REPEAT SET: Monster ban for league official after Zoom gaffe

We reveal the monster ban for the official at the centre of a Zoom gaffe, why Innisfail left the CDRL Women’s competition, and the race to the finals heats up. REPEAT SET >>

THE Far North rugby league official at the centre of one of the most bizarre incidents in recent times has been banned for two-and-a-half years.

Shock spread across the rugby league community over the jaw-dropping length of the ban, which could effectively drive the long-term volunteer out of the game.

The official, who has been a volunteer for more than a decade, called someone else a “****wit” when they thought they were on mute during an online meeting.

“Unfortunately, during the meeting whilst I thought I was muted, I muttered to myself ‘persons name is a ****wit’,” a post in a private Facebook group said. “This was meant for my ears only and wasn’t directed at anyone that was online in a malice (sic) manner and the person was not on the meeting.”

The author admitted they were not professional but believed a “please explain” to attend the tribunal was “overreaction” by the Queensland Rugby League officials, and informed the group of their resignation.

The tribunal met last Thursday, and while they dropped three charges, the official was found guilty of “failure to comply with any rule, policies, procedures or directions of the QRL or an administration unit (including the code of conduct).

As a result, the individual is now disqualified from holding any executive or committee role with any club or organisation affiliated with the QRL until December 31, 2024, a ban which includes any match officiating or coaching roles.

It is an astounding ban, especially when players get a slap on the wrist when they make similar comments on the field.

It’s hard enough to find people willing to volunteer a little time to rugby league, let alone the level of commitment needed from a senior official nowadays.

The person deserves to be punished, and a zero tolerance approach is often needed, but two-and-a-half years seems like overkill.

The official will not comment on the matter yet, but confirmed to Repeat Set they would appeal.

KANGAROOS DOMINATE THE COMP

IS there a team more dominant than Kangaroos in the Cairns District Rugby League Women’s competition?

The superstar team is crushing its opposition. Five big wins from as many games have made Kangaroos clear favourites to win a second consecutive premiership.

Indianna Tillett of the Kangaroos crosses the try line during CDRL Womens Kangaroos v Mareeba at Vico Oval on Sunday. Picture Emily Barker.

Kangaroos, who features players among the best to come out of the Far North like Kaiyla Ward, Indianna Tillett, Tessa Hart, Francis Newman and Stephanie Barns, have obliterated almost every rival across their opening five games of the season.

They are scoring at an average of 56.8 points per game and have allowed just 30 points so far this year.

Scores like 84-0, 58-4 and 54-4 are already on their record.

The biggest title threat appears to be Edmonton, which came within 10 points of Kangaroos and has had three straight wins.

BULLS CHARGE TO THE CUP

SOUTHS Bulls have won the Nate Myles Cup, beating the Whitsunday Brahmans in the final on Sunday.

The annual junior carnival, which attracts as many as 30 teams from across north Queensland, was held at Gordonvale’s Alley Park.

The home of Southern Suburbs, the junior club of former Maroons enforcer Nate Myles, hosted the carnival, which showcased some of the most talented juniors coming through the regions.

Bulls beat Tully Tigers 16-8 to make the final, while the Brahmans beat Innisfail Brothers 8-0. The Bulls triumphed 16-8 in the decider.

WHY INNISFAIL LEFT WOMEN’S LEAGUE

INNISFAIL has withdrawn from the women’s competition due to a severe lack of commitment from players.

Innisfail president Nick Souvlis said the committee had no choice.

“The last couple of weeks, we've been lucky to have the same eight girls at training,” Souvlis said. “They’d get to a game and they’d have only 12 or 14 players.

“A few weeks ago we asked the players to commit and it was good for one session then back to what it was.

“A message was put out for a commitment on the rest of the season, and the same eight players responded.

“We tried to support the team as much as possible but … it’s not in our club to forfeit.”

Innisfail’s withdrawal reduces the competition to five teams, but Souvlis said the door was open for a return.

“We’re still open to it, but we’d need a firm commitment from players for the season,” Souvlis said.

CDRL MIDSEASON REVIEW: WHERE THE A-GRADE SIDES WILL FINISH

Tessa Hart of the Kangaroos in action during CDRL Womens Kangaroos v Mareeba at Vico Oval on Sunday. Picture Emily Barker.

FINALS RACE HEATS UP

THERE are nine rounds left in the CDRL competitions but the race to the finals is already white hot.

In A-grade, there’s seven teams with a realistic shot of making the top five, though Yarrabah and Tully could spring a surprise if results fall their way.

The reserve grade race is even more packed, with four teams just three wins outside the top five.

With two byes still to come, the Leprechauns will be lifted out of the danger zone, but there’s plenty of teams who, on paper, can still cause a few upsets and make it.

In under-18s, four clubs sit just two points behind the fifth-placed Mareeba Gladiators. They have had a varying number of byes, but it will make for an exciting race to the end.

Follow @MMcInerney89

Originally published as REPEAT SET: Monster ban for league official after Zoom gaffe