Toowoomba Junior Rugby League penalises clubs after racism case

The mother of a teenage boy allegedly racially abused during a junior rugby league game in Toowoomba has demanded officials reveal the punishments handed down to the perpetrators. Full reaction and the governing body’s response here.

The mother of a teenage boy allegedly racially abused during a junior rugby league game in Toowoomba has demanded officials reveal the punishments handed down to the perpetrators.

With the backing of a rugby league immortal’s son, the mother has called for greater transparency in a bid to keep players and clubs accountable amid the fight to rid the game of racism.

It comes as Toowoomba Junior Rugby League finalised its investigation into allegations a 15-year-old boy and his Indigenous teammates from South Burnett were the focus of racist abuse during a match between Gatton and South Burnett on Saturday, June 10.

But incredibly the governing body has chosen not to publically reveal details of the punishments handed down, nearly two months after one of the players targeted locked himself away in his room post-game.

“I know in my heart that I did the right thing when I reported to an official what was being said at that game,” the mother of the victim said.

“When we got home my son locked himself away in his room - it was the first time he had ever experienced anything like that, it hurt him and he had no idea how to deal with it.

“I have experienced racism all my life but I will damned if my children and grandchildren have to experience it anymore

“I don’t need to know the names but I think everyone should know the balance of the punishments - how the clubs were punished and how the people involved were punished as well.

“We also need to know the clubs are doing the right thing as well - teaching their players and officials a lesson, telling them what is acceptable and not standing for any of that (bad behaviour) in their clubs.”

Toowoomba Junior Rugby League president Dan Aldons. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TJRL president Dan Aldons released a statement to the media via email on Wednesday night and said the clubs and individuals involved in the incident would be contacted and penalties would be handed down.

“The Toowoomba Junior Rugby League (TJRL) were advised of incidents that occurred during an Under 15 game between Gatton and South Burnett on 10 June 2023 and received complaints about the conduct of several people involved in, or spectating at, the game,” the statement read.

“The TJRL investigated the matters in line with standard procedure.

“This investigation determined that some individuals from both clubs exhibited contrary conduct on the day.

“As such, a range of penalties have been implemented to the identified individuals and recommendations have been made regarding ongoing education and support for those involved.

“The TJRL is committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment in all our games.

“Abusive, aggressive, or discriminatory behaviour have no place in sports or society, and we will take appropriate actions to address these issues promptly.”

When pressed on details of the punishments Aldons declined to comment.

Brad Beetson, son of league legend Arthur Beetson, has thrown his support behind the mother and her son.

The proud Kabi Kabi and Wiradjuri man and member of the Queensland Rugby League Indigenous Advisory Committee said there is no place for racism - anywhere.

“More than 20 per cent of players in Queensland are Indigenous so it is very important we put a stop to racism,” Mr Beetson said.

“It’s not just a rugby league problem though, it’s a society problem.

“It (stopping racism) doesn’t end with penalties though.

“We need to use the programs (QRL) have in place to educate everyone we can.

“There is simply no place for racism anywhere.”