The Rugby Football League are investigating the apparent inclusion of an ineligible player by Hull in their Challenge Cup defeat of Widnes at the weekend.

Hull went through to the quarter finals after a hard fought 32-18 victory over the Vikings, and were drawn to face Bradford away last night.

However, it has been brought to the RFL's attention that Jamie Thackray was not registered in time by the Airlie Birds to be eligible for the third, fourth and fifth rounds of this season's competition.

The rules state:

ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS: MEMBER CLUBS
B4:8 In respect of any Club, only players on the Register of that club at the close of RFL business on the Monday immediately prior to the Third Round of the Cup shall be eligible to play in any Cup Tie in the Third, Fourth or Fifth Round of the Cup in that Season.

Thackray signed for Hull on the 25th March, almost three weeks after the Challenge Cup deadline.

A statement from Widnes states that the Vikings will not be contesting the result of the match, but have left the matter to the discretion of the RFL.

The club said: "We have every confidence that the issue will receive a fair adjudication.

"The club has, however, pointed out to the RFL that there are two players in Widnes Vikings first-team squad who were not eligible to participate under the rules of the competition.

"Head Coach Steve McCormack replaced Sam Barlow and Richard Fletcher with younger players who were eligible to play. Also, prior to the match, Widnes Vikings' officials sought official guidance from the RFL on the eligibility of another player, Jason Crookes, who was included in our squad following clearance from the RFL."