behind the project were negotiating for the purchase of the old Ponsonby tram-barn site. The chairman of the Auckland Transport Board, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, states that he has heard nothing of this, however. It is considered in various quarters that the proposed payment to players of £ 3 for a win and £ 1 10s for a loss can only apply to senior grade players. In the event of this being the case, it is unlikely that the talked-of venture will attract junior players to its ranks. Thus one of its sources of supply of senior players would be eliminated, and it would have to rely on securing men from the established amateur codes.