We tried to sign Michael Picker, Canberra's reserve stand off. Think it was drink driving charges that stopped him getting a visa but can't quite remember. Picker's not standing out in the reserves so it was maybe for the best.

Best thing about Chase not signing is that we can target a genuine scrum half, and let Holdsworth play his preferred, natural position of stand off.

So if he was born in this country or has British ancestors would he be ok?

Jacob Miller (West Tigers) is your man!

''Besides NRL appearances, Miller played in the Wests Tigers' Toyota Cup team. He scored 5 tries and 128 points for the season, as was named as halfback in the competition's Team of the Year.''

Unless he has a EU passport I would doubt he would get a Visa, not played enough games.

Thats the reason we couldn't sign Micheal Picker from the NRL (not because of a driving offence like previously stated).

I posted last week about a young Half playing in the NRL feeder league we're suposed t be looking at. Problem is which was pointed out to me at the time by Sheldon you have to meet certain criteria (games played etc)
I have been told since that he's a south sea islander, so would that make a difference to him getting over here.?

Work permits for sports people are issued to those who are internationally established at the highest level and whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK, so I guess a player in a lower league will have no chance.

rlThisrl would suggest that we have no chance via the work permit route, so unless some other visa or passport is an option, we ain't getting someone from below NRL level.

That doesn't seem to apply to unknown African and South American footballers. Or do they all get in on Portuguese/French/Belgian passports?

Gutted about Chase, would have taken us to the next level. Young NRL player may be getting targetted but don't see how they will get a visa/work permit. Big blow to chances of silverware next year.

the way seymour has been playing laterly isnt it worth keeping him on?

Have they managed to overcome their excitement of the negative news to actually report we've signed Crookes yet?

Its the RFL guidance. The FA one may be different. Up to them to make their own rules on who they'll support.

Have the club actually stated that we have given up on signing Chase or is this just Radio Blunderside jumping the gun and saying something that's appeared on here a bit like the HDM do ??

I can't see them confirming it on the same day as they have announced the signing Crookes.

I can't see them announcing anything till they have a replacement already signed to counteract the news of us not signing Chase ( That's if it is actually true that we've given up on signing him)

Chase isn't the epitome of halfbacks. He goes missing, is petulant and often does stupid things. If we've lost him, so be it.