Sheffield Eagles have told former player Sam Barlow and new club Halifax they have a week to agree compensation over an alleged breach of contract.

The Eagles insist that, following his release in July, Barlow signed an agreement not to play against them during the rest of the 2010 season.

Yet Barlow not only played, but scored a try in Halifax's 42-16 victory in Thursday's play-off semi-final.

The Eagles have been taking legal advice over whether to sue the player.

Sheffield chairman Ian Swire said: "If we don't do this, it will be open season on any contract anybody signs.

"We are doing this for the good of rugby league."

"Barlow signed a release on the proviso that he doesn't play against the Eagles this season," said coach Mark Aston. "The board of directors will take it to the next level.

"When you do things in good faith and you get stabbed in the back, like we have done, I'm disappointed," he told the Sheffield Star.

Halifax coach Matt Calland told the Evening Courier: "Sam's been under a lot of pressure this week, but we asked the governing body, they said he could play and that was good enough for me.

"I knew when he got on the pitch he would be OK and he was, even if it's been a tiring few days for him. I thought he was awesome for us."

Halifax were thrown out of the Challenge Cup earlier this year for fielding an ineligible player but the Rugby Football League are unlikely to get involved this time.

"We have no jurisdiction over the matter," said an RFL spokesman. "It is a matter for the clubs."

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