Hunting in a pack: Surf lifesaving stars set to bring down Iron X as petition numbers grow

Nutri-Grain series winner Matt Bevilacqua has united with fellow athletes continue to demand Surf Life Saving Australia to come clean with their plans for future professional series.

NUTRI-GRAIN series winner Matt Bevilacqua has united with fellow athletes continue to demand Surf Life Saving Australia to come clean with their plans for future professional series.

REVEALED: BEHIND THE SCENES OF UGLY SLS FIGHT

The 27-year-old on Sunday took to Instagram to vent his frustration at the sport’s governing body, a post which was subsequently shared by some of surf life saving’s biggest names including Rhys Burrows, Hannah Sculley, Lizzie Welborn and Lana Rogers among others.

Ironman Matt Bevilacqua wants Surf Life Saving Australia to come clean about their future intentions. Picture Glenn Hampson

It’s understood SLSA has privately called some athletes to confirm Iron X will not be a feature of the Nutri-Grain series again.

“In a time of incredible rejuvenation for sports through exciting innovative short forms being developed globally, @slsaustralia have seemed to give up on our sport all together,” the post read.

“There are answers to showcasing the incredible athletes and events that are contained in it but giving up is not one.

“@slsaustralia it’s time to come clean.

“End this right now and say this will not be part of our sport and therefore the end of our sport.”

‘IT’S OUR LIVELIHOOD: NORTHCLIFFE SURF STAR’S PLEAS

A few hours later, Alexandra Head’s ironman Campbell Guthrie posted a petition online titled ‘Save Surf Sports – Say No to IronX’ which has more than 3000 signatures at the time of writing.

The Kurrawa star said he wasn’t at all surprised by the overwhelming response to both online posts.

“As encouraging as it is to get the response on the weekend on social media and the petition it’s just more of the same,” he said.

“SLSA knew 99% of members opposed the idea back for all the right reasons which centred around protecting the integrity of our sport but they still went ahead with the event, albeit separate to series, with $100,000 prize money and much more.

“The petition numbers aren’t surprising.”

OPEN LETTER FROM IRON X FOUNDER

Bevilacqua said that all athletes wanted from their governing body was for them to allay fears that Iron X was not the future of the professional series despite a significant investment in the one day event.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN: $5 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

“It’s so simple. If SLSA can call this a stand-alone event everyone will be relatively happy but they won’t do it,” he said.

“SLSA refuse to listen to their members and it’s not surprising given the last few months.

“It’s beyond frustration and anger now it’s just helplessness and defeat.”

Last week SLSA national sport manger Wayne Druery told the Bulletin that “no decisions have been made whatsoever in regards to the series next year.”

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

However Bevilacqua said athletes were struggling to take SLSA on their word.

“For them to say that nothing is set in stone and then look at the prizemoney and the manpower they’re putting into the day, it’s hard to believe,” he said.