Les Tonks Sidestep

At the moment there is ( or at least appears to be) a difference in that The RFL have accepted Briscoe's registration with Leeds, and so far the spirit of the law is still intact. Now when they (as I think they will have to) come to register him on DR with Fev it could (although unlikely as the RFL must know what's going on) become interesting........? IIRC Wigan's 'spirit of the law' offence was only discovered after the event during a salary cap was audit.

You're forgetting that it takes 2 to tango and if any rules have been 'bent' Fev are just as complicit as Leeds....

I doubt any other 2 clubs would have acted differently in the same circumstances......now whether it's against the spirit is an entirely different debate.

As I pressed 'submit reply' I realised I'd missed out a word..... and as you imply, somewhat disappointing that the press haven't challenged the announcement which is clearly against the rules as stated.

New details of the proposed Cas ground due out tomorrow. One (believable) rumour I've heard is that it won't be an all seater - standing area(s) to presumably increase capacity without increasing build cost

Like I said poor press releases!

And from Leeds' "Leeds Rhinos have announced they have signed Luke Briscoe on loan from Featherstone Rovers until the end of the season." and from The RFL's: "Leeds Rhinos have signed their former player Luke Briscoe on loan from Featherstone Rovers."

Poor press office releases I'd imagine. Oh and both clubs' websites.....

Seems pretty clear that it would be breaking loan rules but not necessarily the DR rules..... The DR rules state that "The purpose of the rule will be taken into consideration if an issue arises that is not expressly provided for in these rules". it is quite possible that the 2 clubs have successfully argued that the 'agreement' to let him play for both Leeds and Fev is meeting the purpose of DR in that it is 'providing an enhanced career development pathway' and providing 'additional flexibility for clubs to make arrangements that meet their players' development needs'. FWIW I reckon he's actually signed for Leeds for the rest of the season but will (assuming Leeds' injury crisis subsides or they stick to a gentleman's agreement) be DR'd back to Fev. It is also entirely possible that he has already signed a contract for 2019 with Fev as the Op Rules appear to allow clubs to approach FT players after May 1st of the year their contract expires.

IIRC it was put on report. Nothing to have stopped Dewsbury bringing it to the attention of the disciplinary

Yes - the players have to be recorded either as being on a club's playing register or on the loan register. Whatever arrangement has been concocted appears to be within the rules (as they currently stand )

That statement clearly describes a situation breaking the rules on loans and so as far as stating the 'truth' about the arrangement should probably be taken with a large bucket of salt.

A plan far easier to conceive than put into practice I'd guess .......

He could in theory be going under DR rules. "The purpose of the rule will be taken into consideration if an issue arises that is not expressly provided for in these rules" In this case it would be a player DRing to the 'senior' club which could be argued as helping his development.

Not sure if you are you are promoting the ideas that it would be good for the game if SL clubs being 'richer' would allow them to recruit better players from overseas and/or, that simply paying our own players more would make them better? Neither stacks up for improving the national team or playing standards of our current players.