League approaches criticised

Press, 1 February 1986, Page 80

League approaches criticised

By JOHN COFFEY Attempts by other provinces, particularly Wellington, to lure some of Canterbury’s most proficient players have been strongly criticised by the Chairman of the Canterbury Rugby League, Mr lan Jenkins. Adrian Shelford, the outstanding young Kiwi forward, confirmed yesterday that he had received “a lucrative offer” to transfer to Wellington. It is believed that Wellington administrators have also contacted the Canterbury inside back, Phil Bancroft, who is at present playing for Rochdale Hornets in Britain. James Goulding, the 19-year-old Auckland prop who made his Kiwi debut last year, is also

reported to be considering a move to Wellington. Earlier this week Canterbury’s Kiwi wing, Marty Crequer, announced that he will be with the Northcote club in Auckland for the 1986 season. Shane Horo, the Waikato and New Zealand wing, is also moving to Auckland.

Canterbury is already certain to be without one Kiwi forward in 1986 because of the lingering effects of the arm injury which caused the prop, Ross Taylor, to be invalided home from the tour to Britain and France late last year. “I am very unhappy about the approaches made by Wellington to our players,” said Mr Jenkins. “I consider that the overtures

are not in the best interests of rugby league in this country.”

Mr Jenkins has arranged to meet with Shelford next week, and, for his part, Shelford has agreed to delay a decision on his football future until after their discussions.

Aged 21, Shelford is undoubtedly one of the finest forwards developed In Canterbury for many years and he frequently displayed his exceptional strength and skills againstt the British and French last year. Confirming that Wellington had made, a lucrative offer, which , included accommodation and employment, Shelford said he was keen to clarify his situation quickly. *

“I want to get this out of the way as soon as possible,” he said. “I have started my preseason training,' but on my own. It is hard to go along to club (Hornby) training when I might not be playing with the team.

“There are a lot of good things going on in Canterbury, and all my mates are here. But I haven’t made up my mind yet,” said Shelford. Mr Jenkins also questioned the wisdom of Crequer’s transfer to Northcote.

“Marty said he feels it will further his career to play in Auckland, but he may well drift off into a no-man’s land in the big city. There are some good wings up there,” said Mr Jenkins.