RUGBY AND LEAGUE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16034, 27 January 1920, Page 5

RUGBY AND LEAGUE.

RIVAL FOOTBALL CODES

SYDNEY WRITER'S COMMENTS

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. Received January 27/10.30 a.m.* SYDNEY, January 27. Mr Claude Corbett, a football critic, commenting- on what he terms the New Zealand Rugby Unions belated adoption of the new regulations, strongly supports the attempt to put new life into t4ie grand old game, but points out that it is still necessary to obtain the consent of England, South Africa, and Franco to these rules, which will mean a long delay even if sanction is forthcoming. Mr Corbett doubts whether the Union under the new regulations, which are only a coloured adoption of the League game, will be able to regain the ground lost to the League while the Union slept. Referring to the fact that English League and New Zealand teams will be playing in Australia at the same time, he says there is no room for two bodies contending for big public patronage together, so if the Union intends to enter the tight for prestige, it will be a case of survival of the fittest, with the League fully prepared to accept the challenge.

ENGLISH LEAGUE TEAiM FOR AUSTRALIA. Received January 27, 10.45 a.m. LONDON, January 26.--Thc Noithei-n Union has selected for the tour of Australia; H. Wagstaff, J. Rogers, D. Clarke, of Huddersfield ; and E. W Jones and J. Bowers, of Rochdale Hornets. Jones is the most brilliant stand-off half-back now playing in England. Wagstaff captains the team. The selectors’ task is the most difficult, owing to the number of men nominated, including sixty forwards, who require much watching, as never in the history of Northern Union have there been so many brilliant forwards. W. Batten, the famous Hull three-quarter, was invited to play in a trial match, but declined, contending that he ought to have been chosen outright. Meanwhile a difficulty has arisen over the passages of the team. The intention was that the team should travel by the Orsova, leaving April 3rd, but the Union is informed that the Commonwealth has commandeered all accommodation, and the Union has been requested to wait for a new boat leaving on the 14th. The committee is considering a New South Wales’ proposal to make a world tour, but the impression is that the Union is unlikely to accede owing to the short notice.