We got em

[Beavers Headgear]

http://www.radiosport.co.nz/SportsNews/spleg/Detail.aspx?id=136700

UK clubs ordered to release Kiwis

5/2/2008 2:12 PM
The International Rugby League Federation has ordered Wigan and Leeds to release two players for the Kiwis centenary test

The International Rugby League Federation has ordered Wigan and Leeds to release Kiwis duo Thomas Leuluai and Brent Webb for next week's Centenary Test in Sydney.

The UK clubs were unwilling to do so, as they have crucial Challenge Cup matches the same weekend.

Federation chairman Colin Love says it was a pretty straightforward decision to make.

Love says there were a number of issues to consider, but at the end of the day it was pretty clear cut because it is a major fixture that has been scheduled for a long time. He says he is confident the clubs will abide by the decision.

Should Webb and Leuluai not arrive in Australia for the test, they will be deemed ineligible to play in the corresponding round of Super League matches.

 

[ozbash]

The International Rugby League Federation has ordered Wigan and Leeds to release two players for the Kiwis centenary test


That has blown me away.

I never thought this would happen. Despite the news, I probably wont believe it till I see it.

Perhaps the RLIF/NZRL are growing a set of testicles...

 

[Rich102]

I think we may have Bennett to thank for a lot of this.

 

[Skinner]

It may still not neccessarily happen, but bugger me, why didn't we do it before...

Howie....you have gone up in my estimation.

 

[Micistm]

I was stoked to hear this, completely stoked. And I have to say I do like the direction the NZRL is moving in. Big ups for them to finally standing up and being counted.
Personally, IMHO we won't actually get them, I reckon the vindictive pricks will sideline them with 'injuries', but I am really thrilled to see the International/Rep game taking precedence on paper. I don't know if it will change anything though, but commend our guys. It gives me back a bit of passion and pride as a fan, as corny as that sounds. It was getting to the point I just didn't care.
Was fun listening to a few poms call up Telfers show yesterday, suggesting us Kiwis 'grow up' and the clubs have the right. I was actually impressed with Telf, turning it around, asking how they'd feel if Clubs didn't release their soccer stars for internationals. Caused a lot of 'ums', followed by a most fans don't want to risk their stars for friendlies etc.
What a Lol. Easy to take that view when it's not your team affected.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

I think we may have Bennett to thank for a lot of this.

Agreed

On the footy show Kearney said they wouldnt be where they are now in discussions if it wasnt for Bennett. he has huge pull with the powers that be

 

[roughyedspud]

so why not have wayne bennett head a totally independent RLIF ?

 

[Robster]

Can club coach's still rule out player due to injurie in the off season?

 

[Micistm]

so why not have wayne bennett head a totally independent RLIF ?

That's where I see Bennet heading ultimately. Seeing him post the All Golds game last year, his love of the International game is obvious. He'd be great in the role.

 

[miguel de cervantes]

That's where I see Bennet heading ultimately. Seeing him post the All Golds game last year, his love of the International game is obvious. He'd be great in the role.

That would be great. If the WC is a half decent success and Bennett takes up such a role then I would feel positive that Int League has finally started turning a corner.

 

[Skinner]

How about this for a sook.

From the Rhinos Official site :
http://www.leedsrugby.com/

World Champions Leeds Rhinos have expressed their disappointment at the decision by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) to force them to release Brent Webb to play a mid-season international.

Webb will play against Bradford Bulls in Cardiff on Saturday 3rd May. His itinerary requires him to travel immediately after the game on a 3 hour journey to a hotel in London, from where he will fly to Sydney hours later. He will then play in the International game 3 days later before immediately returning to the UK, arriving back exactly seven days after departure.

Commenting on the decision Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, “We believe his selection is inconsistent with accepted inter hemisphere team travel protocol, especially given the nature and standards of the contest. The players risk to injury would significantly increase.

“We made our concerns known to the New Zealand administration several months ago.

In addition, the fixture clashes with our clubs involvement in the Carnegie Challenge Cup, which of course is a sudden death knockout competition.

“Our club has and always will be a big supporter of International RL but on this occasion we strongly believe that the player should not be required to undertake this very punishing and dangerous schedule.

“As a club we understand we have a duty of care to our players. We will not consider Brent for the Carnegie Challenge Cup game against Harlequins RL, even if he is back in the country on time, as we have his best interests at heart. Players should not be put in this position and we are not only disappointed with the outcome but the process by which it has come about,” added Hetherington.

 

[Alehana]

How about this for a sook.

From the Rhinos Official site :
http://www.leedsrugby.com/

World Champions Leeds Rhinos have expressed their disappointment at the decision by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) to force them to release Brent Webb to play a mid-season international.

Webb will play against Bradford Bulls in Cardiff on Saturday 3rd May. His itinerary requires him to travel immediately after the game on a 3 hour journey to a hotel in London, from where he will fly to Sydney hours later. He will then play in the International game 3 days later before immediately returning to the UK, arriving back exactly seven days after departure.

Commenting on the decision Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, “We believe his selection is inconsistent with accepted inter hemisphere team travel protocol, especially given the nature and standards of the contest. The players risk to injury would significantly increase.

“We made our concerns known to the New Zealand administration several months ago.

In addition, the fixture clashes with our clubs involvement in the Carnegie Challenge Cup, which of course is a sudden death knockout competition.

“Our club has and always will be a big supporter of International RL but on this occasion we strongly believe that the player should not be required to undertake this very punishing and dangerous schedule.

“As a club we understand we have a duty of care to our players. We will not consider Brent for the Carnegie Challenge Cup game against Harlequins RL, even if he is back in the country on time, as we have his best interests at heart. Players should not be put in this position and we are not only disappointed with the outcome but the process by which it has come about,” added Hetherington.

this guys a d!ck, all he could care about is his own payroll and his team making as much $$ as they can buy winning as many as they can, he couldn't care less about international RL, i would like so c his reaction if brent wasn't allowed to be released but wasn't allowed to play in the knockout cup aswell, i hope they get knocked out, to c the look of his face, probs right another letter about it. wan**er.

 

[Bobby DIGital]

Up yours Leeds, Wigan and the entire ESL.

 

[NZ Warrior]

Go f**k your collective selves, ESL.

 

[Robster]

Pathetc. I would let any Warriors play for country of choice even if it meant them missing a match. IRL is passion and heart of Rugby League.

 

[ozbash]

yea, but webbys an australian !

hang on to him bluey...

 

[Alehana]

it will be a field day for commentators, webb v webb

 

[Bay Vikings]

If Leeds were truly worried about Webbys welfare they'd have let him travel the day after his name was read out for the Kiwis. If they can't beat that huge superpower of league that goes by the name 'Harlequins' without Webb then they don't deserve to be there anyway.

 

[roughyedspud]

they play bradford in a super league game today before they play harlequins in the challenge cup..

i understand webb is flying tomorrow (sunday) from london heathrow...

 

[Micistm]

I seriously still have doubts after so many years of being shat on, but if it happens...OMFG, it makes you wonder why the NZRL have not simply named the team they want in the past and taken them on. Bizarre if it really was that simple all along!