Yup, and behind that pack they could play me right centre and i wouldnt look bad!!

Yes, we could even put Thorman at right centre, and even he would look............oh now we are getting silly aren't we.

Unless there's any way of manu becoming exempt, then we have no spare overseas spots anyway next year

Manu qualifies for the Stanley Gene exemption as of next season. He just needs to apply before November.

I did intend on sending KCFM an e-mail when Manu was on last Wed asking if he'd applied to be a fed player, but while been in a bit of a rush, I pressed save instead of send. I didn't realise until the show was over.

When I briefly read the rules it seemed to indicate a player can only apply for their exemption when their existing deal runs out. Manu is contracted to the end of next season

It's actually the opposite - they have to apply [ibefore[/i their existing deal runs out. But having re-read the rule they can only apply during the final year of the contract AND the dispensation doesn't apply until the end of that contract year (November).

As Manu is contracted next season he WILL count as overseas until the end of his contract. For some reason I thought he was OOC at the end of this year, hence my earlier comment.

So that means we are up to our full compliment for next year already and there are no spaces for Tony/Moa/Cordoba/A N Other. If I've counted right...

Berrigan
Cusack
Manu
Lauaki
Fitzgibbon
O'Meley

6 O/S players which is the full allowance for 2010.

Actually I meant that the dispensation/exemption could only begin following completion of the current contract which is the case. It's a poor system that benefits teams who have overseas players on short contracts

Tony would be eligible for the exemption

It's a poor system full stop. If we're serious about reducing the number of O/S players in the game we shouldn't be inventing ways to get around the rules.

Shame we can't have some sort of wild card exemption for players like moa who are from developing nations but haven't played in the NRL (only 10 minutes anyway)

He would, as long as he applies before November. TBH I've been assuming that we won't be offering him a new contract anyway due to his fitness issues.

Only been done to head off legal challenges to the system from players who were in the country prior to the quota being introduced and who have a legal right to work here

Which would be the right call IMO. Retaining him simply because he's an overseas player we can get an exemption for would be a poor decision in just about every respect.

Doesn't have to be a contract from us

I know. Originally it did but the RFL changed the rule so that the exemption applies to the player regardless of who he signs for. I guess there was another potential legal issue with the way it was first framed.

moa,must be p***d off knowing that he is going to be released at the end of the season,unless there is some unknown rule that allows him to stay with us.what has happened to agar's ''project''!!

I for one will be severely dissapointd if we are not going to be retaining the services of Moa, and just know that this is going to bite us in the in a few seasons

apparantly,all the o/s places are now taken up,which means no place next season for moa or cordoba(if he impresses these next few weeks).where will they go next season?

I am really disappointed that Moa won't be staying, he has all the attributes to be a very good prop and letting him go is a mistake imo.

Agree 100%.

even with his spanish passport?

Are we allowed to give him a contract to play only reserve grade and then reinstate him the following year when Cusack is likely to retire?

He's still a non federation trained player. His spanish passport is irrelevant.

Or could we even help get him an NL contract with a small buyout clause at the end of the season? Could suit all parties if done right.