The RFL has written to Hull FC owner Adam Pearson asking him to explain his comments made in the club’s match programme for Hull’s recent game against Catalans Dragons.
Pearson questioned how the Dragons were able to afford their squad under Super League’s £2.1m salary cap prior to the game the Dragons won 34-29.
“It appears at first glance that Catalans have four marquee players on their books,” Pearson wrote.
“James Maloney, Sam Tomkins, Israel Folau and Sam Kasiano are all big money, star players and pose a huge threat today with a talented squad around them, including the likes of proven, integral Super League players.
“Our CEO James Clark does a good job for maximising all available channels to stretch our salary cap as far as we can through RFL exemptions, rugby union talent and marquee rules, but whoever is doing the equivalent job at Catalans must be a magician by trade!”
Pearson also criticised the RFL’s disciplinary panel in the column, which the RFL have also asked him to explain.
His comments came after Chris Satae and Albert Kelly had been suspended.
“It would be nice to avoid any further ludicrous suspensions and it is pleasing to be able to finally welcome back Chris and Albert today,” he said.
“Albert’s ban was effectively extended to five matches, which I’m sure we all had trouble working out, but the rules are the rules. Meanwhile Chris gets a two-game ban for a schoolyard push which we have seen repeated so many times across Super League in recent weeks and all have gone without punishment.
“Perhaps it might be worth us inviting Warrington stalwart Paul Cullen, the man in charge of the match review panel, for a bit of dinner at one of our games and find out exactly how we have upset him!
“It does seem that punishments are far harsher and more frequent down this end of the M62!”
The RFL sent a compliance letter to Pearson last Tuesday and he has until tomorrow (Tuesday) to explain.
Should his response not satisfy the governing body, Pearson could face actions for his comments.