AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 1009, 8 July 1909, Page 12

AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE.

MATCH AGAINST MAORIS. On Saturday next a match is to be played at Victoria Park between an Auckland professional team and the Maori professionals. Since the formation of the Auckland Rugby League the Northern Union game has gained a fair number of devotees, its fast and open character proving a strong magnet of attraction. Though few matches have as yet been played, the game gives every promise of becoming popular in Auckland. The Northern Union game, as it is intended to play it in Auckland, can hardly be regarded in the light of professionalism, as the League only pays the expenses of the

players and their lost time while from work, none of them receiving a wage for their services. The New Zealand professional team arrived in Wellington on Wednesday, so that the Auckland members will be back in time to participate in the match against the Maoris. Both sides should be in excellent form, as much attention has been paid to training operations, and, given a fine day, a real good game may be expected.