Peak Hill Roosters: Jyi Cohen’s plea for equal suspension time after Trundle Boomers Football Club incident

Members of a football club in the state’s west say they have been treated “unfairly” over a decision by NSW Rugby League after a key player was suspended for the rest of the season. See the video.

Members of a football club in the state’s west are outraged over a decision by NSW Rugby League which has suspended one of their key players for the rest of the season.

Peak Hill Roosters player Jyi Cohen has received a 24-week suspension following an investigation of an off-field incident between the Trundle Boomers at Linder Oval, Peak Hill on May 20.

Cohen told The Dubbo News that there was rising tension between him and Boomers’ player Connor Farrer on the field - Cohen was sent off the field and Farrer was sin binned as a result.

The incident occurred after the game in front of the Peak Hill men’s change room.

“We had a fight - I’ll own up to that, but the fact that he only got two weeks while I got a 24-week suspension is unfair.

“I wouldn’t mind if we were both suspended for 24 weeks - at least it would’ve been equal,” he said.

Peak Hill Roosters player Jyi Cohen.

Cohen had pleaded guilty to using offensive language, assault, behaving in a way that is contrary to the Code of Conduct and disrupting the enjoyment of the match.

He is suspended from all rugby league activities, including attending matches for the rest of the season.

A fight has broken out between members of Peak Hill and Trundle’s NSW Rugby League clubs

A fight has broken out between members of Peak Hill and Trundle’s NSW Rugby League clubs

Two other members of the club were found guilty with one receiving a 12-week suspension and the other receiving a four-week suspension.

Farrer had been found not guilty of assault and behaving in a way that is contrary to the Code of Conduct, however found guilty with a “low-level” of disrupting the enjoyment of the game.

Two other Boomers’ members were found not guilty for their involvement.

Roosters president Torin Hando explained that he “thought it wasn’t dealt with fairly”.

“I understand that he has done the wrong thing but ... they should have received the same punishment,” Mr Hando said.

Lindner Oval, Peak Hill.

Mr Hando said he has not tried to appeal the suspension as the club tried to fight a similar incident two years ago which ended in the same result.

He said he has made the games alcohol-free since the incident to try and restore respect and enjoyment in the club.

The complaint comes as the two teams are expected to face off again this weekend.

A NSWRL spokesman said, “if the club or player wishes to lodge an appeal, there is a process to follow”.

“In such circumstances, it would be inappropriate to comment in the media,” the spokesman said.

Trundle Boomers Football Club were contacted for comment.