Mackay Brothers, Souths Sharks semi-final rugby game under QRL review

Souths won a heated contest on-field but the outcome of a review into argy-bargy off-field could potentially flip the result.

Sunday’s contest between the Souths Sharks and Mackay Brothers is under review after a heated confrontation off-field.

Queensland Rugby League is investigating after three Souths players allegedly left the field and had an incident with a Brothers supporter.

The argy-bargy started before halftime when a Brothers supporter allegedly gave the Souths some “stick” and three Souths players then left the field to confront the supporter.

It is unclear whether the altercation turned physical, but one of the Souths players was taken away at halftime while two others played out the game.

Long-time Brothers stalwart Peter McNeil confirmed the incident and questioned whether the Souths players should have been allowed to continue playing.

“You can’t go doing that,” he said.

“You are there to play football, not to create some mess like that.

“Their job was to play football, not to take any notice of the supporters.”

Mr McNeil, who once played for Brothers as a younger man, said the Brothers supporter was well-known and had a “lot of cheek in him”.

The Souths-Brothers football game on August 14 devolved into argy-bargy and is now under review.

“I do not know what he said,” Mr McNeil said.

“He is a loud mouth.

“He is always giving people stick.”

Souths won the game, but some in the community have labelled the conduct of the players as unsportsmanlike and questioned whether the team should be allowed to keep the points.

The match-up was a semi-final game in the A Grade Men’s competition, which means Brothers are now out of contention, unless a review of the game transfers the points away from Souths.

Rugby League Mackay District chairman Heath Galletly said the incident was now under review.

“The incident is being investigated and will be managed in accordance with QRL judicial and disciplinary processes,” he said.

Mr Galletly said disciplinary action in the league could include warning letters, suspension or fines.

“We are governed by QRL processes,” he said.

“As the incident is still under investigation and going through the QRL process we cannot comment on exactly what happened or what the actual outcomes might be at this stage.”

Questions have been sent to the QRL about the investigation.