Yes Michael, that is exactly what was stated in the original report on the players signing for Featherstone. Nothing about a 'first refusal' although I do agree there is not much difference. However we are not utilising DR as well. Technically it seems they have covered themselves as far as RFL rules go. As far as the spirit of the game goes I am not so sure. We can see what is happening as can the RFL, but it is just another loophole they have failed to close either knowingly or unknowingly (unlikely). This investigation I suspect is just paying lip service to the clubs that have complained to the RFL.
Unfortunately, I have just remembered that we could also be 'guilty'. Barrow have several of our players and now Pitman has gone to Barrow also. That would have taken barrow over the limit of loan/DR players allowed had Josh Ward not signed a contract with Barrow a couple of weeks ago.