www.sporthull.co.uk/headlines/Hu ... ticle.html So that'd be; 1) Webster 2) Dobson 3) Lovegrove 4) Newton 5) Galea 6) Fisher 7) Vella Clinton 9) Finch? 10) Lima? Who are all born outside the UK. Now I'm not being funny but this is surely beyond a joke? Hull's a thriving Rugby League city and Hull KR will be in their fifth season of Super League next year so have no excuses to have this many non-UK players. No wonder we can't compete with the Aussies.

www.sporthull.co.uk/headlines/Hu ... ticle.html So that'd be; 1) Webster 2) Dobson 3) Lovegrove 4) Newton 5) Galea 6) Fisher 7) Vella Clinton 9) Finch? 10) Lima? Who are all born outside the UK. Now I'm not being funny but this is surely beyond a joke? Hull's a thriving Rugby League city and Hull KR will be in their fifth season of Super League next year so have no excuses to have this many non-UK players. No wonder we can't compete with the Aussies.

HKR will do what;s bets for HLR, it's up to teh RFL to decide what's best fopr the game. They are the ones making the rules, clubs are just following their lead.

I think any club that goes out and signs a 30+ year old overseas player is a bit of a joke personally.

Had a drink?

Really? You dont see the value of bringing in an experienced professional to act as a mentor to the up and coming young local talent at any given club? A role model who has played at the highest level and is able to pass on the correct attitude and professionalism to to our future England stars?

I personally hate to see young Aussie rejects coming across and gaining non quota status over here reducing the chances of a young English player been given a chance but I guess which club you support may alter you view.

The RFL need to be strong on this one because this is certainly not the way forward.

Exactly, very few if any of the SL players have the experience of someone like Craig Fitzgibbon, he's setting examples and helping develop youngsters while being inspirational on the pitch. Compare this to someone like Rhys Lovegrove or Ben Fisher who are average SL players blocking a place for English born players who could do as good a job IMHO.

The quota rules are tightening and I definately feel you can see more young english players getting chances.

If they still have the same number of foreigners in 2 years, then I'd be critical.

Except at Rovers who seem to want to keep the overseas players they already have and bring more in

But how's it fair that they may be allowed 10 next year compared to other teams who will have just 5? Hull KR will be in the fifth season of SL next year and will have more overseas players than their first season.

To put it into context they could put out a team like this next year (players in red either not born in England or play for another nation)

1) Briscoe

2) Fox
3) Ratu
4) Webster
5) Colbon

6) Finch
7) Dobson



Not sure how that's good for the English game tbh.

Until the players with the exemptions retire then the levels of overseas players will remain high.

It will take a while but as ever RL fans think short term so will never appreciate a long term strategy.

Also they wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to stick the boot into their rivals.

Can someone explain how the overseas player exemptions works?

That does sound like a poor show. I would hope that the number was dropping and am suprised if they're going to be allowed to sign finch on top.

I thought the days of coming "off quota" were gone and now it was a case of being "federation trained"?

As I understand it any overseas player who has an EU passport or comes from a KOLPACK nation and has been playing RL in the UK prior to the regulations regarding non-feds coming into effect are exempt. Jason Demetriou and Michael Korkidas been just two examples at Wakefield.

For starters, this is no more than local rag speculation. Secondly there is still a requirement for 8 home grown players - those that are good enough still have a clear path to the first team.

I said on our forum, if I had the choice I'd sign a good quality English off half and prop, but who is available that every other SL club wouldn't be interested in? Our youth setup is exceeding all expectations, but our best players are all at U18 and below. Still too young to rely on to be the basis of a SL squad.

Also its interesting how all Hull FC's overseas players are superb mentors to the youngsters yet somehow the OP ignores the part the likes of Galea, Webster, Newton and Vella play in the development of our youngsters. Or the number of promising youngsters Hull have let go in favour of established players (a large number from overseas).

Like every other club, Rovers will do what they need to do within the rules and if that means having a first choice pack made up of virtually all overseas players like Hull FC do, then so be it.

Oh and Ratu? Get a grip mate.

So the famos 'Tongan Mafia' are quintessentially English then are they?

Although your point is valid, stop using it to have a cheap at your rivals and get your own house in order first eh?