We need leadership and a decision from the RFL on 2026 quota rules

HULL COACH CARTWRIGHT HITS OUT AT LACK OF ACTION ON SIGNINGS

- By DAN TOMLINSON

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright has called for some strong leadership from the RFL after Tuesday's quota exemption meeting brought with it a lack of clarity and even more frustration.

Super League clubs discussed the possibility of dispensation on quota allowance for players who have played in British competitions since the 2020 season.

This would allow Hull, currently up to their full quota allowance for 2026, to get new signing James Bell off the quota for next year and open up a space to keep prop forward Liam Knight, and further still, present an opportunity to retain Ligi Sao.

The Black and Whites are not the only club either looking to benefit from the proposal.

If the rule was passed, Hull KR would see Kelepi Tanginoa and Rhyse Martin come off the quota, while Wigan Warriors would see Bevan French removed.

But while the dispensation was on the agenda, no clarity came from the meeting, with Cartwright airing his frustration on a slow process that needs to be sorted, one way or the other, as soon as possible, with clubs looking to get recruitment done and planning accordingly, sometimes even one or even two years into the future.

Speaking to the Mail, Cartwright said: "I just can't see that people don’t see the importance of this decision.

"We're talking about clubs turning over millions every year, and you can’t just plan six months in advance.

"You need time to plan to get it (recruitment) right. The biggest part of your squad and the success of your football team is your recruitment.