NRL NT upset after Sharks and South Darwin withdraw from final A-grade round

THE final round of the 2020 NRL NT A-grade regular season was marred by forfeits from bottom sides Sharks and South Darwin attributed to a lack playing numbers

South Darwin and Sharks forfeited the final round of the 2020 NRL NT A-grade season. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

THE final round of the 2020 NRL NT A-grade regular season was marred by a duo of forfeits from bottom sides Sharks and South Darwin, with both suffering from lacking playing numbers.

For the Round 10 fixtures South Darwin was set to play the undefeated Palmerston Raiders while Sharks were up against third-placed Darwin Brothers.

Regardless of result neither side would have made it into the finals and with injuries dwindling already limited playing numbers the sides chose to forfeit.

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As a result both forfeiting clubs were docked competition points and fined $500.

This came as Sharks first forfeit of the season following a 48-8 loss to reigning premiers Litchfield Bears.

However, it was a second for bottom side South Darwin who also forfeited their Round 6 tie against Litchfield and were beaten 64-0 by Brothers in Round 9.

NRL NT general manager Nigel Roy said the forfeits had come as a massive disappointment to the league.

“The NRL NT was extremely disappointed that two affiliated clubs were unable to put a team on the field for the final week of competition,” Roy told the NT News.

“We also understand the clubs that did not get to play were disappointed as they want to get their players on the field and were unable to do so.

“At the same time we are understanding that clubs are constantly facing problems with player availability, they’re run by volunteers and we appreciate the work they put in each week.

“On a positive note considering the disruptions we’ve had this year with COVID-19 if this is the worst problem that we’ve faced then we know it could have been a lot worse.

“The NRL NT continues to work hard to elevate the rugby game here in the NT and we take every opportunity to promote our clubs and league on national television via NITV.”

Due to the forfeits only one Round 10 encounter was played being Litchfield’s 56-10 win over Nightcliff Dragons, a match moved forward from 8pm to 7pm due to the lack of games.

The A-grade competition will return this weekend with the remaining sides set to contest the semi-finals.

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Palmerston and Litchfield will contest the major semi-final with the winner going straight to the grand final.

While Brothers will face Nightcliff in the minor semi.