That scenario requires the RFL to make some illogical decisions.

Assume the fault is all Rovers and Hull KR decide to bully their way out of it. This might work, though it'd be a bit timid of the RFL to accept it (possible admittedly). You'd think they'd at least describe the situation as 'disappointing' and embarras us. They seem happy enough.

More likely the RFL have been kept in the loop and are party to any f-up. This isn't the simplest way out. Give Ben Galea a 'bridging exemption' until his passport comes through rather than letting everybody with Islander heritage become fed-trained - it'd cause a few grumbles, but the rules survive.

The only conclusion I can see is that the RFL have decided that the rules are going to be unworkable/ineffective/irrelevant and were content to accept a [ide facto[/i return to pre-2008 rules. They still have 'club-trained', which is the route football is going down. That'll be easier for them and - if they build on it - possibly more effective.

@Scott HKR...

As the rules [istood[/i, there is no way Mason should qualify as fed-trained whatever passports he hold.

Moa and Lauaki should both now be eligible for fed-trained status.

The 3 Wigan players you mention were already here at the start of the 2008 season. That qualifies them as fed-trained (Hansen would anyway actually), and they have the right passports to get off the old quota.

Mason wasn't here for 2008 so shouldn't qualify as fed-trained - being off the old quota would be irrelevant.

Mason does not fit in with any of the rules. Being off quota is not the same as being Fed Trained. This is what I meant when I said that you don't understand the rules.

The problem with that is the use of the phrase Federation Trained in the quote from the RFL. This is a phrase with a clear definition within the Operational Rules, and Mason equally clearly does not qualify. If they've just dropped the whole Non Fed/Fed Trained scenario then why bother to mention it and shine a light on the fundamental contradiction?

Anyway - I've actually emailed the RFL politely asking for a clarification. If I get a response I'll post it here. Not holding my breath, mind.

Please, read what I am writing.

I am well aware that fed trained is not the same as being off quota. Quota, Non-Fed trained, Fed-trained and home grown are the 4 categories of players correct?

But, read what that link said. Wigan had their 5 spots filled by genuine quota players, at the time of writing that post, clubs were then allowed 1 further NON-FED trained player, and the rest had to be (minus the 6? I think homegrown players required) federation trained. However, it said they had 3 further players who were not on the quota. So at least 2 of them had to be in the same situation Mason is now - going on the FED TRAINED list due to passport - correct? Or does Pat Richards suddenly count as home grown?

And I also emailed the RFL asking for the situation to have light shed on lol. And it was an impartial email, clearly identifying that by the rules stated by the RFL, Mason should not be allowed to be fed trained. Equally, if I recieve a response, I will post it

I think what's encouraging is the way that Rovers are doing their very best to stay within the spirit of what the RL are trying to achieve with the quota rules. It's important not only to even up the competition but to develop British talent so that the northern hemisphere can compete at international level. Long gone are the days when Rovers needed to look for loopholes to get players such as Gene off the quota because they've been working hard on local player development. I applaud them.

This is from a club who have used a loop hole to get a coach here.

The difference between Richards and Mason is that Richards was here in 2008. If Richards came across now, he'd be non-fed.

It would be so counter-productive if such a loophole exists. It would blow a hole in everything the RFL has been trying to achieve over the last 10 years with regard to British and mainland European player development. Very disappointing for the game as a whole if true.

I am.


You need to go back and read that link again. It doesn't say what you think it says.

I hope Scott isn't advising Rovers on this

But Leo-Latu the Kiwi who also played for Tonga has been playing in this country for a few seasons and is refused a re-entry visa.