Super League clubs have voted against granting dispensations to those wishing to sign Salford Red Devils players - which has brought Hull KR's hopes of signing Nene Macdonald to an abrupt halt.

The Reds are on the verge of needing to cash in on their players to overcome their latest financial issues, with hopes of securing the investment that would aid their prospects still not coming to fruition.

Last week, Rugby League Live revealed that senior officials at the Rugby Football League and RL Commercial had contacted clubs to inform them of Salford's current position, while also being encouraged to start putting offers in for players in anticipation of sales being required to ensure Salford's financial crisis didn't further deteriorate.

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Clubs were also told dispensations would be considered given the grim nature of Salford's position as it would enhance their ability to cut costs and potentially receive transfer fees. The dispensations would have allowed clubs up to salary cap and full on their quota allotment to sign Salford players regardless.

But at a meeting of owners on Tuesday, a majority vote saw the dispensation proposals thrown out - despite Salford being among the clubs to vote in favour of them being put in place. Many clubs believe allowing clubs to spend beyond the salary cap restrictions in place would damage competition integrity.

Should Salford's worst fears of a fire sale now come to fruition, the vote would appear to work against them as it will restrict the number of clubs who are in a position to sign their players. Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves are all thought to have cap space, but the rest are thought to have no room to budge.

Unless there is a late U-turn, the decision has poured cold water on a number of rumoured deals. Love Rugby League had reported that Hull KR were interested in signing Nene Macdonald while Leeds Rhinos had expressed interest in Kallum Watkins. Now, however, neither of those deals will be possible.

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