The last time I can remember this issue coming up was when Warrington had to dump an overseas player to allow them to sign Andrew Johns. I think it was Graham Appo who was the unlucky player to miss out and I specifically remember people saying that he wouldn't be allowed to be re-registered that season. It is a big call to de-register Dobson and the worrying thing is that its such a big decision that it makes you think maybe they have already cleared his return with the RFL 1st before doing it. The only other thing (as others have said) is that maybe Dobson's injury means he would be out most, if not all season, in which case, de-registering him would be the sensible thing to do.

Regarding his injury, he has had his pot removed and is making good progress. On track for the 10 week time out.

I would then turn to your other point and could see no other option then Rovers have a) agreed his re-registration with the RFL, or b) have indeed "terminated" his contract (but had him sign another agreement preventing him talking to anyone) and will "re-sign" him in the coming days/week

I'm guessing the RFL have already agreed it, can't see HKR taking any risks with the No1 scrum half in the comp.

I guess the RFL are as keen to see Big Willie in SL as Hull Kr fans are!

Guess again...

rlhttp://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/sport/HULL-KR-Dobson-s-free-agent-say-RFL/article-3319542-detail/article.htmlrl

Either the RFL lied in answer to a direct question or it's all up in the air.

I thought he is now a free agent?.

Dobson is, but we were talking about Mason.

A feasible explanation for all this is that the HKR board have cocked-up big time. Given that even the most sensible business men seem to leave their brains at the door when they enter the boardroom of any sports club, this wouldn't suprise me at all.

What has Rob Burrow got to do with it?

Mason was threatening to sign for an Aussie club if they didn't get him over a.s.a.p

RFL and HKR are a joke.

Whilst I applaud the spirit, it's not a good time of the season to be lauding Leeds first team right now

I don't quite see why the RFL are being considered a joke right now, Hull KR have asked to de-register a player as they have a right to do.

do they have a right to fly a player into the UK that isn't actually eligible to play?

UKBA have questions to answer on this as well.

It's far from over.

I don't see why not, if he has a visa. I also don't see why the UKBA have questions to answer (other than their generally pathetically slow giving out of visas to RL players). He has a job with a British company, whether he can adequately carry out that job is between Mason & Hull KR, but either way Mason will still be paid by Hull KR whether he's playing or not.

The only people with questions to answer are Hull KR - if they intend to re-register Dobson in the future - and the Tongan authorities as to why it has taken so long for Mason to receive his Tongan passport.