Hi,
I had some problems with:
1.- SPI Mode ----> (CPOL= Low, CPHA= 2Edge)
2.- IRQ ----> You need to Disable the IRQ Manager but not the IRQ Line
If you send the Simple Link Start Command and the response is correct your SPI porting is rigth, then you only have to check if the IRQ HANDLER is calling properly
Check your Patch Version and your Firmware Version
Best Regards,