: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:26 pm  

AJ wrote:

No, I don't think it means all will. But it certainly gives Catalan an advantage in terms of recruiting the real quality - like Bird.

I agree that it could help the rest of SL get their act together, and without delving too deeply into the politics of it all, the RFL have dug themselves into a corner on this one.

The RFL had no option but to accept his registration. He has the valid necessary paperwork to play for Catalans, they wouldnt have a leg to stand on if they refused to register him.

At the end of the day, if Catalans want to fill their quota spots with criminals and troublemakers just for the sake of it, let them do it - it wont do them any good in the long run.

: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:27 pm  

lothlorian wrote:

lets be honest, whats the guy done, hes awaiting trial, if convicted the rfl should withdraw his registration from the league, but until then should anybody be stopped plying there trade over what at this moment in time is an allegation.

If he does get convicted for assault and the RFL do as you say, surely that must mean Feka gets his registration withdrawn over his GBH conviction?

: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:30 pm  

It would have been nice if Catalan had voluntarily refused to sign him in the interests of SL harmony but all clubs act purely out of self interest.

It's just one more joke in the comedy performance that is Superleague, I'm afraid.

: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:33 pm  

jinkin jimmy wrote:

It would have been nice if Catalan had voluntarily refused to sign him in the interests of SL harmony but all clubs act purely out of self interest.

It's just one more joke in the comedy performance that is Superleague, I'm afraid.

How different people's opinions would of been had he signed for Wigan

: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:36 pm  

100% Warrior wrote:

How different people's opinions would of been had he signed for Wigan

Not mine pal. You'll find plenty of posts on here recently by me that are anti imports.

: Thu Mar 05, 2009 1:22 pm  

In a way this highlights one potential problem of having teams from mainland europe in the competition.

This could really end in a farce if one week he is allowed into the UK then a couple of weeks later he is not.

: Thu Mar 05, 2009 1:40 pm  

100% Warrior wrote:

If he does get convicted for assault and the RFL do as you say, surely that must mean Feka gets his registration withdrawn over his GBH conviction?

and why not, as much as i rate feka the same rule would have to apply. however with things like this its never black and white and there are big grey areas. each case would have to be considered individually. if a guy beats someone to a pulp, and the force used is above and beyond reasonable, then he should absolutely be kicked out the league, but say a group of lads outnumber you and you break someones jaw with a punch, a pre emptive strike then absolutely not. the conviction and the circumstances leading it to it would have to be considered.

: Thu Mar 05, 2009 3:56 pm  

BANISHED Cronulla star Greg Bird last night finally broke his silence about a controversial move to France by declaring: "I was over the constant harassment in Australia." Bird, 25, yesterday modelled his new Catalans jumper in the southern French city of Perpignan and is set to debut for the club on Sunday morning (AEDT) against Castleford in Super League. Angry at his critics yet excited at playing again, Bird opened up to The Daily Telegraph, saying from France: "I'm just relieved to be over here and back in a football environment and back around a team again. I just want to play footy again. "I'm enjoying it over here away from the constant harassment. I was over the judgmental people (in Australia). http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 66,00.html

BANISHED Cronulla star Greg Bird last night finally broke his silence about a controversial move to France by declaring: "I was over the constant harassment in Australia." Bird, 25, yesterday modelled his new Catalans jumper in the southern French city of Perpignan and is set to debut for the club on Sunday morning (AEDT) against Castleford in Super League. Angry at his critics yet excited at playing again, Bird opened up to The Daily Telegraph, saying from France: "I'm just relieved to be over here and back in a football environment and back around a team again. I just want to play footy again. "I'm enjoying it over here away from the constant harassment. I was over the judgmental people (in Australia). http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 66,00.html

: Thu Mar 05, 2009 7:51 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

you mean like some folk in the premier league want restrictions on the number of none british players but that would contravene eu law?
the rfl didnt stop bird playing it was the british government. he wasnt allowed a visa. the rfl sanctioned his move to bradford as they did with eastwood, crocker etc.

you might be a bit slow but at least your happy, laughter is the best medicine chuck

I'm not slow I'm a student of English Language and I have A levels in Politics amongst other things, so when it comes to things like this I know what I'm talking about.

I think you'll find you did not prove your point nor did you disprove mine. You pointed out that these players were refused visas and not allowed to play by the government because they're not allowed to work here. That is not proving your point that the EU could make the RFL allow Bird to play is it?

And your point about the limit of non-British players that would contravene EU Law? You'll find that the quote in SL does also. This is known as a gentlemans agreement. They're not technically allowed to do it but the teams agreed to it for the good of the game and actually do it by choice.

So who's slow now? I think it's you...

: Thu Mar 05, 2009 8:03 pm  

I dont care if he stays in aus or comes over here, it doesnt affect me, but Im just glad to see some quality players coming over for once instead of average garbage from aus.