Dora Creek Swampies set to take the field against Woy Woy, further sanctions handed down from brawl

After a fortnight on the sidelines following a wild brawl and forfeits, the Woy Woy Roosters are set to return, but players and spectators have been put on notice with more breach notices issued.

The show goes on.

After a whirlwind month that’s involved brawls, racism allegations and teams pulling the pin, the Woy Woy Roosters will finally get the chance to take the field again.

Following back-to-back forfeits from opposition clubs protesting a perceived lack of repercussions for their part in the infamous June 9 brawl against Wyong, the Roosters’ scheduled opponents this weekend are gearing up to play on Sunday.

The Dora Creek Swampies confirmed to this masthead they would line up for their fixtures as planned at Woy Woy Oval, with the two clubs to do battle in women’s, reserve and first grade matches.

It will mark Woy Woy’s first match in three weeks, after both Terrigal and Erina refused to play.

Dora Creek will take to the field against Woy Woy this weekend. Picture: Michael Gorton

RLCC confirmed to this masthead that spectators will be allowed at the grounds on Sunday, after they were set to be banned for the home fixture against the Sharks the week after the brawl.

The revelation comes following a RLCC board meeting on Tuesday night where it was revealed further sanctions have been handed down from the June 9 brawl.

“Additional people had been identified and they will be served breach notices by NSWRL,” RLCC chairperson Nathan Waugh said.

“They will be subject to the judiciary and code of conduct process moving forward.

“It’s a timely opportunity to remind all clubs across our competition that the behaviour seen on June 9 will not be tolerated in our competitions.

“We’ve introduced a policy similar to that of ‘Tough Love in League’ that spells out some penalties for player and spectator behaviour in and around those incidents.

“Hopefully moving forward clubs will take notice of this policy, and our spectators and supporters will take note as well. Hopefully moving forward we can watch some good football.”

While this weekend’s fixtures will go ahead, Waugh said there was no guarantee other clubs would follow suit, but said the board has done enough to ensure the safety of the game going forward.

“It’s up to the clubs ultimately,” he said.

“We can’t compel clubs to play week in, week out. But we encourage clubs to keep participating.

“We feel the response from the board meeting has been proportionate. We’re looking forward to seeing some exciting football.”

The Swampies are no strangers to teams pulling out of fixtures, with a number of clubs forfeiting due to the strength of their side in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League A-Grade competition last year.

They played just eight of 14 regular season games before going on to take out the grand final.