No Cup reprieve for Vikings

May 15 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A CHALLENGE Cup lifeline was pulled from Widnes Vikings’ grasp with the Rugby Football League’s decision not to throw Hull FC out of this season’s competition.

There had been suggestions the Vikings could be reinstated and visit Bradford Bulls in the quarter-finals due to the KC Stadium club fielding an ineligible player in the fifth-round tie at Stobart Stadium Halton.

Hull FC re-signed prop forward Jamie Thackray from Leeds Rhinos on March 27, more than three weeks after the initial Cup deadline.

He played in their 32-18 victory at Widnes on Sunday, having also appeared and scored a try in the previous round at Rochdale on April 20.

Despite escaping expulsion, because there is no set penalty for such an offence, Hull FC could yet face a misconduct charge.

The RFL’s rules may also now be changed to allow for such a punishment to be meted out in future cases.

An RFL spokesman said: "The board of directors have considered the matter of the Hull FC club fielding an ineligible player in the Carnegie Challenge Cup 2008 and view it very seriously.

"However, the RFL operational rules covering this do not prescribe a specific penalty for playing an ineligible player.

"In view of the absence of a mandatory provision, the RFL board have determined that the results of the Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth and fifth round matches involving Hull FC will stand and the club will continue in the competition."

The spokesman added: "It is, however, clear that playing an ineligible player is a serious breach of the operational rules and the board has referred the matter to the RFL compliance manager to deal with under the misconduct rules.

"The RFL board intend to review the operational rules relating to competitions and will consider whether the rules should be amended so that offences of this nature will lead to mandatory expulsion from the Cup in future seasons."

Earlier, Vikings had said they were happy to let the RFL resolve the matter and would not be contesting the result.

A club official said: "Vikings were beaten by a better team on the day and the club is happy to leave this matter to the discretion of the RFL.

"We have every confidence that the issue will receive a fair adjudication.

"The club has, however, pointed out to the RFL that there are two players in Widnes Vikings’ first-team squad (cup-tied Richard Fletcher and Sam Barlow), who were not eligible to participate under the rules of the competition.

"Also, prior to the match, Widnes Vikings officials sought official guidance from the RFL on the eligibility of another player, (on loan) Jason Crookes, who was included in our squad following clearance.

"Widnes will, of course, stand by whatever decision is reached by the RFL."