: Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:52 am  

TURFEDOUT wrote:

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/rugby/article.html?in_article_id=23908&in_page_id=45&in_a_source=

Think he was actually on the books of Sydney Roosters at the time,unless this is a completely different Frank Winterstein

Think he has been at the Roosters.

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:02 pm  

Arn't we mixing up quotas and visa/work permits here.

If he has a Samoan Passport then doesn't he have a more or less automatic right of entry under the Kolpac agreement? Whether he has played enough NRL or international games would not matter.

The fact that he would count as a quota player is a different issue altogether, isn't it? Or have I missed something.

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:07 pm  

Wembley '83 wrote:

Arn't we mixing up quotas and visa/work permits here.

If he has a Samoan Passport then doesn't he have a more or less automatic right of entry under the Kolpac agreement? Whether he has played enough NRL or international games would not matter.

The fact that he would count as a quota player is a different issue altogether, isn't it? Or have I missed something.

Try telling that to Marsdengiant!!!!!

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:07 pm  

No1_Saints _Fan wrote:

Think he has been at the Roosters.

Thought so.

It looks like he has played for Samoa then,in the Fed cup in 2006.

Its interesting that the topic starter has now gone quiet - he seemed to make an issue out of the fact he hadnt actually played for Samoa,which now appears incorrect.

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:17 pm  

bramleyrhino wrote:

Don't the Home Office have their own criteria when it comes to granting work permits? (Something like "must have played certain %age of NRL / internationals?).

criminal records also.

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:23 pm  

TURFEDOUT wrote:

Thought so.

It looks like he has played for Samoa then,in the Fed cup in 2006.

Its interesting that the topic starter has now gone quiet - he seemed to make an issue out of the fact he hadnt actually played for Samoa,which now appears incorrect.

I am here sweetcheeks

We now have the press cuttings. thanks for them. I looked at his Bulldogs profile and it said no reps honours. (maybe Oz clubs think developmental games are not proper reps games)

If he played for samoa three years ago as a tier 2 country then that may be enough. Box ticked and over he may pop.

Still rather sad that a game for a developmental Samoan side 3 years ago is enough. Not being able to get games in a NRL team that had problems in its back row last year is not an impediment.

If our game is strengthened by bring over reserve grade NRL players so be it

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:41 pm  

Wembley '83 wrote:

Arn't we mixing up quotas and visa/work permits here.

If he has a Samoan Passport then doesn't he have a more or less automatic right of entry under the Kolpac agreement? Whether he has played enough NRL or international games would not matter.

The fact that he would count as a quota player is a different issue altogether, isn't it? Or have I missed something.

No.

A Kolpak player still requires a work permit to enter the UK but once they have that, they have to be given the same employment rights as a EU citizen.

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:41 pm  

Marsdengiant wrote:

I am here sweetcheeks

We now have the press cuttings. thanks for them. I looked at his Bulldogs profile and it said no reps honours. (maybe Oz clubs think developmental games are not proper reps games)

If he played for samoa three years ago as a tier 2 country then that may be enough. Box ticked and over he may pop.

Still rather sad that a game for a developmental Samoan side 3 years ago is enough. Not being able to get games in a NRL team that had problems in its back row last year is not an impediment.

If our game is strengthened by bring over reserve grade NRL players so be it

I love it how you always exagerate ,3 years since he played for Samoa??
Actually bit closer to 2years isnt it??
It was you that made the big deal about him not playing for Samoa - when you can see he has.

Just let all the bitterness spill out,go on, have a good old cry.

You could have quite simply admitted you made a mistake.

But hey ho,you can now keep your fingers crossed that he doesnt get a Visa.

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:01 pm  

still, it does pose the question of why Wakefield are willing to take a punt on an untried, untested Samoan, yet not on a young british player

: Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:03 pm  

Is there really any need to sign this player. Is there not a suitable reserve/academy prospect within the club, or a Championship player.

I am all for 'big name' overseas players who bring something to SL but this guy is a complete unknown (to fans) by the sounds of it. If there is not an ideal British player at the same standard then we really should ask, why not?