Jack Murphy was allowed to play against Wigan earlier in the season, despite being a Wigan player. Also, Matty Smith was always allowed to play against Saints when he was on loan at Salford, and one time I recall, ripped them apart and Salford won.

I seem to recall the 'Cant play against us' clause coming in from Leeds post-Botham, enforced if the player was 'any good' ...

IMO, with the restricted squad sizes and salary cap, a loanee should be allowed to play against his parent club.

I think the parent club should be able to decide. He's their player, and the recipient club are getting the benefit of his services for all but 2 games in a season.

I can however see the benefit to the lending club in being able to see how a player performs, at possibly close to his peak, or under high pressure. So I wouldn't want a blanket rule in place, just some common sense and negotiation