I'm afraid it isn't. Well there's the fact that academy players don't count on the salary cap until they come into the first team (25) squad but it doesn't address the likes of Eastmond, Tomkins and other young players who have come through clubs academy systems into a first teams squad.

I'll try to check on the exact ruling, I'm sure it's been posted before on one of the sites.

Something I think you and I agree on about a dispensation on the cap, of say 25% for juniors your club have developed.

As you know I've been banging on about it for at least 5 years. Funnily enough I was talking to Hansens dad about it when H was in the academy / reserves and he wanted me to write to the RFL with the suggestion.

Does he have dificulty writing for himself?

Well he could probably spell difficulty, but he has hands like shovels and is crippled with arthritis.

It would also have looked a little "self interested"

Unfortunately rogues they do even then if they play a single game outside of the academy/reserve fixtures.

You're allowed £1.6 million for your top 25 salary cap value players, outside of this any players who play 1 or more salary cap qualifying game have to count against a 2nd tier cap of only £50,000

So it's actually really hard to introduce players if they are outside of your top 25 earners unfortunately.

IMO the reason the RFL don't want to add 'dispensation' for Juniors is that it gives the old 'Big 4' the edge who already have an established Academy in place.

That's the baby.
Thanks for clearing it up.

No worries mate, the whole system is full of nonsense to be honest, like the amazing '18' rule on appearance bonuses, a club could get away with paying people a fair old bit more than would ever go on the cap if they used that properly.

None of the clubs bar Warrington can really afford to spend any more money on players anyway.

The cap needs to come down until clubs are profitable. That is the only way to have a sustainable platform. Otherwise you'd have big clubs who don't own their own stadiums going under.

Was speaking to my source earlier and he confirmed Saints will offer Kyle a new improved contract after the Grand Final BUT will not enter into a bidding war with the Rugby Union clubs and WOULD be willing to let Kyle go but only for a fee and WILL NOT allow him to move on a free after his contract expires... therefore does that mean if a deal can't be struck Kyle would leave this close season??

It would make sense to cut our losses and bring someone in ASAP if it did happen.

Matty Smith? I think Jamie Ellis is under done as yet...

All in all fingers crossed Saints and Kyle can come to some kind of agreement... well more Saints and Offiah really...

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 62336.ece# “Kyle has come through the grades as a rugby league player, and it seems pointless for him to switch at this stage of his career, but there’s always going to be speculation when a player of his credentials has only a year left on his contract,” Offiah said.

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 62336.ece# “Kyle has come through the grades as a rugby league player, and it seems pointless for him to switch at this stage of his career, but there’s always going to be speculation when a player of his credentials has only a year left on his contract,” Offiah said.

Trouble is, Offiah was always a money grabbing b****** when he was a player and I would seriously question his motivation if he walked into my office as a players agent. Saints may not want to enter a bidding war, but thats exactly what Offiah wants because he will get more of a wedge himself.

Personally, whilst he is obviously a very talented young player, I just couldnt see Kyle playing RU. Hes not the right type of player for that game IMO and certainly sees himself in the thick of the action. Playing scrum half in Union is a completely different proposition.

I guess money talks and the career is short enough, but I hope he makes the right choice for his rugby career, not his bank account.