The Tathra Sea Eagles Rugby League Club will not be able to field a side in the Group 16 competition.
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Acting secretary of the club Peter Finucane said he was furious about the way the club’s application had been handled, while Group 16 president Dean Lynch said it was unfortunate predicament that the club would miss the season.
After originally being denied entry, Tathra underwent an appeals process and was given options to merge with Bombala through portability rules.
However, the Blue Heelers later opted to standalone and rejected the proposal from the Sea Eagles.
Mr Finucane said the club then hussled to get a third side together as his understanding of the Group 16 bylaws was entry through three teams into the senior competition.
CRL regional manager Kevin Felgate said unfortunately the bylaws stipulate one of the three sides must be a first grade team, ultimately resulting in the rejection of Tathra’s playing application.
Tathra was among clubs that agreed to the bylaws, which ensured players would be graded adequately and not bloat the reserve grade competition with top players.
“The rule was to ensure first grade players were not competing in a reserve grade team after Cobargo re-applied in 2012 and similarly when Candelo-Bemboka rejoined,” Mr Lynch said.
The Sea Eagles are concerned that other clubs have been allowed to reform without first grade sides, while the Eagles presented nearly a full compliment of teams.
“We can’t possibly form a first grade side with the player base we have at the moment,” Mr Finucane said.
“We wanted to build up from the under 18s and reserves to a first grade, we don’t our young guys to go out and get belted around [in the top grade].”
Mr Lynch said clubs voted to allow the Sea Eagles extra time to merge under portability or register a top squad.
“It was the wish of all the other clubs that another month be granted to Tathra so that they could re submit their application so as to meet the Group 16 criteria,” he said.
At the next meeting of the Group, Tathra went in to vote, pushing its three teams, but were voted down, because no first grade side was entered.
“We really feel the CRL and Group 16 should give us a scenario to say ‘yes you can join’ not push us out,” Mr Finucane said.
“The edict of Group 16 is to promote, encourage and foster rugby league and we’re disgusted they’re kicking us out.”
Mr Lynch said the refusal was unfortunate.
“I know that the Tathra committee are disappointed with the decision and personally I would love to see them playing this year,” he said.