So Hauraki is a visa issue I'm assuming? Not back yet??

What's the deal with Smith & Clarkson?

Not heard anything about injuries?! Is McDermott brave enough to pick a team based on form in training perhaps?! BJB was red hot so if he's looked like that in training I can see why Smithy missed out, but Clarkson?!

Broke his thumb just before Christmas (Clarkson that is) and wasn't expected to be back for six weeks.

Ah right. Totally missed that!! Must've actually had work to do that day!

Cheers! My bad.

Any news on an injury to Smithy or are we assuming he's just out of favour?

clarkson was named as one of the subs for the recent pre-season game with crusaders, not sure weather he got on or not, must be fit??

He also played at Fev just did'nt make the 19 this time round.

Smith was in at Kirkstall last week having treatment on I think a hamstring strain (but I could be wrong on that) so maybe it hasn't cleared up as quickly as hoped?

Yeah, why risk Smith against one of the lesser teams in the competition ....

Is Bailey injured or just out of favour?

I understood Hauraki is here and training but he is not allowed to 'work' as he does not have a work visa clearance yet?

was in the 19 man squad though.

Just genuine cases of been dropped by the looks of things - and rightly justified imo.

BJB was white hot in pre season so he deserved and took his chance.
Clarkson, well Id have everyone that played against Dulls ahead of him, just. There is massive competition in the back row, Clarkson will have to work hard to break into it.

Hauraki got his visa today and is named in squad for Fridays game at Hull

www.therhinos.co.uk/news/15973.php

www.therhinos.co.uk/news/15973.php

GH has a point though. I mean, if he already had a Work Permit, and all they were doing is renewing it, November to the middle of February is taking the p[ii[/iss a little bit!

I do wonder how long Torres' work permit takes to renew?

He's Spanish so doesn't need one. However your point is valid

Any African players transferred to the EPL in Jan? If they did I bet they were playing the week after.

The UKBA provides a fast-track service for a £15,000 fee where they'll come out and do all the data collection, biometric scanning etc at your home or place of work.

I would imagine your average Premier League footballer will be taking advantage of that - your average rugby league player, probably not.

Less!!!

Luis Suarez signing for Liverpool was finalised on the 31st Jan and made his debut on the 2nd Feb...he's Uruguayan and did need a work permit

got his visa today according to SSN

That makes sense then - 15k for a player your paying 200k a week is a no brainer.

For a player on less than that a year it's not so simple.

I still the the UKBA have some explaining to do - clearly most clubs has been caught by surprise by just how long the delays have been

I also suspect that when Hetherington talks about RL being discriminated against he's talking in comparison to the other code (since he has direct experience of that)...wouldn't surprise me one bit given that the HMRC has already taken a stance against our code.

Leeds have contacted the Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland to complain about the delays all RL clubs have experienced in securing visas over the winter.

Given he's a LibDem however, I'd expect him to change his mind several times before coming back and blaming Labour then advocating the club setting up their own immigration authority under The Big Society.

£15,000?! To fast track!?

£15,000 to fill the same form in but a bit quicker?!

Jesus H. Christ. I'm glad I was sat down when I read that.

I don't know Sibb mate I'll be sure to answer your question if I knew.

Ah cheers mate! Thanks for answering

When the official site announced that Bailey was'nt in the 19 man squad but Bjb was it stated he hadn't shaken off a groin injury.
[size=50Would of replied earlier but missed yer post![/size