EXCLUSIVE

By MIKE HALL

ALEX Murphy and John Dorahy have called for a complete ban on Rugby League players switching to Union after the Australian Super League was given the go-ahead last week.

The Wire chiefs say there are no excuses for League stars to cross codes now Super League has gone worldwide.

They supported their argument by highlighting exciting plans for a new mid-season international competition similar to that of Union's 'Super 12' which should be underway next year.

The format of the competition has yet to be finalised but Warrington expect it will involve all the European and Australasian Super League sides playing off in groups.

The winners of these groups would go through to the World Club Challenge quarter-finals at the end of the season.

The tournament, which will be played on both sides of the world, will be staged during a break from the domestic season and may be followed by a series of Super League Test matches against the Aussies.

Dorahy says: "This tournament will surpass the European Rugby Union and Super 12 competitions.

"Next season we will have the European Super League, Challenge Cup, World Club Challenge and the domestic Premiership so there is no need for the game's top players to be looking for challenges elswhere. There are more than enough for them in League."

Murphy adds: "The Rugby League should issue a statement now that no players can play Union in the off season. We will have an eight month season and that is plenty for the players' bodies to take.

"You cannot play for Manchester United one week and then for the Manchester Giants basketball team the next!

"This year we had a short season which gave players a way out. That was the worst thing that could have happened to Rugby League.

"It has helped promote Union. All the newspaper headlines have been about League players making good.

"Wanting to play in the Super 12 is not an excuse for players any more - they can do it in League."

Warrington is one of the only clubs in Rugby League to have banned its players from playing Union in the current off season.

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