Andy Wilson's Twitter

Quote: General Zod. "They also stated Paul Cooke was a registered player despite their own operational rules stating at that time that they required a signed contract (not a legally binding, a verbal agreement etc. I mean a signed contract) to validate a player's registration otherwise he was classed as a "contract expired player".'"

And they stuck with that story. They eventually cleared him to sign for Rovers by claiming that he had submitted a letter of resignation that had been accepted by FC. Once they put out a story they never go back on it, rightly or wrongly.

Quote: General Zod. "I get the strong impression the RFL make things up as they go along to serve their own purpose and in this case it benefits them making "off the record" agreements to get the highest profile signing in the summer era here in this country playing in the SL competition - especially in the light of Eastmond jumping ship to the toff brigade.'"

The RFL have their own interests at the top of their priorities at all times. They will not do or say anything that might indicate an error on their part, or make public any shady dealings that might have gone on. And I imagine that they would consider the loss of Dobson for the rest of the season (or even for good) a price well worth paying if required.

Quote: General Zod. "You're right in saying that Dobson is technically a "contract expired player" but this is irrelevant in the big scheme of things cos Dobson won't be going anywhere.'"

He isn't a Contract Expired player. He's a Free Agent. There is a difference, albeit not a huge one in this instance. I have no doubt that Dobson has agreed to stay at Rovers on the basis that everything gets cleared up in good time. The only complications might be if this were to drag on with further delays to Mason's passport, or if the RFL decide he can't re-register this season.