WAKEFIELD TRINITY and their coach Daryl Powell have been fined over the transfer approach made to St Helens star Harry Robertson.
In June, Saints referred their Super League rivals to the Rugby Football League over a dispute in which Powell claimed his club had a bid for Robertson, who is contracted until the end of 2028, rejected.
St Helens denied any such approach had been made to them and denounced those public comments.
The RFL have found in their favour, fining Wakefield £15,000 (£13,000 suspended until the end of 2028) and Powell £3,000 (£1,000 suspended).
They said Trinity were “found in breach of Operational Rule C1:3:2 (a), which relates to a club or licensed agent or other person acting on a club’s behalf to approach a contracted player directly or indirectly (which shall include statements made to the media) before the 1st December prior to the date upon which the player’s contract is due to expire without receiving the prior written consent of the club to whom the player is contracted.”
In addition, Powell was “found in breach of Operational Rules C2:6 relating to adherence to the Respect policy and Rule D1:1(b) covering conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.”
When Saints first made the complaint, Powell said: “I don’t understand why they’re so touchy. For me, I don’t think we’ve done anything wrong. I don’t know why it’s caused such a stir.”