Salford’s Koukash left frustrated after clubs reject signing option

Only Wigan, Warrington, Leeds and Widnes, along with the Red Devils, supported Koukash’s idea of making a high-profile signing exempt from the Super League salary cap at a meeting at Hull’s KC Stadium yesterday.

Koukash wanted to introduce the marquee player in a bid to reverse the growing trend of players leaving Super League for rugby union and the NRL.

The millionaire racehorse owner wanted to go further with his plan by introducing a “golden ticket” which would allow clubs without the financial clout to make marquee signings to sell on the right to another club, but that idea was not even discussed.

The controversial Koukash, who failed in a £1m bid for Sam Tomkins before the Wigan and England full-back made the move to the NRL, says he had lined up a high-profile signing from the NRL and insists he will fight on to force a relaxation of the salary cap.

“It is very frustrating but I will not give up on the idea,” he said.

“I will have to look at other ways to bring in players. I think the RFL have probably seen today that the game may be being held back by a group of clubs.”

Koukash says he tried to lure Sam Burgess to Salford before the England international agreed a move to Bath rugby union and has openly talked of bringing Sonny Bill Williams and Billy Slater to Super League.

Salford coach Brian Noble had hailed the “golden ticket” plan and confirmed he has identified rugby union targets for Salford.

The former Great Britain coach signed Wales winger Gareth Thomas for Wrexham-based Super League club Crusaders in 2010 and is currently being linked with England centre Manu Tuilagi.

“If someone wants to spend money on getting some stars in the game, then I’m all for it,” said Noble. “Financially, you have to compete with rugby union for the player and you have to give him a product that is attractive.”