LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17863, 8 November 1929, Page 3

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

BLAIR FOR NEW ZEALAND? TEMPTING OFFER. SOUTH SYDNEY’S TOUR. On his return to Sydney by the Tahiti to-day, Alf (“Smacker”) Blair, who has led South Sydney Rugby League Club to the premiership for four years in succession, said that Auckland officials were anxious to secure his services next season as a playing coach, says a Sydney paper. “I cannot say at this stage whether I will go,” said Blair, “but it is a great temptation, for I have never met a more hospitable lot of people in all my life.” Blair thought the Marist Old Boys and the Huntly players were very promising, and considered that if they were coached in tho finer points of Ihe game, they would be equal to any Sydney club team. Blair is one of (he veterans of the League game, and his ability as a fiveeight is well-known. He has led Souths for many years, and it is generally admitted that his ability as a leader has helped to make the team such a fine combination. He acted as playing co?ch at Longreach, Queensland, recently.

Had ‘-‘Royal Tim®." Blair was accompanied by the other members of the team, which toured the North Island of New Zealand. The players, who were in the pink of condition, praised the hospitality of the New Zealanders, stating that they had been given “a royal time.” Three games were played, two being won. The first, against Marist Old Boys, was lost, but the manager, Mr Charlie Lynch, said the players were feeling the effects of the voyage and were somewhat puzzled with the referee's interpretation of a forward pass. In Sydney, a scrum results from a “forward,” but the New Zealand official gave a free kick .against the taker of the pass. The fine sporting spirit of the Auckland crowds was praised by Mr Lynch, who added that, witli expert coaching, there were many Dominion teams which would turn out fine combinations. While on a picnic, Mr George Gardiner, New Zealand ex-lnterna-tional, taught the side a haka, and it is therefore the first Sydney team to possess a Maori war cry.