They are putting a considerable amount of investment into the playing strengths of this country and they want that recognition We have got to accept it Contracts for players are due out this week. Clubs don't know, nor do the players, what will be on the table. It's a lot better than last year."Hallett is also confident about sorting out the Epruc dispute, saying: "The gloves may be off but we are still talking. They may not be so lenient if a second squad session is disrupted.The RFU secretary, Tony Hallett, said: "I'm expecting them to turn up I believe Epruc made a serious gesture last time. They wanted to make it clear to us that, when they were talking about a breakaway, they were serious. Instead, the squad attended a meeting with Epruc at which they agreed to their employers' "vision for the future". That vision involved "complete independence" from the RFU by First and Second Division clubs.The RFU, probably reluctantly, allowed the players to get away unpenalised with their unique strike action.

The players will stage a get-together at the end of this week with their clubs' organisation as the internal row rumbles on despite the settlement of the Five Nations feud. They will decide on a policy about future relationships with Twickenham - specifically whether to turn up to next week's training session. Last week more than 40 players declined to go to Bisham Abbey and the squad session was cancelled. "We are not cash rich, but we would kick ourselves if we missed a chance to sign Iestyn," their chief executive, David Howes, said.Saints' Apollo Perelini has become the first winner of the Rugby League Writers Association's player of the year award.. England's defiant international squad have been warned to attend next week's training session after boycotting the first of the season in favour of a meeting called by the English Professional Rugby Union Clubs. Apart from the saving involved in South Wales not being in Super League, the league has put extra income from sponsorship and television rights into the pot to keep clubs sweet.St Helens have officially joined Sheffield in pursuit of Warrington's pounds 1.35m listed Iestyn Harris. They will now have to decide whether to swallow the pill, sweetened with an offer of pounds 250,000 to help them build up to the standard needed to win promotion into Super League under their own steam.The council meeting also agreed a revised allocation of money from News Corporation for next season with Super League and First Division clubs getting slightly more and those in the Second Division marginally less. It would not do the game any good if they were to be sent into oblivion after one season." The team behind the South Wales club, including the Welsh national coach, Clive Griffiths, were told of the council's decision last night.

But a meeting of the Rugby League Council yesterday reversed that decision by inviting them to compete in the First Division instead. "From the information they gave us, they would have been doomed to ignominy in Super League," the league's chief executive, Maurice Lindsay, said. "We are concerned about the availability of some of the players they say they are hoping to sign. After meeting France, Wales play Italy in Rome on 5 October before entertaining Australia in Cardiff on 1 December and South Africa on 15 December.Squad, Digest, page 27. South Wales have been relegated from Super League without ever throwing a pass or taking a tackle. The Cardiff-based club were accepted into Super League for next season, subject to conditions on finance and playing strength, only two months ago.