FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1927, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

X.Z. FOOTBALLERS. LFAGCF TEA At. fAustralian <fc N.Z. Cable Association,j BA'DX EA", Fob. 21. On the arrival of tile New Zealand Rugby League team at Sydney to-day. the manager, .Mr Aiair. 'said that they did very well, < onsidoring the adver.se < ircnnistam cs. as the .standard of football in England was very high. The New Zealand learn, he said, was essentially an attacking side, and owing to dissentiun in the team, a hooker was not always available, and they wore thus unable to gel the hull in the scrums. The English crowds gave the team wonderful treatment. and the games were played in the best spirit. During the final six weeks of the tour, all the matches were played with nineiron loyal p)ayer«, some of whom played thirty out of ilfirty-four matches. The fact of seven of the forwards being on strike meant that- in . each ni.ilea there were backs playing as forwards. a< the team look away only twelve forwards.

Mr Aiair said the seven strikers were not left penniless in England after their suspension. They were each given £lO by the English Rugby League. Air Aiair said he thought the trouble would be all for the betterment of New Zealand football, as he had no doubt the type of player would Iso considered to a greater extent in future selections than in the past.

THE SUSPENSIONS. AUCKLAND. Feb. 24

The New Zealand League football team which lias been touring England, is due to arrive at Auckland next Tuesday. There is much speculation regarding the events likely to occur when the Now Zealand Rugby League Council holds an inquiry next AA’ednesday regarding the suspension by the English League, of seven players and the team manager. E. H. Aiair.

The seven phi vers who were suspendcd are Neil Afouati. X. Peterson, .1 Wright. E. J. Carroll. AA’. Devine, H ■Singe and F. Hoiirv. THE AfAORT TEAAL SYDNEY, Feb. 24.

Air Paratn. manager of the Alaori Rugby team, also arrived here to-dav. Referring to the Alaori tour, he said: “AA’e feel we are under a great debt of gratitude to the French for their invitation. as their finances were very low. Our tour has more than justified itself, and we hope that the French will he able to accept our invitation for a tour of New Zealand. The French, both the crowds and the players. are wonderful sports. Football is going ahead rapidly in France, where there are over fifteen hundred clubs playing senior football,”