Rawlins has been back home in Australia since February

Keighley Cougars coach Barry Eaton has revealed his frustration over Brendan Rawlins' ongoing visa problems.

The Australian prop has been waiting for his work permit since 27 February and the player has even offered to go to the British Embassy in Canberra.

"It is really frustrating as we keep getting told to just wait and wait," Eaton told BBC Radio Leeds.

"He even offered to go to the Embassy but he was told he would not be allowed in the building and could be arrested."

Rawlins is currently in Townsville and has spoken to his local MP to try and get the issue sorted.

Keighley were originally told the whole visa application process would take 25 days to complete, but the club have now been waiting for nearly four months.

Eaton added: "We have just been told he has to wait, but we just can't find anything out at all. It's getting ridiculous now.

"We will be seeking more assistance from the RFL, but they have told us they can't do any more from their end. We are still paying him, he is under contract with us.

"At our level money is tight so when you are paying a player you haven't got the use of it puts pressure on the club and we need to look at that.

"We just need someone to assist us because we are just being told the same thing every week that we just have to wait."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version