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.

Barrow put in the time and effort to appeal the Luisi decision (which Haven didn't bother to do) and then waited 3 months for him to arrive. Job done - no conspiracy.

We also waited 3 months for Ned Catic and he's played in 2 Aussie GF's and spent the last 2 years in SL.

We signed 3 x World Cup Fijians on 2 year contracts IN JANUARY and are still waiting for them to arrive due to the UKBA insiting they pass an English course, which are only run every 3 months (it was over-subscribed in March). As soon as they get the required certificate, they can enter the UK.

Like I say, there's no conspiracy - just the quango of the UKBA.

as far as im aware you didnt appeal lusi you ask the rfl to supprt his visa apllication and they said yes, after having said no to haven

The rules are clear enough it's not difficult.

Last October I think UKBA introduced a new points based system for non EU Nationals.

Basically there are three steps:

1. The Club need to apply for sponsorship status (be allowed to employ 'migrants')
2. If accepted they are allowed to give the migrant (the player) a certificate (basically a number for his application) that shows that he has emplyment lined up;
3. The player applies for a visa.

The points based system - a player needs 70 points - points make prizes!

How do you get points:

1. If the governing body (RFL - so they have a massive say) support your application (basically give a letter saying that no EU nationals could take the position) you get 50 points. Leigh announced that the RFL supported the application.
2. The player can speak English - 10 points!
3. The player can support themselves and dependants financially (think you need to show funds of £3000 per individual) 10 points.

So Leigh announce the RFL support our application, he can speak english, i presume he satisfies number three - so the question has to be asked - how has it been turned down???!!!

They probably gave him £2999

Bit ironic, just reading through this thread and the advert at the bottom was for UK Visas