Rugby Veterans

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28266, 2 May 1957, Page 13

Rugby Veterans

Two noted Rugby Union players, Nick Shehadie and Cyril Burke, who toured Britain in 1947-48, will try for selection for the corresponding tour this year.

In the 10 years between the two Australian tours of Britain, Shehadie and Burke have played between them 53 tests for Australia. Many think they have an excellent chance of selection although Shehadie is 30 and Burke 31. Of the 1947-48 touring side, Shehadie ano Burke are the only players attempting to win selection.

The pair have trained zealously from early this year because they realise they have much younger men to displace. Shehadie is a giant, and he is well known to New Zealanders. He holds the record for the most test appearances for Australia. He has played in 27 tests, but is being closely pressed by Burke who has played 26. Both playershave remained loyal to Rugby Union in spite of many large cash offers from Australian and English Rugby League clubs. Shehadie played his first test at 20, against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground. During his five tours overseas to Britain, France, Canada, United States, South Africa and New Zealand, Shehadie has played in both the second row and front row. He captained the Australian test teams against Fiji and was vice-captain of the Wallaby side to South Africa in 1953.

Burke is the best Rugby Union footballer to come from the Newcastle area north of Sydney. If he is selected in this year’s touring side he will be almost certain to complete 100 appearances for Australia Burke has had seven overseas tours and has played in 93 matches with national sides. Burke began his football in 1940 and played his first international match in 1946 when he toured New Zealand with the Wallabies. Burke is still an elusive runner from the scrum base and has a long and accurate pass.