Dewsbury to snub dual-registration moving forward
Championship club Dewsbury say they will no longer utilise dual-registration following the recent controversy surrounding it.
The Rams were one of three clubs recently placed under investigation by the RFL, and while they successfully protested their innocence, rivals Batley and Doncaster were both deducted three points for fielding ineligible players.
In a joint statement, Rams chairman Mark Sawyer and head coach Glenn Morrison said: “Following a thorough period of discussion with coaching staff, shareholders, sponsors and supporters, and despite approaches from a number of clubs, it has been decided that the Rams will compete in the second tier of the exciting new league structure in 2015 without a dual-registration agreement in place.
“Indeed, we had hoped to finish this current season without dipping into the dual-registration market, but a string of injury problems in key positions at a crucial stage of the campaign left us with little option.
“Throughout 2013 and 2014, our relationship with Bradford Bulls has enabled us to select from a number of high-quality, young players, including Sam Wood, who has made a tremendous impact at the club since his arrival, and who will remain on loan with us until the end of the season.
“We believe that the dual-registration agreement with the Bulls has served us well during important periods, and in particular the arrangements which brought Adam O’Brien and James Donaldson to the club in 2013 proved fruitful for both parties.
“However, it is the view of the majority of our supporters and other club stakeholders that maintaining a dual-registration relationship with a Super League club is not in the best long-term interests of Dewsbury Rams.
“So, as we prepare for 2015 and a new era for the sport at professional level, we can today confirm that the Rams will not have a dual-registration agreement in place with any club.
“A larger squad will instead be assembled, and the option of signing players on loan will remain available to the coaching staff.”
Dual-registration has been heavily debated ever since its introduction, with some Super League clubs sending experienced players to play for their Championship partners, which has seen the likes of Lee Briers, Adrian Morley and Richard Moore turn out for Swinton and Hunslet.
After the decision to scrap the reserve grade, it left nowhere for over-age players to regain fitness following injury, and led to the abuse of a system designed to give younger players first team experience.
Despite complaints, dual-registration is still utilised by several clubs, and it is expected to still form a part of next season’s anticipated re-structure.
