CORRESPONDENCE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5128, 20 May 1927, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

REGRADING OF FOOTBALLERS. LTo the EditorJ Sir,—Re the letter “Senior Rugbyite” in your issue of the 15th. inst., I wish to reply to same, not as an official of the union, but as a Rugby enthusiast. I take exception to the remarks as outlined by “Senior Rugbyite,” whom, in my opinion, should come out into the open instead of being shrouded under a nom-de- ’ plume. I have been connected locally with the Paeroa and Thames Valley matters for the past three years as a member of the executive, and apart from that I have followed Rugby as far back as the 1905 All Blacks, and if “Rugbyite” can pick" out six players in Paeroa whose knowledge of, and ability to play, Rugby (combined) can come up to the standard of the AU Blacks, 1905 or later, I will admit that the union was at fault in regrading W. Potter. I do not wish to reflect in any way on the decision of the P.R.U. or the player mentioned, but, considering tho circumstances (which “Rugbyi ( te” seem to have first-hand), as follows : W. Potter was, I admit, picked once last season to play in representative football, and, I understand, without knowledge that he would be available, as full-back, a position that to my knowledge he had never played in before nor since. I would point out to the writer that 58 different players were picked last season to represent Paeroa in rep. matches, quite a number of whom did not play. Why ? As far as Potter is he probably did not approach any club for a game as a senior, nor did any club approach him, and I do not consider that this registration should be recalled, as the committtee judicially decided that the ’ bona tides of W. Potter were just and regular. R. HODSON.