LEAGUE.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17786, 10 August 1929, Page 21 (Supplement)

LEAGUE.

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAMS MEN FOR THE HOME TOUR. TABLOID SKETCHES OF THE BACKS | The AusLralian League team is now 1 on its way to England where there !is a big programme ahead. The i following tabloid sketches of the ! backs of the side will be read with ! interest: —• j P. Maher (South Sydney), the j most robust centre three-quarter, a i strong, straight runner, carrying his ! supports with him, and letting the j ball go at the right moment. A pro- | duct of the Northern Rivers, a school teacher under the State, a silent worker, a determined, skilful, allround player. With ordinary luck, should return with a name equal to the finest centres sent f'rom Australia, the inimitable “Dally” Messenger excepted. Highly successful State captain. Tom Gorman (Queensland),• captain jof his State. Many think he is a trifle past his best, having been a champion for some years. As centre threequarter he'has been at least equal to the best that has represented his State, quick and tricky in making openings, a vigilant tackier, and a beautiful player in combined movements. He should strike his top form I provided he does not play too much and develop stalcness. I J. Fifefield (Western Suburbs), has been playing some years but never better than this season. As centre | three-quarter be is very nippy in breaking through, and excellent in combined attack. A good all-round-er, capable of beating his man, and he should nick into the combination without difficulty. Fred Laws (Queensland), fiveeighth, experienced, sturdy-framed, keen all round and a tine defensive player. Is not as brilliant off the mark as star five-eighths are, but, once moving, gets over the ground. Vigilant as a Cat. J. Bus'ch (Eastern Suburbs) though a city player, is a product of the j Northern Rivers. A typical scrumhalf, as vigilant as a cat, as plucky as I a terrier, be plays a good deal above j his weight, which is not that of Her- ' culcs. He is snow-topped, and if | they do not impose too much on his j broad shoulders and wear him out, be should come back one of the heroes. 11. Kadwell (South Sydney), an unorthodox scrum-half, full of tricks, and as acrobatic as a monkey when the mood is on him. He is a type that snatches victory from under the noses of the enemy, is a ball of muscle and rubber, and always as fit as a fiddle. Australian crowds will be interested in his development and experiences more so than those of more orthodox players. J. Edwards (Queensland), is a I sturdy, plucky scrum-half of the J sound, orthodox sort. He will win the commendation of critics and '

friends by his behind-tiic-scrummage play, and yet not on the same lines us ms haii’-bacx mates from Sydney, it Is good that ho is different in type from the other pair, W. Shankland (Eastern Suburbs), a big chap, formerly five-eighth with Glebe, hut more dangerous as wing three-quarter. Strong, fast, tricky, sees openings a long way ahead, and generally lias the speed to get to tiiem. Good hands, good foot, and a special liking for try-getting. Younj strong, determined, and-should make a name as one of the stars that twinkle when the biggest games arc a hum-

ming goahvards. E. Weissell (Temora), five-eighth seasoned in years and experience; i hero in his district; has shown hit class in Sydney; a player of speed, skill, electric movements (when his form is right), and a solid left-foot goal-kicker. Should hunt out burly James Lomas, and ask him how ho used to place the ball for those deft--I‘oot goals in Australia. Temora is proud of Weissell, and should be prouder still when he returns, if all goes well with him on the field. J. Holmes (Newtown), a nippy five-eighth, who has come into the running this season. Young, fast, slippery, and a footballer who will improve in team tactics as the tour unfolds, and should come back a great asset to his club. The Only Full-back. F. McMillan (Western Suburbs), the only full-back chosen. Has won his spurs over several seasons —quite a veteran compared with some of them, but has never shown better football than in match after match this season. Some of the full-backs he has beaten l'or the position may be unlucky to miss the trip, but McMillan will fill the post admirably. He catches the ball as smartly as Jim Sullivan, is a fine, long, raking kick, lias a penchant l'or dropping goals, and is not above getting a try. In his best form he will be aIL .there. J. Upton (Queensland), one of the babies of the side, fairly tall, very fast, clever as wing three-quarter or centre, or as fullback, being versatile, tricky, and quick to start. May finish one of the greatest players of the side. W. Sper.cer (Queensland), wing three-quarter, a beggar to. score tries, has a special scent for the ball when the opening is looming up, and not above skirmishing to get it. When he does get it is not happy until he has placed it over the line, irrespective of the tacklers to be bowled over in the operation. He is a very fair age, yet this has not obtruded in his play. Harry Fincli (South Sydney), on the season’s form, about the most dangerous wing three-quarter of the lot. Broad-shouldered and strong, he runs very fast and determinedly, and, as ho is a very able footballer, capable of handling the ball well, and of kicking cleverly for the follow-up, should be one of the successes of the party. A. Ridley (Southern District), about the tallest back, and possibly the fastest. He plays right wing -threequarter, and has the makings of a star. Is only nineteen years of age, but a giant for those years. Well-

built and determined, he is also tricky, and promises to he a hard man to pull down when the speed is up and the chalk-mark is showing.