Macarthur Rugby League: Curtis Scott suspended for nasty spray as league takes a strong stand

Curtis Scott’s season in the Macarthur Rugby League took another twist after being sent off for the second time. Here’s the suspension he’s looking at as the league comes down hard on abuse.

Macarthur Rugby League, Curtis Scott.

Curtis Scott’s rocky road to redemption via the Macarthur Rugby League has taken another twist after the one time State of Origin hopeful was sent from the field for the second time this season.

With the Thirlmere Roosters trailing by two points in the dying stages of Saturday night’s derby with cross town rivals Picton, Scott was immediately dismissed from the field after taking exception to a forward pass ruling.

Having already served a three match suspension for punching an opponent back in round two, the five-eighth’s foul mouthed spray comes in just his second game back in a Thirlmere jersey.

Thirlmere’s Curtis Scott received three weeks for his part in a brawl against Narellan, round two, 2023.

Charged with abusing a match official and facing the prospect of a five-match ban with an early guilty plea, on Thursday evening the Thirlmere club successfully contested Scott’s comments were not directed at the referee.

In accepting the evidence, the NSWRL downgraded the charge and suspended Scott for two matches with another two weeks suspended until the end of 2024.

While referee abuse isn’t an ongoing theme in the Macarthur region, Group 6 Rugby League president Grahame Andrews believes while it can be a fine line, there is no room for leniency.

“Abuse of match officials by players isn’t prevalent in the senior leagues, aside from the Curtis Scott incident at Picton last week I can recall two other incidents from the opening seven rounds” said Andrews.

“Derogatory comments to officials is taken seriously. Since the merger of the Country Rugby League and NSWRL, the handing down of suspensions is no longer in the hands of Macarthur and Group 6, but we’re supportive of the NSWRL’s tough stance.

“In the opening round of the season Oakdale first grade captain Kyle Fraser was sent off for inappropriate language towards the referee and was suspended for four weeks, if not for his impeccable record it would have been eight.”

Grahame Andrews , Group 6 Rugby League president. Picture: Supplied

Scott will be eligible to return for Thirlmere’s round 1o clash with The Oaks, by which time the 25-year-old will have played in just three of the club’s first eight matches.

With the recent departure of former NRL premiership-winner Blake Ferguson back to Wellington, the absence of Scott and the lingering potential of a long term suspension is a hammer blow to Thirlmere’s finals charge.

“The Curtis incident is a real shame because he’s been great for the league. To attract a player of his talent says a lot about the quality of the competition, but we can’t tolerate that type of behaviour and the message to all players is clear.” Andrews said.