Or if they are signing for Expansion clubs

Though the border agency is independent they do ask the RFL for recommendations, I remember them saying they said Bird was ok to sign as they felt was good for game or whatever!

So maybe the RFL pushed the agency for Gateshead players etc whereas let Leigh etc do it on there own?

Is funny how Aussies can't get in with pro contracts awaiting them yet others can with no jobs from middle east etc! Why not just grant a Visa for length of his contract? Not hard is it!

BTW On the 50% ruling in Footy it's also the nations outisde the EU and not in the FIFA top 70 world ranking! (Why Liverpool didn't get Mark Gonzales 1st time round even though he'd played enough for Chilie!).

Yeah Daily Mail reader, but have you ever actually TRIED to get someone into this country? Because it's DAMN HARD. Unless they are in the EU, in which case it's as easy as catching a plane, train or boat.

Fair comment but how come there are so many Aussies working the bars in London?

What are they doing that we're not? They can't all be students.

It wasn't all plain sailing for Gateshead Thunder with Puna Rasaubale advised to return to Australia - where he still remains.
rlLINKrl

Reading that, it seems like he couldn't be bothered to me.

From the Gateshead site...

it stinks to be honest and as you say if you are the chosen club you can get what you want

we tried to sign zeb lusi last october but the rfl told us they would not support his visa apllication due to he not meeting the criteria, so we didnt bother , so then barrow ask and they support thier application

the makisi saga they said all along he didnt meet the criterea because they could find no evidence he played for tonga(which they stated in writting it was the only reason they refused to back the application), after 3 appeals we provided the evidnece they asked for including a detailled letter from tonga RL stating dates and games he played,

they then refised again and said he wasnt off sufficent standard which they had never mentioned before and anyone who had seen him play for us last season would diagree with

then dan russell who has played more NRL first grade games they jayce van dyke and tony duggan put togther but again would not back his application

that is why haven are now looking to france and serbia etc for players as we do not believe we will get approval for any overseas player from the rfl

we got thoeharus in from aus but he has a greek passport so they couldnt stop him

because

(a) under 30's are allowed a 2 year temporary work visa by a mutual, reciprocal arrangement between the governments of the UK and Oz, from which professional sport has been explicitly excluded; and

(b) because having one EU-born grandparent is enough to grant a visa on the basis of patriality for 4 years, after which time ozzies can apply for permanent residence (and, indeed, can apply for an EU passport).

That's a lot of Ozzies accounted for, my missus included.

It's a real pity Joe is not coming over, I think he had the potential to be the best signing we have made for a long time. He has just played for Lavington this weekend and scored three tries and kicked 11/12 goals.

This is what I don`t understand , if he was signing and presumably coming to you.Why has he still got a club to play for. As he was supposed to be on a plane this weekend how come he was on the team sheet for this club.
It all seems a bit strange to me. Me thinks it`s been one big red herring or he let you know some time ago he wasn`t coming.

Thanks for the sensible answer.

I am disapointed he is not going to play. I doesn't look good for the rest of the season.

Is it so bad that foreign nationals will struggle to get into the UK and play
Is this player (or others similarly signed) so brilliant that he is worth all the finance to get him here or are our clubs and the governing body ignoring British tallent and going for the short fix option

Wasn't upset when Celtic / Gateshead AN Other fantasist club got the knockback , not too upset that Leigh have.
Time for hard work from those with the current keys to the club on & off the pitch.

just got back of holiday and found out he isnt coming but i am not surprised always doubted he would get here

And it has a railway station! But they pronounce it Lie - weirdos.