Twitter Talk: Toronto visa problems to hit Super League clubs
The integrity of the game has been brought in to question again this week with the visa implications hitting trips to Toronto in The Qualifiers.
According to reports, Super League clubs have been informed that some players may not be granted visas for their trip to Canada, potentially weakening them for a decisive tie to decide their top flight future.
For Championship and League One fans, this is nothing new. Several clubs have been hit hard by this over the past two seasons, and there have been instances where threadbare squads of just 14 players have taken to the field away at the Wolfpack.
It’s caused much debate on Twitter, as seen below.
Toronto themselves cannot be blamed for this. However, it does raise questions of the integrity of the competition. Toronto’s Championship rivals, for instance, may end up playing a Super League side that is much stronger than the one faced by the Wolfpack as a result.
That being said, given the dual-registration rules currently, that happens week in week out to other teams already.
And visa restrictions being tighter in Canada prevent Toronto from signing players that would be able to sign for UK (or even French) clubs.
Let us know what you think about the debate in the comments below.
It is my understanding that Super League clubs facing a trip to Toronto in the qualifiers have been told that several of their key stars may not qualify for visa’s to enter Canada. Could be a huge problem and a big factor in the outcome of those games?
— Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonRadio) July 18, 2018
Some of the players involved may well have signed contracts before Toronto even entered the league. The point isn’t Canada having strict rules on entry, more how has it got to this stage before being sorted already….. https://t.co/ER0LJe3gU9
— Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonRadio) July 18, 2018
Toronto shouldnt be in our league……simple. i have nothing against them, but they should be playing Ontario, and not Widnes. They should be playing Vancouver and not Salford………simple.
— Scott Solway (@SolwayScott) July 18, 2018
Last on #rugbyleague if the rumours are right about the views on @TOwolfpack from other clubs and player welfare issues we’ve got 95 players at SMTM and not one person has shown a negative about @TOwolfpack only positives to play there and expand the game to new ventures ??
— ShowMeTheMoneyUK (@SMTMUK) July 19, 2018
If that's the case, it's wrong & gives an unfair advantage to the home team. Will affect the future of clubs losing super league status, or preventing others gaining it, & putting innocent people at risk of losing their jobs. Either play where there is no issue, USA or U.K.
— The Reverend Belcher (@belcher_the) July 19, 2018
It’s far from a ridiculous comment. Only in rugby league would you find a player who plays in the EUROPEAN Super League inwble tomplay on a game in the EUROPEAN super league due to a visa issue in Canada. During the season can be planned for. Middle 8s could be 2 weeks notice.
— Jack (@JackTAllen95) July 18, 2018
Rugby League self destruction is unbelievable. Toronto may be blocked entry to ESL next season over visa issues. What a joke.
— Nathan White (@rarewhitebear) July 19, 2018
Why am I now seeing stuff all over Facebook about super league clubs being at a disadvantage having to travel to Toronto because of visa issues? You didn’t care all this year when the championship clubs have been going with 14/15 players… @TheRFL @SuperLeague shambles.
— nathan chappell (@Chapps100) July 18, 2018
So I've just seen that several key players from the SL clubs heading to Toronto in these Middle 8's won't be able to go due to visas etc. Surely how is this allowed? That gives Toronto a huge boost and an advantage.
— Kieran Curl (@KieranCurl99) July 18, 2018
@nigelwis Trouble in the “Mill” rumours are that the Wolfpack may be refused entry into Super League even if they qualify could it be the block fixture issue when Toronto is gripped by inclement weather between Feb & the end of April plus Visa problems
— Melway42 (@Melway42) July 17, 2018