He has been training with the first team as i understand it, though as you say he may not as yet have a FT deal. IMO the three i mentioned will be the only ones promoted from this seasons reserves and with Ryan Esders getting a renewed deal that would get Rovers the necessary numbers to meet the criteria.

Wheeldon and Lovegrove don't count as homegrown.

Pretty certain that Wheeldon does count as club-trained. Our 6 for 2009, being him, Esders, Welham, Spaven, Watts and I'anson.

Lovegrove's dispensation does run out this year, but he doesn't need it anymore - EU passport, in SL before Feb 2008 and would be on a new contract (if that even still matters?).

with everyone saying Vella has a Maltese passport so isnt on the quota, does that mean Lovegrove wont be on it either then as he has a British passport? and can also play for South Africa...

Wheeldon doesn't count as club trained, but Murrell does.

As for Lovegrove much will depend on whether his status is Fed or Non-Fed trained. Either way i'm certain he'll be a Rovers player next season.

Doesn't it depend on where he's trained, rather than where his passport is from? Both Lovegrove and Vella would be at the very least, non-fed trained. I think for us, Manu is going onto fed trained as he's been playing here for a few years (same with gene last year?).

To be classed as a home trained player, I tink they have had to have been signed with the club for three seasons before they're 21.

Lovegrove won't be on the quota because of his British passport - playing for South Africa wouldn't make any difference. As he was in SL before feb 2008, he can also apply to become fed-trained when/if he renews his contract.

I think it is the other way round, but as they both have contracts for next year it doesn't matter much.

When you say much will depend on Lovegrove's status, do you mean in bringing in non-fed players to the squad? If its up to 5 quota plus non-feds to a total of 6 and Vella is already non-fed... no, sorry my head just exploded.

Must say the rules get more confusing by the minute!!!!

Wheeldon played 5 games for Rovers U-17's 7 years ago. That doesn't constitute club trained, his status is Federation trained. Murrell IS club trained.

There is an RFL rule, or rather exception to the others, saying that at their discretion, if it fulfils the spirit of the rule, they may overlook the letter of the law. Given the difficulty of retaining potentially SL quality players while in the NL, perhaps we got a [sizedispensation[/size for Wheeldon?

If a NL club steps up to SL in 2012, I doubt they'll have 8 homegrown SL quality players, from day one, so the rules will continue to be interpreted 'flexibly'.

Or you may be correct and it is Murrell who joined us from Leeds at 20 years old, who qualifies.

Maybe??

But thats not my take on things, that said it doesn't really matter at the moment anyway. At least i don't think it does!!!!!!

Which would therefore mean Lovegrove does aswell?

Esders was told a few weeks ago he was free to look elsewhere, wether that has changed because he played ok for Quins , time will tell.

I wonder if "Oyster Bay" could clarify Rhys' situation?

Clear as mud! Not counted on quota and non-fed if this helps.