QRL’s back investigation into Mad Monday Highfields blackface photo

Queensland Rugby League is backing a TRL investigation after a Mad Monday celebration photo was posted online featuring two people in what appears to be ‘blackface’. Full details:

UPDATE: An investigation into a shocking Mad Monday blackface photo scandal has received the backing of Queensland Rugby League.

Highfields Eagles senior rugby league club is the subject of a Toowoomba Rugby League probe after a racist photo of their post grand final celebrations was published on Facebook.

“The QRL can confirm it has been made aware of a matter concerning the post-season celebrations of a Toowoomba Rugby League club,” a QRL spokesperson said.

“The TRL is conducting an investigation in line with standard procedure.

“As the QRL is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for everyone who chooses to be part of the rugby league community, we welcome this investigation and will continue to closely monitor the process and TRL outcomes.

“The QRL is committed to working closely with its Indigenous Advisory Committee to strengthen its cultural awareness programs underpinned by our Reconciliation Action Plan launched in 2020.”

On its website the QRL describes the Reconciliation Action Plan a key strategic document that formally recognises the game’s commitment to fostering reconciliation and inclusiveness on and off the field.

The initiative is aligned to the QRL Diversity and Inclusion Framework and is the culmination of an 18-month project led by the league’s Indigenous Advisory Committee.

At the heart of the RAP is a commitment to further develop the capacity and reach of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rugby league through the development of sustainable partnerships and activities.

The QRL currently works collaboratively with a number of community organisations, including Deadly Choices, FOGS and the Arthur Beetson Foundation.

The RAP features 14 “action” points, all of which aim to drive community and social improvement outcomes throughout the state.

EARLIER

A Toowoomba Rugby League club has come under fire after a ‘Mad Monday’ celebration photo featuring people in what appears to be blackface was posted to social media before being removed after severe backlash.

The image obtained by The Chronicle appears to show one Highfields Eagles senior rugby league player dressed in ‘blackface’ as Michael Jordan and another dressed as Usain Bolt.

The image briefly appeared on the club’s Facebook page and was condemned by members of the public before being removed.

“The club is aware of the image and the allegations and is in communication with Toowoomba Rugby League to discuss the appropriate course of action,” a Highfields Eagles spokesman said.

TRL chairman Joe Hannant confirmed the incident is under investigation.

“The TRL has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to inappropriate behaviour of any nature,” he said.

The Highfields Eagles have come under fire after an image surfaced of people dressed in blackface during the club's Mad Monday celebrations.

“We are aware of this alleged incident and have started an investigation.

“We are currently in the process of collecting all the necessary information needed so that we can best determine the appropriate course of action.”

Brothers Rugby League club president and respected south west Queensland Indigenous community leader Lizzie Adams condemned the use of blackface.

Ms Adams, who has been a key figure in a campaign to call out and heavily punish racist behaviour in the community this year, was shocked and disgusted by the latest incident.

“I really don’t know what to say anymore,” Ms Adams said.

“With all that has been going on lately, when you look and think about the current environment, how does this even happen?

“Even if that is your favourite athlete or player, why would a non-Indigenous person dress up like that.

“It’s completely inappropriate and very insensitive.”

The blackface image is the latest in a string of incidents related to racism that have engulfed the TRL in recent weeks.

A Pittsworth man is currently appealing the severity and length of his 10-year ban after being caught on video racially taunting a player.

The man in August pleaded guilty to conduct which is or is likely to bring the game into disrepute and breaching any material terms of the NRL Code of Conduct, and a TRL disciplinary tribunal punished the individual with a blanket decade-long exclusion order from all rugby league activities.

An appeal against the punishment was heard by the QRL Central Region Appeals Tribunal on September 15, with the body adjourning its decision “to consider all evidence presented”.