I can't believe that a coach / club could be that incompetent to allow a cup-tied player to play in the Swinton game. The hype over last time it happened would surely have made every coach on their guard. If you accept this, I see only two scenarios that could explain:

(1) We are in the clear. The Halifax management team could show 'no fault or negligence' on the part of the club. Can't think of how this could be proven but if say they approached the RFL and were told Ostick was not cup tied or he was not on the cup register and therefore reasonably thought him to be not cup-tied.

This could explain the delay in picking it up as the RFL wanted to see if it would blow over.

or

(2) If it is the clubs fault, and you suppose that a coach could not be that incompetent, there is always the possibility that it was deliberate. The coach picks the team, feels he is on his way out and gives a final two fingered salute.

I hope that 1 is the case.

wonder if fax thought that as he had no contract with rochdale that he did not count.

The game being called off at such short notice by the RFL is embarassing for them

Therefore, I would be amazed if they didn't now kick us out, as the fixture abandonment has already been such an inconvenience to so many fans.

Public opinion seems to be we deserve to be kicked out, both from Fax and non Fax fans. Therefore, any hint of wrongdoing and we've got no chance IMO

With regards the game being called off a short notice, Karl Harrison pointed the finger squarley at the RFL (we were the talking point on Radio Leeds this morning). Apparently they've had the team sheets for about 3 weeks and someone should have noticed. The game should have been played and we should have been dealt with afterwards.

If the game had been played, then Swinton would not be able to play Batley. Batley would just receive a walk over into the quarter finals.

B4.15 In addition to any other action or penalty which may arise under Section D1 Misconduct, the
Board shall disqualify any competing Club which it determines to have fielded an ineligible
Player, save where the Club can show that it had no fault or negligence, in that the Club did
not know or suspect, and could not reasonably have known or suspected, even with the
exercise of utmost caution, that the Player was ineligible. For the avoidance of doubt where a
Club is disqualified from the competition under this Rule B4
to the competition even where the offence was committed in an earlier round.

If the game was played then clearly only Batley would benefit. However by not playing it, the RFL have actually saved face by getting a wrong (in us playing an ineligible player) righted, by allowing Swinton back in.

The RLF better not kick fax out of the competion. Remember 2008 when Hull FC played Jamie Thackery in 2 rounds v Widnes & Rochdale when he wasnt eligable they didnt get kicked out & went to the final. But oh yeah, different rules apply for super league dont they?.

So it will be double standards from the RFL again. Hull let off, Halifax kicked out.

After the Hull incident the RFL set out definite rules for dealing with this situation. The new rules state disqualification as the punishment.

Would'nt call it a double standard, its just that the RFL have actually put something in place to deal with the offense rather than award arbitrary punishments.

Much as I hate the RFL Andy, the written rules were changed and I'm afraid Fax have no argument if they are expelled from the comp.

Dont be ridiculous