Its been reported in this weeks league express that Gateshead are on the verge of signing yet another overseas 1/2 back and forward. Sheffield are awaiting the arrival of Aaron Groom. Ben Black played for Halifax against Barrow at the weekend who had Zeb Luisi debuting for them (a player Whitehaven were told by the RFL they couldn't sign due to restrictions on overseas players) and are awaiting the arrival of resident thug Ned Catic. Hunslet have 3 Papau New Guineans turning out in their colours. Super League new boys Celtic Crusaders have around 8 Aussies plying their trade in South Wales, many with no NRL experience whatsover.

Why then has Whitehavens proposed signing of ex Gateshead and Penrith Scrum Half Dan Russell been blocked twice by the RFL? This has been further compacted by another refusal in the proposed signing of Saia Makisi, the player released to free 'Haven's quota spot for 2009. A player who has represented Tonga on the international stage and who signed for Haven at the beginning of the 2008 season originally under the KOLPAK ruling. Upon arrival the RFL then decided to remove his KOLPAK status.

Whitehaven don't expect or want special treatment (although there is an argument that Cumbria should be awarded development area status due to its geographical location). All we want is an equal throw of the dice and parity with the so called 'heartland' clubs.

The new visa regulations have allowed the RFL to grasp even more power over which clubs they decide they wish to be successfull in the lower leagues. It seems to me they are making up the criteria as they go along to suit themselves.

The players 'Haven have been refused don't have criminal records, have, exemplary disciplinary records have played at a high level and in Makisi's case played internationally. Why then have other clubs been allowed to sign players of a similar standard whilst Haven once again look on as the unwanted stepchild of the Championship ?

All we want is a level playing field.

I would allow one non GB/France qualified player in each side in the National Leagues.

There is absolutely no reason to be signing overseas players.

Why? SHall we apply that to SL aswell?

So you agree with not just the top tier of British RL being packed with non GB qualified players but also the lower divisions as well ? Lets go the full way and invite the Australasian kids to come over and play in our youth leagues as well shall we ?

Is it any wonder we have so few talented players ?

It's not a development area any more than Yorkshire or Lancashire.

Recrebel
I thought the reason Whitehavens signings have been blocked is that neither would qualify for a work permit under the new "goverment rules" not the RLs. I guess the players mentioned must all have reasons to qualify.

With regards Stirlingshire Saints nonscense, the NL clubs are businesses just like the SL clubs so why should they be treated differently. Is it to keep them at there own level.Very few SL players come from the NL clubs but though the SL academies so surely its the SL clubs that should be limited by your arguement. NL clubs can't compete for the best youngsters so your idea will not breed more internationals just limit the overseas signings in the NL. eg. more average british players. This is not intended to have a go at the NL but it annoys me when SLs failures are blamed on others.

without knowing the full reasoning behind each refusal - the RFL have no power over who gets a visa or not.

Since when has RL EVER been a level playing field?

Certainly isn't at Batley.

Typical of the attitude of the self preserving Lancashire/Yorkshire RL mafia. People like you were the reason Cumbria were excluded form the County championship all those years ago because we had the audacity to win it!



Why not?

We havent has top flight RL in Cumbria since SL began. We dont have the pool of players to draw from that teams from Yorkshire/Lancashire have and struggle to sign players due to geographical constraints.

We have neither the facilities or coaches locally to compete with 'heartland' clubs when training players or convincing them to remain in the county. For example Donaldson (Bradford) McNally (Hudds) Lunt (Hudds) and Mossop (Wigan) all Cumbrians who have moved or are signed up by current SL clubs.

Im not saying Cumbrian clubs should be allowed to sign 13 Aussies we should be cut some slack where some things are concerned.

Really? Did I imagine Town's 'campaign' in SL1

The RFL dont have the ability to award visas but they do have the power to back players in their application which nigh on guarantees a visa being granted. For example the Celtic Crusaders '8' and Luisi at Barrow.

No, but if you blinked you would have missed it.

I stand corrected. How long did it last though? They were soon condemed to lower league oblivion.

By their failure to win enough games, that being the criteria at the time. Nobody else's fault bar their own.