doesnt matter as a maltese passport only affects his overseas status. manase could get a tongan one or lulia a cook islands one. none of which would affect any of their non-fed trained statuses. Its the non fed trained quota which is the issue not the overseas quota. Think a lot of people still dont understand the difference between the two.

I don't. That's for sure.

Just a little point of clarification. The Cook Islands don't issue their own passports. Due to international agreements, we qualify for a New Zealand passport. So you can be a Cook Islands citizen, but have a New Zealand passport.

Personally, I think it's a stupid rule. To illustrate it, as I understand it, here's an example using two former Bulls

Robbie Paul. Classed as Fed trained.

Ian Henderson. Non Fed trained.

So you've a british guy and an kiwi. The kiwi isn't on a quota, but the british guy is.

Gareth Widdop will be the challenging one for the RFL. He only moved when he was 16.

So he was federation trained from age 7-16 then non-fed trained age 16-21.

Which takes priority?

Federation Trained Player
A Federation Trained Player is one who has been on the register of one or more member clubs in the same Rugby League Federation as the club he wishes to join for three full seasons before the end of the season in which he ceases to be eligible by age for Reserve Grade Rugby League.

Depends if they count the period under 16. What age can you sign a pro contract at. I'd guess that's the start date for any training to count towards the three years. Suspect it might be 16 onwards though I'm sure someone will know for sure.

If Widdop came back to England and the RFL tried to class him as non - fed trained they would be on one hell of a sticky wicket.

I suspect blotting his copybook the way he did, Sammut has given a slight edge to Mano in the resigning stakes.

It sounds reasonable. Robbie Paul was here from about that age. What was he?

So what is the point of the non-fed trained rule? To stop teams getting lots of English players who were trained in another country? Or am I being really dim?

And if a European player challenged the restriction in court, would they be likely to win?

No. its certainly been looked at whether it is a restriction, but its more about the practicalities: our academy surely would welcome a talented European or Kolpak youth, but would they and most likely their family want to come to live in England?