N.Z. RUGBY LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE AT WHAKATANE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 55, 21 February 1949, Page 5

N.Z. RUGBY LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE AT WHAKATANE

One of the best rugby league forwards yet to represent New Zealand against overseas teams, Mr Traver Hardwick, recently arrived in Whakatane to livd. Formerly of Auckland, Mr Hardwick played for New Zealand in three different seasons and was recognised as one of the outstanding players in the code. Living in Auckland he represented that province on various occasions, and in 1946 w;as selected to play for New Zealand against the touring English side. TOUR OF ENGLAND The following year it was decided to send a New Zealand League team to tour England and France. After a series of trials the final team was selected, and it included Trevor Hardwick. He played throughout England and France and made a big impression on League followers in that country.. Last year Australia requested a tour by a New Zealand team and in the final selection Mr Hardwick was again included. At the present time he has no definite plans as to what he is going to do this football season. “I came here to work,” he said to a Beacon reporter. “I have had three full seasons of league, and at present I am not particularly worried whether I play again or give it up.” When he was leaving Auckland, Mr Hardwick said his club was not pleased at all. However, he had his work to consider and although there is no league played at Whakatane he has no regrets, coming as he likes the town already. \ FUTURE OF LEAGUE Discussing the game as it is played in the world today, Mr Hardwick said it was common only in France, Australia, England and New Zealand. It was very strong in England, being played mostly in the Midlands area, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumberland. League had a strong hold in Australia and France, but he considered that New Zealand could hold its own with any of them. As for the future of the game in this country, he thought league would improve and grow. It had a large following now, and those who administrated the game were working to see it advance to the advantage of the players and to the game as a whole.