Wakefield Trinity have been found in breach of operational rules regarding their public approach of St Helens’ Harry Robertson earlier this summer.

It was reported that Wakefield put in a six-figure bid to sign the St Helens rising star and when asked about that, Trinity coach Daryl Powell did not shy away from the matter.

Speaking in June, Powell said: “There’s nothing to clear up, that’ true.

“He was a player that we were interested in – who wouldn’t be? We made an offer, and Saints declined it. That’s up to them, isn’t it?

“We really like him, we think he’s a high-quality player… We’re keen on Harry, but we’ll see what happens.”

Given that Robertson was under long-term contract at St Helens, those comments prompted a response from St Helens as they reported Wakefield Trinity for their approach, claiming in contradiction to Powell that Saints had no contact with Wakefield.

Saints’ statement read: “Contrary to public statements made by Wakefield Trinity in relation to Harry Robertson, a player contracted long-term to St.Helens, the Club has received no contact or communication whatsoever from Wakefield Trinity.

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“Nor would we entertain any.”

That case then went forward to the RFL Compliance Department, who have now sanctioned both Wakefield and Daryl Powell, though it’s unclear if the latter is charged in relation to the Robertson incident or another offence.

Wakefield Trinity fined for Harry Robertson saga

In a statement issued last last night, August 30th, the RFL confirmed that Trinity had been fined £15,000, the majority of which was suspended until the end of the 2028 season, whilst Powell was fined £3,000, with the majority again suspended.

The offence that Wakefield were charged with was Operational Rule C1:3:2 (a), which prevents club of licenced agents approaching a contracted player without prior written consent from the player’s contracted club.

As for Powell, he breached Operational Rule C2:6 and Rule D1:1 (b), which relate to the Respect Policy and conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game, respectively.

The full statement can be read here.