York Rugby League Club today refused to place their future in the hands of the Super League.

Rugby Football League bosses have been accused of "selling out" to Super League clubs in the latest move in the game's power struggle.

RFL chief executive Neil Tunnicliffe is thought to have conceded the right to negotiate future television deals to Super League (Europe), effectively casting First and Second Division clubs adrift.

New RFL deputy chief executive Dave Callaghan insists that the agreement hammered out between Tunnicliffe and SLE chairman Chris Caisley must go before the game as a whole.

But First and Second Division Clubs Association (FASDA) chairman Bob McDermott launched a bitter broadside at the deal and warned of a legal challenge.

"It is a total sell-out by Neil Tunnicliffe to Super League Europe," said McDermott.

"It is totally unacceptable to FASDA and our lawyers are examining the document. I consider it a total disgrace."

And York executive Phil Elliott declared he stands firmly behind the FASDA position.

"I would suggest Mr McDermott is totally right. York, in all areas not just in terms of News Corporation money, are always being dictated to. FASDA will receive our full support," said Elliott.

"Money dictates and people want more money. I would not trust York's future to Super League Europe or the Super League clubs. One thing we are battling to maintain all the time is our working independence."

It is thought that RFL bosses, anxious to avoid the threat of a breakaway by leading clubs, have conceded ground in Super League's bid to have greater control over their own destiny.

The issue of re-negotiating the £87million Sky TV deal with News Corporation is seen as central to Super League's desire to increase their power base.

Caisley, who expressed himself "absolutely delighted" with the outcome of the talks, was accused of jumping the gun by issuing a statement claiming that agreement had been reached.

Callaghan said: "The proposals put together by Neil Tunnicliffe and Chris Caisley are to be welcomed but it is a little too early to say that everything has been agreed.

"The RFL board of directors discussed these proposals and it was felt the view of the game as a whole should be sought and, therefore, the proposals will go to the Council meeting in June for full and detailed discussion.

"Yet, even at this stage, it should be made absolutely clear that SLE do not have the exclusive right to re-negotiate the existing News Corporation contract."

Meanwhile, Wasps coach Dean Robinson revealed Australian trialist Justin Eldershaw had been released to make room on the overseas quota for an undisclosed "major signing".

Robinson said the 22-year-old Queenslander impressed him during his time at the club but was a victim of circumstance.

"If the lad did not count on the quota I would sign him tomorrow. I am having to release him to make room for an overseas signing arriving in a couple of weeks," said the coach.

However, the squad has been strengthened by the loan signing of centre/winger Craig Moore from Dewsbury Rams.

Moore previously played with York in 1996, scoring two tries in 11 appearances, and he could make his return in tomorrow's second division opener against Bramley at Huntington Stadium (7.30pm).

The Wasps' twin-pronged start to the season was today made doubly daunting when Batley Bulldogs' Good Friday trip to Doncaster Dragons fell foul of the weather. York will now face a fresh Batley side at Mount Pleasant on Easter Monday (3.15pm).

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