Erina Eagles coaches to survive but club fined and sanctioned ahead of Central Coast finals

Erina Eagles have been stripped of a home final against Toukley in what will be an explosive showdown, with the decision coming amid revelations that Erina players – not just coaches – also encouraged the club’s forfeits.

Erina has been stripped from hosting a major semi-final this weekend with the Eagles to launch a full investigation into why the club forfeited five grades to Toukley last weekend.

Head coaches Dane Allen and Torren Cain will survive until the end of the season as Rugby League Central Coast implements new rules preventing damaging final-round forfeits from occurring again.

This masthead has been told Erina players stepped forward to claim they – not just Allen and Cain – also encouraged the forfeits due to the club’s injury toll.

One well-placed source said: “The players also felt complicit.”

The players’ stance eased heat on Allen and Cain, who were asked to stand down by a group comprising life members, current and former Erina players called The Nest.

Woy Woy also forfeited to Wyong last weekend.

As minor premiers, Erina was to host this Sunday’s major semi-final, ironically against Toukley, but RLCC has shifted the game to Toukley as punishment for forfeiting.

The Erina Eagles have been stripped of their home semi-final. Picture: Michael Gorton

Canteen fund allocations have been taken away from Woy Woy.

Erina and Woy Woy have paid fines with RLCC saying: “New rules will be implemented and updated during the off-season to stop this from happening again.”

The Eagles held an emergency board meeting on Monday to discuss the drama amid allegations Allen and Cain were behind the move to forfeit the day before last Sunday’s game.

“Erina Leagues Club is currently undertaking a full review of its Leagues Club operations, including matters pertaining to the Erina Rugby League Football Club,” said Erina Leagues Club CEO Tony Jeffcott.

“The board of Erina Leagues Club is disappointed with the events that transpired on Sunday 25th August, with the club forfeiting all scheduled football games at Toukley.

“Erina apologises unreservedly to the Toukley club and their fans.

“The board accepts full responsibility for what transpired last Sunday and ensures our members a full review of the football department’s operations will take place following the completion of the 2024 season.”

Erina first graders were photographed training at 8am last Sunday, which was game day. Later that day, Allen was snapped at a 20-year reunion for a rival club, The Entrance.

All eyes will be on Erina v Toukley this weekend. Picture: Michael Gorton

The drama sets up a blockbuster major semi-final between Erina and Toukley this Sunday at Morry Breen Oval, Kanwal. The Entrance will play the Andrew Fifita captain-coached Woy Woy in the minor semi-final at Noraville on Saturday.

Allen’s wife, Louise, posted on Facebook: “The way Erina Eagles has dealt with current situations is absolutely appalling… allowing media and online trolls to speak about a situation they have no idea on and not shutting this down and providing facts.

“The final decisions were made in consultation with Toukley hierarchy and Erina hierarchy not involving Dane. His last input was that he was excited to see how the young guys selected would stand up against Toukley.

Erina players at a training session.

“We always try and do the right thing by not saying anything on social media but we’ve had enough. I will always stand with you Dane and so will the huge village support you have.”

The Nest group wrote a hard-hitting letter to the club’s board asking whether Allen and Cain should resign.

“We call for Torren Cain and Dane Allen, if they are responsible, to be relieved of their duties immediately and to face a hearing where they will be interviewed by the players, members, and supporters,” it read.

Forfeiting first grade – just a week before the finals - meant all four Erina lower grades also had to forfeit, a decision which cost the club’s third grade side a spot in the finals.

Erina’s late forfeit in open age, reserve grade, ladies league tag, women’s tackle and first grade denied Toukley opportunity to farewell retiring players at their home ground, Darren Kennedy Oval.

Originally published as Erina Eagles coaches to survive but club fined and sanctioned ahead of Central Coast finals