Play and we'll sue – Eagles tell Barlow

The Eagles claim Barlow cannot play against them under a clause inserted in a deal when they released him from his contract just before the transfer deadline in July.

Barlow, who subsequently joined Halifax, sat out the league game between the clubs in August but has been included in his new club's initial 19-man squad for the play-off tie, with Halifax claiming the clause ran out at the end of the regular season.

Sheffield chairman Ian Swire said: "The only basis on which we were willing to release Sam from his contract was with the clause, that he agreed to and signed, that stated he cannot play against Sheffield Eagles in 2010.

"The contract release document was accepted by the RFL, who then allowed Sam to sign a contract with Halifax. Sam subsequently sat out the Eagles game against Halifax at Bramall Lane without question.

"We are now being told that the RFL rules do not cover such a situation and potentially that, as Halifax were not a party to the contract release, then they cannot be restricted by it.

"By selecting him, Halifax would, however, be inducing one of their employees to breach a legally-binding contract which is extremely disturbing.

"We are extremely disappointed that Sam is considering breaching his contract with us and we reserve the right to sue him if he plays."

Halifax chairman Michael Steele said he was not prepared to comment.

Wigan half-back Paul Deacon (groin) has lost his battle to be fit for tomorrow's Super League elimination semi-final against Hull KR at the DW Stadium.

The former Bradford scrum-half is replaced by winger Amos Roberts, which suggests a move back to stand-off for makeshift full-back Sam Tomkins.

Hull KR are set to be unchanged, although Liam Watts (knee) is in the 19-man squad.