Why should the RFL give dispensation in this example?

All I can see is HKA are trying to do something the RFL have rules against in the hope the RFL will let them off because they are signing Willie Mason (and keeping Dobson, Galea, Webster, Green, and Clinton)

What extenuating circumstances are there that means the RFL should give dispensation in this case?

As I understood it the process wasn't as specific and he would simply be listed as a "sportsperson" although I may have that wrong. But I'm sure he could easily switch to becoming a temporary coach whilst the situation is sorted out. Also he can still enter the country without it particularly being an issue for UKBA, as long as he doesn't work until he does fullfill the conditions of being an RL player.

The extenuating circumstances are that Mason has been promised and is expecting to receive a Tongan passport in the very near future (and probably should have received it before now) which would take him off the "Overseas Quota". If Mason had received his Tongan passport last week this wouldn't be a problem.

Also just because you disagree with a decision the RFL may make (We havent even got anywhere the re-registration of Dobson yet) in the future doesn't mean that they are wrong or aren't doing their job as governing body.

And if Galea had received his passport then Willie wouldnt need his. Those arent extenuating circumstances, its a club which tried to get more overseas players than they should be allowed under the regulations, failing in their attempts to use loopholes.

This is a clear and unarguable attempt to circumvent the quota rules. This is the reason that this clause regarding re-registering was put in to the operational rules and it applies specifically to overseas players.

If the RFL arent applying their rules and only using discretion in exceptional and extenuating circumstances then they arent doing their job.

Is he really? Perhaps you would like to enlighten me as to where he is "gloating like mad" as I've just been on the forum and can find absolutely no evidence of it. Tell me the thread and the page though please keep in mind I've just checked all his posts to see if I could find out what you are going on about.

Indeed, be interesting to see what happens if Mason get injured (not hoping he does, I hope he gets shown up as a spent force)

You do have it wrong. His visa will be for him to work in the UK as a rugby league player



No he can't. Unless the job description of rugby league player included some element of coaching. I can't see why it would.



Correct.

Mason was supposed to have a Tongan passport now, and therefore be off quota - due to circumstances beyond the control of HKR this hasnt happened in time.

Sounds like circumstances that this rule would have been written for.

I guess the original intention of the rule was to stop clubs signing big name Aussies on short term contracts, and then re-registering a player they had to release to accomodate them.

Given that Mason will be here for a number of years on a Tongan passport, I can see why the RFL would agree to a dispensation in this case.

Why would the RFL write a rule and use their dispensation to not only allow but to expedite a player circumventing the quota?

Because that is the only reason Mason needs a Tongan passport.

For what you have put to be correct, the RFL would need to WANT clubs to circumvent the overseas quota and have introduced a rule to allow this. Considering what the RFL have publicly said regarding overseas players and commitment to youth i can only expect they feel the opposite.

You are basically arguing the RFL give dispensation to the re-registering of Dobson because HKA's attempts to circumvent the quota with loophopes through Galea and Mason have failed.

Hi Rob

This obviously applies to Mason but what about Dobson? If he's not now working as an RL player then presumably his visa becomes invalid.

I believe he has 28 days to find new employment before any such provision would kick in. Assuming that anyone has alerted UKBA to his change in circumstances of course...

We have, Willie is now Tongan, Vella is now Maltese, Lovegrove is home trained, Fisher is now McFisher and Newton is a Yank. What more do you want