Stand together or die apart: Helensvale Hornet’s Wayne Court’s dire warning for RLGC outcasts

GOLD Coast rugby league clubs have been urged to “stand together” otherwise risk a division which threatens the code’s future.

Brodie Simmons, 6, and Bailey Simmons, 12, of Mudgeeraba Redbacks junior Rugby League team, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast. To go with story on the increase in participation in the local league. Picture: Regi Varghese

GOLD Coast rugby league clubs have been urged to “stand together” otherwise risk a division which threatens the code’s future as the league announced their expectation of a July 25 return-to-play date.

Helensvale Hornets president Wayne Court, in a lengthy email which he admits is a “Jerry Maguire-style mission statement”, referring to the 1996 Tom Cruise sporting film, called for unity on the eve of Monday’s meeting to debate start-up dates for training and playing.

“This needs to be a one in, all in approach. If some clubs choose not to play and others do, that will destroy our competition for the future,” he said.

Helensvale Hornets Coach Wayne Court, Xavier Sampson 7 of Robina Raptors JRLC , Ty Chapman of Gold Coast Rugby League ,Isaac Hawkins of Burleigh Bears JRLC and Bailey Court of Helensvale Hornets JRLC .

Court then provided examples of what damage could occur if there was a split among the strong northern Coast clubs.

“If Helensvale and Ormeau went ahead but Coomera chose not to as they couldn’t afford it you would see a mass exodus from Coomera and that would destroy them moving forward as people would personally blame them for their kid not playing and look for another club,” he said.

“At the end of the day while we all have our own clubs that we give up our time for, we are all part of a bigger thing as well which is Gold Coast Rugby League and by standing together as one we are a strong organisation and brand.

THE COMPLETE RUGBY LEAGUE GOLD COAST SAGA

1. Govt warned clubs face financial ruin under restrictions

2. In or out? Coast footy clubs decide 2020 season

3. Club walks away: ‘They’re not talking the truth’

4. The heartbroken faces behind Coast footy closure

5. Battle lines drawn: ‘We can’t hide under blankets’

6. ‘It’s ridiculous’: Killer call will affect thousands

7. ‘I won’t play for free’: Coast MVP’s brave admission

8. Clubs left in darkness as decision delayed

9. What RLGC decision means for your club

“If we take our club hats off and take a unified approach and response, it will be perceived far better by the community as there is no comparison point of “but they are doing this” like we often hear.

“If we all stick together on a common stance every club will come through and be here for the future, which is what everyone wants so we can continue to have a strong model moving forward.”

Brodie Simmons, 6, and Bailey Simmons, 12, of Mudgeeraba Redbacks junior Rugby League team, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast. To go with story on the increase in participation in the local league. Picture: Regi Varghese