Halifax slam dual-registration system
Halifax have hit out at the dual-registration system and called the decision to scrap the Super League reserve grade as “short sighted and foolish”.
The statement comes after Leeds prop Kylie Leuluai was blocked from appearing for Hunslet this weekend, due to visa issues, with the RFL confirming they are working with the UK Border Agency to change this.
Club chairman Michael Steeler said: “There can be no justification for the use of the Kingstone Press Championship as a venue for securing the fitness of established Super League players. The sooner the Super League Clubs, and RFL recognise the mistake they have made and rectify it without taking the Championship for granted, the better the prospects for the future of the Sport.”
Warrington trio Paul Wood, James Laithwaite and Tyrone McCarthy turned out for Swinton against Workington last weekend, while St Helens‘ former international winger Ade Gardner has been named in Whitehaven’s squad for their trip to Keighley on Sunday.
Hunslet have added Richard Moore to their squad, to join another Leeds player in Liam Hood, while York (Hull) and Workington (Widnes) are also set to make use of dual-registered players this weekend.
A Halifax club statement added: “Halifax RLFC has noted that Kylie Leuluai is unable to be dual registered because of the terms of his work permit. It welcomes the fact that he is ineligible to play as a dual registered player, and can see no merit at all in the position changing.
“The situation in which he has been placed demonstrates the short sighted and foolish nature of the decisions taken to abandon reserve grade in Super League.”
A change in the structure below first team level saw the Under 20s and Under 18s level replaced by one Under 19s competition, where over-age players are not permitted.
This resulted in a raft of partnerships being announced between Super League and Championship clubs, where up to five players can be dual-registered at any one time.
Halifax, along with Featherstone, Sheffield, Leigh and Barrow, have not announced any link up with a Super League side.