CDRL: Stunning twist in Edmonton-Yarrabah controversy

There has been a stunning twist after an investigation into a controversial CDRL clash, and it comes as the clubs prepare to face off in the final round of the regular season.

EDMONTON Storm will be forced to install an electronic scoreboard and clock in a stunning new development from the Cairns District Rugby League club’s controversial clash with Yarrabah.

And it comes in the week Edmonton is set to travel to Jilara Oval, with one club’s finals hopes on the line.

The Storm came from nowhere to win the Round 15 clash 34-32, with a try from the final play of the game sealing a come-from-behind victory for Edmonton.

Yarrabah fans and officials complained the second half had run far too long, but those complaints fell on deaf ears - until now.

A FNQ Rugby League investigation into the July 23 game has found the game ran six minutes long, which cost Yarrabah a much-needed win in the context of their season.

The FNQRL ruled the result will stand but have penalised Edmonton two competitions, suspended for 12 months, and the Storm must install an electronic scoreboard and clock ahead of the 2023 season.

Edmonton's Corey Kennedy is tackled by Yarrabah’s defence. Picture: Nuno Avendano

FNQRL chairman Rob White said that while it is not currently in the rules now, it may become a requirement for all clubs to have a scoreboard and clock at their fields in the near future.

“We’re auditing the grounds … but it could be in the requirements moving forward,” White said.

“Edmonton is one of the only clubs that doesn’t have one.”

The result will not be overturned.

While the timing was not correct, referees ultimately control the start and end of the games.

Edmonton officials did not comment.

It brings little solace to the Seahawks, who were still a mathematical chance of making the A-grade finals at the time.

It is the game which spurred FNQ Rugby League into action against Yarrabah, and was the straw which broke CDRL Referees Association’s back when they resolved to no longer send officials to Seahawks games.

The league stood down the Seahawks for one weekend under the Queensland Rugby League’s Positive Environment Program and suspending a Seahawks trainer for one week for throwing a water bottle at an official.

Edmonton duo Lachlan Rayson and Tyrell Anton tackle Yarrabah's Samukie Gaidan. Picture: Nuno Avendano

The following week’s forfeit ultimately cost Yarrabah’s finals hopes, with a six-point deduction later sending them tumbling down the ladder.

Yarrabah was able to save its season, with the FNQRL allowing the club to participate in the rest of the competition’s rounds.

But they have done so by engaging fly-in, fly-out referees with the help of the QRL, a costly exercise deemed a short-term solution by the FNQRL.

Edmonton is set to travel to Jilara Oval to take on the Seahawks in the final round of the CDRL season, and while the Storm initially were not going to send teams, the reserve grade side now has a chance to make finals.

Storm officials did not wish to deny their reserve grade side the opportunity to finish in the top five, and will send teams to the fixture.

Though the battered and bruised A-grade side may be boosted by a number of reserve grade players, as they reach the end of a difficult campaign.

White said he had no concern about this Sunday’s fixtures, which will again be refereed by officials not aligned with the CDRLRA.

Edmonton's Malie Tom oflfoads. Picture: Nuno Avendano

“It’s all forward for us,” he said.

“The last three games Yarrabah has played have been great, and I’m comfortable Yarrabah will be able to run the game.”

Ivanhoes’ reserve grade side was deducted six points in line with the QRL’s PEP, which send them from minor premiership contention to being fifth - equal on points with Edmonton.

And it could send Ivanhoes out of the finals altogether.

Edmonton must beat Yarrabah, and hope Ivanhoes do not beat Southern Suburbs, to leapfrog the Smithfield club into fifth.

ROUND 20

Saturday, August 27

Mareeba v Mossman-Port Douglas at Davis Park, Mareeba.

Atherton v Brothers at Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium, Atherton.

Sunday, August 28

Yarrabah v Edmonton at Jilara Oval, Yarrabah.

Ivanhoes v Southern Suburbs at Smithfield Sporting Complex.

Kangaroos v Innisfail at Vico Oval, Mooroobool.

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Originally published as CDRL: Stunning twist in Edmonton-Yarrabah controversy