Visa Problems : Tue Feb 17, 2009 3:29 pm  

An amusing article on the Aussie players facing visa problems at the moment: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/rugby-league/Losing-on-points-in-attempt.4986220.jp

An amusing article on the Aussie players facing visa problems at the moment: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/rugby-league/Losing-on-points-in-attempt.4986220.jp

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 3:50 pm  

That article still doesn't explain why Crocker et al, who have allegedly minor conviction such as driving offences etc,m are being denied visas.

As for Bird, well we all know what his problem is.

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 3:52 pm  

The Wood wrote:

That article still doesn't explain why Crocker et al, who have allegedly minor conviction such as driving offences etc,m are being denied visas.

Indeed. I was struck by this comment:

Nameless Border Agency official wrote:

"Look, we are absolutely committed to deporting people who commit crimes in this country."

Didn't they commit them in Australia?

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 4:13 pm  

Its funny how a lot of people have got upset at these guys not being allowed visas like its an infringement of their human rights.

Who cares?

Did anybody see the World Cup. What we need to be doing is spending money on our Academy players not small time criminals from down under who are coming over here to top up their pension funds.

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 4:14 pm  

We all know that. It doesn't mean we can't discuss the situation seeing as the clubs have already signed the players

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 4:23 pm  

I'm enjoying it at the moment to be honest. not sure I would be if any of our players were being denied visa's mind.

Still, it should force clubs to look closer to home for talent.

With all of the recent news stories about other NRL players getting into trouble with the law over there, I'm not sure this is going to end soon.

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 4:25 pm  

What happens to the contracts of such players?

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 4:39 pm  

Well I think its a good move, because there's already enough foreigners in the UK and making it a no go for anybody with even the slightest offence to their name, will help screen out a lot of people who we don't want.

It will also be interesting to see how this affects player behaviour in the NRL, some of those who carry on like idiots, getting drunk, fighting, breaking traffic laws, forcing themselves onto women etc, safe in the knowledge that their 'bad boy' reputation will enhance their popularity in Aus, will now know that they are effectively giving up their chance of having their final pay day in England.

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 4:40 pm  

'Hitman' Norvern Soul wrote:

What happens to the contracts of such players?

Same as in normal employment I guess. Normal contracts will be subject to a visa applications for applicants such as these, meaning no visa, no valid contract.

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:28 pm  

RAI of Sunshine wrote:

Still, it should force clubs to look closer to home for talent.

But here's the problem. Our "talent" isn't good enough on a wider scale. You get the odd player coming through but that's it. Were not developing masses of youngsters. Throw Brian Noble's latest verbal diarrhoea into the mix, and it seems clubs have given up on producing their own talent.

If the trend continues, standards in SL will drop further behind the NRL and then what?