QRL, RLI take first action while investigation continues

The Queensland Rugby League has put out a statement updating what is happening regarding the incident during last Sunday’s A-Grade match between Goodna and Swifts.

The wild sideline brawl at Purga on July 11.

THE Goodna A-Grade rugby league team has been stood indefinitely as the investigation into last weekend’s sideline footy brawl at Purga continues.

Whether the team can play in next weekend’s Rugby League Ipswich (RLI) competition will be decided this week.

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has put out a statement updating what is happening regarding the incident during last Sunday’s A-Grade match between Goodna and Swifts.

The Goodna A-Grade side is not playing its scheduled match against Fassifern on Sunday while the investigation is under way.

The Rugby League Ipswich Board made its initial decision at last week’s meeting.

“It was determined that the Goodna A-Grade team will be stood down indefinitely while the incident on July 11 is investigated,’’ the QRL statement read.

“A RLI Disciplinary Tribunal has been established and will view the disciplinary cases.

“Statements and requests for vision were sent to both the Goodna and Swifts clubs and these clubs are co-operating.’’

The QRL said a summary of involved players and spectators is being prepared for the tribunal and individual disciplinary charges are being prepared.

Players involved in the match that took part in the off-field altercation have been referred directly to the RLI tribunal.

While some of the Goodna players are innocent of any indiscretion, the current decision was made while the investigation takes it course.

The RLI Disciplinary Tribunal will assess the available evidence, statements, footage and summary of involvement this week.

Clubs will receive updates on the alleged offenders.

“The RLI Disciplinary Tribunal hears cases and makes findings when the tribunal can be convened,’’ the QRL statement read.

“The RLI Disciplinary Tribunal may provide findings and recommendations for each club to implement to improve the environment at matches. At this stage, Goodna and Swifts are continuing to comply with any directions/requests from the Police and QRL/RLI.

“All RLI clubs are to continue to reassure their members that any allegations/charges against individual(s) should not undervalue the great things our clubs do in their communities.’’

The QRL and RLI have requested no comments be made in social media forums or otherwise that could be considered prejudicial or otherwise interfere with the tribunal process.

The investigation will continue this week.

A rugby league official said it was important “they made sure they were crossing our I’s and dotting our T’s and getting the right people for the right things’’.