you only need proof of a contract, as long as hull make it clear to the authorities that he has one ready to go he can apply. He has already signed it anyway according to James rule.

But Crocker had signed this time last year, but he could not apply for his visa until November. I think I read somewhere that it has something to do with the RL, they have to accept a players registration before a contract kicks in and they do not do this until November IIRC. Obviously Fitzgibbon will be playing in the NRL until the end of the season so they will have his registration until then anyway.

Should change the ruling then. They're quick enough to do so when there's a threat of the reduction in overseas players they've been talking about for a decade becoming reality. Any slight c0ck-up in the visa paperwork and these players will miss the start of the season.

Could be a good question for Rule on next weeks radio love in. Ask when is the first oppertunity that new signings can apply for a visa. As I have said earlier, I am pretty sure that it is November.

Well they can both speak English, so that's a start.

Don't think either have a criminal record, although O'Meley is good mates with Willie Mason so who knows.

Heard and read some fans, about O'Meley's drop in form for the past 2 years.

The club have signed, an international proven aggressive prop.

But some fans are still not happy!

Would they have said the same things,if we'd have signed Willie Mason instead of O'Meley

And are they going to get it done properly

I am not a "doom and gloom merchant", but my point is that you cant just disregard the last 2 years and choose to highlight his international form from 5 years ago just because we have now signed him. The fact is he hasnt even been getting picked for the bottom team in the NRL of late (prior to his knee problem).

If we get the Mark O'Meley that earned him his Kangeroo call up, then fantastic.

The fact is on one hand we have signed an Aussie International prop, on the other we have signed a player that cant get in his club side (which is having it worst season in years)

According to NRL.com he has played in 13 of their 17 games thus far so not sure about him not being selected. I'd take the prop that he is now as they would do a great job for us, if we get the O'Meley of 2 oe 3 years ago even better.

He was also called up as a replacement to the City Origin team in May so can't have been doing too badly.