Battle lines drawn: Thirlmere Roosters riled by Mittagong Lions’ complaint to NSWRL

Thirlmere has come out all guns blazing after two of its players were suspended following last weekend’s match in Mittagong for incidents that were not reported by the referee. HERE’S WHY.

Macarthur Rugby League, 2023, round eight.

Last weekend in one of the games of the Macarthur Rugby League season, Thirlmere and Mittagong finished locked at 22-all. It was just the beginning of a major fallout.

For Thirlmere, who ventured south to the Highlands minus a number of high profile players, the result against the unbeaten Lions was a satisfactory outcome.

The trouble started on Tuesday when the Roosters were notified by the NSWRL that two of its players faced suspensions for incidents that went unreported on the field.

Feeling their star fullback James Coyne had been illegally targeted, Mittagong reported both incidents to the NSWRL. The review left halfback Damon New facing an eight-match suspension for a lifting tackle, and backrower Justin Smith looking at three for a high tackle.

Thirlmere’s Damon New has been suspended for a lifting tackle. Picture: Julian Andrews.

While Coyne finished the match, he remained in hospital until 4am the next morning receiving treatment to a nasty gash on the chin.

In a season where numerous dangerous tackles have avoided sanction, Thirlmere coach Darren McLeod couldn’t contain his anger.

“Mittagong notified the League on Monday to complain about both tackles,” said McLeod.

“We didn’t realise that was an option and we have never put in a complaint. We just think it’s poor sportsmanship.

“They are just sulking because they didn’t beat us when we were missing Curtis Scott and three or four others. It’s really poor form by Mittagong, especially after the ugly Liam Cassidy spear tackle wasn’t referred to the judiciary in their game with City back in round five.”

Mittagong’s Liam Cassidy is sent to the bin after a dangerous tackle in round five. Picture: Julian Andrews.

On Thursday night, Thirlmere managed to get New’s charge downgraded meaning the gun No. 7 will now miss three matches. For Smith, who was sin binned following his high tackle, the three-week ban remains.

Still simmering on Friday morning, McLeod refused to back down.

“There’s no consistency at all with on field reporting and judicial outcomes. It’s frustrating most people across all the clubs,” he said.

“There were a few incidents we weren’t happy with either, but what happens on the field stays on the field.

“Now every week we’ll have clubs reporting incidents to the NSWRL, it takes the power away from the referee. If it’s not reported on the field, then I believe that’s where it should stay.”

James Coyne was on the end of two dangerous tackles against Thirlmere. Pic by Julian Andrews.

And with the battle lines already drawn before the sides next meet, McLeod wasted no time doubling down on his disappointment with the Lions.

“Although, I’d advise anyone playing Mittagong to revise the footage after the match and make a complaint because you know that’s what they’ll be doing,” he said.

“It’s a joke they can do it, and I hope it comes back to bite them and they get players suspended that weren’t put on report.

“Mittagong are responsible for the worst tackle of the season and it wasn’t reported – where was their duty of care after the Cassidy lifting tackle.”