LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17837, 9 October 1929, Page 9

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

SOUTH SYDNEY TEAM. WELCOMED AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, Wednesday. The South Sydney ‘Rugby League football team which is to play three matches in Auckland was met at the wharf by members of the New Zealand Rugby League. The visitors recently won the New South Wales club championship for the fifth successive year. Mr C. Lynch, manager of 'the team, said the combination was composed of many young players, several of whom were playing senior football for the first year. The team played a fast, open game, which should delight followers ol' the code in Auckland. “ Each member ol' the team is actually paying his own expenses, as the guarantee of £SOO will not nearly cover the cost," said Mr Lynch. “IWb arc here on a pleasure jaunt, with no idea of making money. No pocket expenses are to he paid and each player loses three weeks' work.” , Mr Lynch mentioned that the team to play on Saturday was identical with the combination which won the semiilnal and final ol' the New South Wales premiership. In spite of the absence of five players with the Australian team in England the club team was playing belter football than at any stage of the championship. The younger members taken from tho reserve grades had done remarkably well, and had really “teamed’’ better than older players. South Sydney had a wonderful record, having won the New South Wales championship nine times and been runners-up on four occasions in 21 years. Critics had rightly claimed South Sydney to be the finest combination the League code had produced. A. Blair, the captain, who is one of the most brilliant five-eighths seen in Australia for many years, has led the team in all its successes. He remarked yesterday that South Sydney played football of a high standard and specialised in team work. Blair has a high opinion of tho reserve grade players selected to take the places of of his cluljniatc 3 in England. The visitors were tendered an official reception by the New Zealand League at the Commercial Hotel last evening.