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Red tape delays new arrivals

Regulations causing hold-ups for England-bound stars

Last updated: 7th January 2009

Crocker: awaiting a visa

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New Hull recruit Michael Crocker is one of a number of players bound for Super League whose arrival is being held up by visa problems.

The Australian international second rower was expected in England before the new year but is still in Australia waiting for his visa.

He was due to start training last Friday and is now hoping to get the paperwork through in time to join the Airlie Birds for their pre-season training camp in Portugal which starts on Thursday.

Crocker, 28, and his agent are working with the British Embassy in a bid to end the hold-up.

Crocker is not the only high-profile overseas player to be affected by a new system of visa-applications adopted by the Home Office last April.

The arrival of St Helens' signing from Penrith Panthers, Tony Puletua, has also been delayed but he is due to land in time to join his new team-mates on their pre-season camp in Portugal later this week.

Work permit

Canberra Raiders stand-off Todd Carney, on the other hand, may be struggling to arrive in time for Huddersfield's opening game next month as he waits for his work permit.

The 22-year-old was sacked by his Australian club last year after a series of off-the-field incidents.

Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown said: "There are a fair few players stuck in Australia, and Toddy Carney is one of them. It's just sit and wait, but I'm confident he'll get here eventually."

The Giants are also waiting for the return of former New Zealand Test centre Jamahl Lolesi, who is trying to renew his visa.

New Zealand international Greg Eastwood, a member of the Kiwis' World Cup-winning team in November, had intended to join up with Leeds before Christmas but is still in Brisbane waiting for the paperwork to be processed.