Rugby League: Leeds Rhinos hit out at delay on player visa

Angered by their inability to give new signing Weller Hauraki his debut in last Sunday's Engage Super League opener, the Rhinos have asked their local MP, Greg Mulholland, and the Rugby Football League to investigate the hold-ups in applications for work permits and visas.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "It is our belief that rugby league players appear to be treated differently to other professional sportsmen when applying for work permits and visas and we have asked our MP to investigate on our behalf. The treatment of Weller Hauraki has been disgraceful. He has been waiting over two months and was denied an appearance at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium last Sunday in the opening round of Super League.

"Weller already had a work permit to play for Crusaders RL when he transferred to Leeds Rhinos in November and this required a new-work permit. I cannot believe that his application should take this long."

Hauraki has now received his visa and has been registered with the League ahead of Friday's trip to Hull.