: Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:22 pm  

Khlav Kalash wrote:

I used the term domestic to identify the ESL as a league and not a European cup type competition. I know in football, teams in the Spanish and Italian leagues used to have an advantage over their English counterparts by being able to fill their teams with Argentinean and Brazilian players due to quota regulations. I have no idea whether this is still the case.

And no, I’m not expecting the French clubs to run signings pass the UK border agency at all, not sure where you’ve pulled that one from. All I’m saying, putting the legalities aside for one moment, the RFL could resolve this issue of one club having an advantage over everyone else by refusing to register any player who is not eligible to play for all member clubs. I would feel the same if Wakefield were able to sign a player that Catalans were unable to due to visa issues.

Re: Winterstein, you really need to get over it.

you have contradicted yourself there

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:23 pm  

Jambon wrote:

What is strange about it? Catalans can sign a player that another team in the same league cant! I find that unfair, what don't you get?

I understand your point about the laws of the land but surely this is an area that now needs to be looked at if possible?

other teams can and did sign him, they just couldnt get a work permit for him, thats something above and beyond rl

Greg Bird. : Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:46 pm  

The Bird has flown, back to Australia for a pre-trial hearing, won`t be back to face us, so the U.K. Border Agency won`t have to deal with him until the Catalans face Leeds on March 27th.
We still don`t have a level playing field, Catalans are allowed 9 non-fed players and Celtic Crusaders are allowed 10 (just don`t ask me why).

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 6:01 pm  

SmokeyTA wrote:

you have contradicted yourself there

Not sure where i have but i'm sure you'll point it out.

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 6:03 pm  

Khlav Kalash wrote:

Not sure where i have but i'm sure you'll point it out.

dont encourage him khlav, i've currently got toothache and even that's significantly less irritating

Re: Greg Bird. : Tue Mar 10, 2009 6:03 pm  

semitone wrote:

The Bird has flown, back to Australia for a pre-trial hearing, won`t be back to face us, so the U.K. Border Agency won`t have to deal with him until the Catalans face Leeds on March 27th.
We still don`t have a level playing field, Catalans are allowed 9 non-fed players and Celtic Crusaders are allowed 10 (just don`t ask me why).

Not an argument worth pursueing if you don't want the shudders clowns and TA cluttering up our board all week

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 8:17 pm  

Khlav Kalash wrote:

Not sure where i have but i'm sure you'll point it out.

You haven't contradicted yourself at all.

As you and jambon have stated, in sporting terms it's unfair. In legal terms, however, it's completely above board.

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:41 pm  

IngsRoader wrote: No Bird to roast on Sunday, has flown back Oz Already. Shame http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 41,00.html Although i want Wakefield to win and it is a real boost for you that he is not playing i really do think it is a shame, it may be the only opportunity for some Trinity fans to see him play live so to speak, i know i was really looking forward to seeing him play, i will still roll up but have to say i am not looking forward to it as much as i was knowing he is missing.

IngsRoader wrote: No Bird to roast on Sunday, has flown back Oz Already. Shame http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 41,00.html Although i want Wakefield to win and it is a real boost for you that he is not playing i really do think it is a shame, it may be the only opportunity for some Trinity fans to see him play live so to speak, i know i was really looking forward to seeing him play, i will still roll up but have to say i am not looking forward to it as much as i was knowing he is missing.

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:58 pm  

I can understand frustrations but this kind of thing was always going happen eventually. There is no point getting hot under the collar about, we and the other small town in Wakefield are not in position to question the validity of granted visa's we both have players with questionable histories. Glass houses and throwing stones springs to mind.

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:34 pm  

Bird is also due to return to Australia for the court case, which starts on April 27.

However the Catalans expected Bird to be available to face Bradford at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium on March 21 - and to get past United Kingdom immigration officers for the game against Leeds at Headingley on March 27.


Love the above statement from the Sky report. It looks like they maybe trying to disguise the bloke. Maybe as their mascot ? Or just hide him in the kit basket.