COUGARS and Sheffield Eagles are prepared to take joint action against the RFL over the non-punishment of fielding ineligible players in the dual registration row.

Cougars chairman Gary Fawcett estimates that last weekend’s relegation will cost the club over £250,000 next season and is aggrieved that Batley and Doncaster were both reinstated the three points they were initially deducted for fielding ineligible dual registration players in July.

Fawcett feels that there is a very strong case to declare the appeal panel’s decision null and void and reinstate the punishment – under the RFL’s own operational rules. And the club is now in contact with Sheffield, who are also aggrieved at the decision as it cost them £25,000 in prize money, and the opportunity of a second chance in the play-offs, as they would have finished above Doncaster.

Fawcett says he has put several questions to the game’s governing body but has yet to have any replies other than one courtesy email and two standard legal replies. 

If that continues, the club will pursue legal action against the RFL alongside the Eagles with Cougars in talks with solicitor Richard Cramer, who advised the club almost 20 years ago when they were denied entry to Super League.

Fawcett said: “We have agreed with Sheffield to take joint action against the RFL if we need to. I sincerely hope that we don’t have to do that because I don’t think it’s good for our game. We have asked a number of questions of the RFL but have not had any answers as yet.”