The 1937-38 Kangaroos were officially farewelled at the Griffin Hotel, Leeds after their six month tour of Britain and France. ‘Daily Herald’ writer, Tom Reynolds was full of praise for the tourists. “The English clubs can learn a lesson from this great Australian team. I hope when England sides are in Australia they will meet with victory and defeat with as much dignity and sportsmanship as this team,” he wrote.
Yep, the Poms beat us on that tour, hence their magnanimity. But we accounted for the French who were emerging as a real force in league, and the big crowds for the Kangaroos matches had rugby union authorities concerned.