Central Coast rugby league competition engulfed with fighting, forfeiting and racism claims
Angry Woy Woy players, led by former NRL star Andrew Fifita, took to one knee before playing after opposing clubs forfeited to the Roosters due to claims “kids were forced to hide in fear”.
Angry Woy Woy players, led by former Sharks, NSW and Australian star Andrew Fifita, took to one knee before playing last weekend after distressed opposing clubs forfeited to the Roosters in the two previous games.
It continues a season of drama with fighting and racism engulfing the embattled Central Coast competition.
Rival Central Coast clubs blame Woy Woy players and fans for off-field indiscretions while the Roosters claim they are being racially targeted by opposition fans.
“Stand up, speak out, and support us – none should endure this,” Fifita said.
Yet one opposition fan claimed the behaviour of Woy Woy forced “kids to hide in the canteen in fear at their local footy oval.”
In a stunning decision, Woy Woy’s rival clubs have colluded and voted against playing the Roosters for fears of more off-field brawling.
Terrigal Sharks and Erina Eagles forfeited to Woy Woy over the past fortnight with Toukley Hawks expected to follow this coming round.
Fifita claimed the decision by Terrigal and Erina was “supporting racism.” The governing body claim it cannot and will not force teams to play Woy Woy.
Dora Creek Swampies, new to the Central Coast competition from the Newcastle Upper Hunter premiership, voted to oppose forfeiting and played Woy Woy last weekend at Woy Woy Oval.
Woy Woy players took to one knee before the game and will continue their stance throughout the season.
Fifita took to social media to post: “Our first game back after experiencing racial abuse. At Woy Woy, we firmly oppose racism. We’re taking a stand by kneeling before our games going forward.
“Some clubs refuse to play us because we refuse to be bystanders. Terrigal Sharks and Erina Eagles, thank you for the points, but not for supporting racism.
“Thank you, Dora Creek, for being the first to play against us. I wish I could have spoken with you after the game, but I have immense respect for you and the community.
“Toukley Hawks, let’s see what you will do next week. Blak (sic), Loud & Proud.”
One rival club fan responded angrily to Fifita by posting: “Nothing to be proud about. Clubs forfeit because of the physical violence caused by players and associates/supporters of Woy Woy while kids hide in the canteen in fear at their local footy oval.
“I hope every team forfeit against Woy Woy to prove that (this) behaviour is unacceptable in what is meant to be a family, friendly environment.”
Rugby League Central Coast have previously this season taken the extraordinary step of banning fans from attending Woy Woy games.
Dora Creek coach David Hoban revealed why his club decided to play Woy Woy.
“We will let the league sort out and decide any punishments, if there are any,” said Hoban.
“This has nothing to do with the Dora Creek club and we just want to play football. Woy Woy was very accommodating. The day ran smoothly and it was a great day of football.”
Asked whether Dora Creek players took to one knee to support Woy Woy, Hoban said: “We didn’t know about it and we weren’t asked to. It was something driven by Woy Woy.”
The Central Coast Rugby League issued a statement last week outlining tougher penalties for player, official or fan misbehaviour.
And Rugby League Central Coast chairman Nathan Waugh revealed a fortnight ago that five people had been charged for misbehaviour at games under the NRL’s code of conduct guidelines.
“These charges encompass a range of serious offences including acting in a manner exhibiting racial intolerance, contrary conduct, assault or aggressive behaviour, and the use of offensive language,” Waugh said.
“Rugby League Central Coast reaffirms that racial vilification, abuse, and any form of violence have no place within our sport. We stand firm in our commitment to uphold the values of respect, inclusivity, and fair play.
The date for the hearings are yet to be determined. Woy Woy beat Dora Creek 26-12.
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