I don't agree that you can call it cheating. If you have a question on the rules, and you raise that question with the rule-keeper, and get a green light, you can't be said to be cheating.
Cheating implies an element of dishonesty or trickery, which can't be said to exist if you've put your hand up and asked for a ruling.
Anger at New Zealand Facepalm Football I can understand. But the club/player/coach in question don't deserve any grief in my opinion. At least not on the facts disclosed so far in this thread.
Up to one of the clubs to appeal.
Unfair advantage gained to onehunga at their instigation. If that decision had been made public and all clubs advised they could do similar, you would have had a completely different set of players playing for MUPC clubs.
BTW, is there any inference that this is one rule for winton...? or simple NZF incompetence.. or as referenced elsewhere.. massive conflict of interest?