CLUB SUSPENDS LEAGUE PLAYER

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 145, 20 June 1931, Page 10

CLUB SUSPENDS LEAGUE PLAYER

LOU BROWN NOT IN CHALLENGE CUP GAME.

The sensation of the Rugby League football season in England occurred on the eve of the English Challenge Cup match staged at Wembley on May 2. It was announced by the Halifax Club that Lou Brown, who had performed with distinction with the team, had been suspended by the club authorities and would not take the field against York in London. No further reason was given and it was generally assumed, according to newspaper files which have just come to hand, that such drastic action would not be taken except for some breach of discipline regarded with strong disfavour by the officials.

The news by mail will be read with a tinge of regret, for there could have been no reason for doubt in the minds of New Zealand people but that Brown played a part in the triumph of the club which he joined after leaving Wigan earlier in the season. In a wonderful game before an estimated crowd of 40,000 spectators. York hSil the better of the first half and led 8-5. but Halifax eventually took command and played brilliant football to emerge winners by 22-8.

Dealing with the suspension of Brown, Prank Williams, the well-known writer for the Halifax “ Courier ” wrote : ‘lt was one of the most unfortunate incidents that could have befallen the Thrum Hall Club, or. in fact, any organisation. It will be agreed on all sides that Lou Brown is a match winner , but, however good the player, his first duty is to the club he represents and his fellow colleagues. The officials responsible for Brown’s suspension must have been satisfied of the gravity of the situation, and although the omission of the player causes regret, there is much to admire about officials who have the courage of their convictions, even when there is much at stake. It needed some nerve to leave a leading man out of the side on such an auspicious occasion . . . There has never been any suspicion that this club is ruled with an iron hand. They have been always a happy band, with every freedom, but, of course, if the laws of discipline are violated, trouble must be expected by the best of players.”

Another report shows that Brown was among the most enthusiastic of spectators at the match, and afterwards joined in the reception to his successful comrades. He also then took the opportunity to sincerely apologise to the club for the cause of his suspension. Advice has been received in New Zealand that the Waikato forward and international forward, Len Mason, who had intended returning to New Zealand, has been signed again by Wigan for another two years. The fee is stated to be the highest re-engagement remuneration ever paid to a colonial player.