Newtown Lions disappointed and shocked by TRL termination

A shocked Newtown Lions have responded to Toowoomba Rugby League’s decision to terminate their membership ahead of the 2025. Read what the club said here.

Newtown Lions players line up before an A-grade game against Brothers in 2022. Newtown have been kicked out of the Toowoomba Rugby League following a review of their 2024 season. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Still reeling from Toowoomba Rugby League’s decision to terminate their membership, Newtown Lions have vowed to fight for their future.

Club officials released a statement following the decision which was made last Wednesday.

“The Newtown Rugby League Club is shocked by the termination of its Membership from the TRL,” the club said.

“The Club was of the belief the charter from the QRL and ARL was to harbour growth and the development of the game of Rugby League.

“The Newtown Rugby League Club acknowledges that the 2024 season was a very tough one on and off the field and there is a distinct lack of support from the TRL regarding these matters.

“The Newtown Rugby League Club has a proud history and it’s vital that we continue the fight to have this club reinstated in some form to the TRL.”

TRL chairman Joe Hannant said the decision is the result of weeks of deliberation with Newtown before the TRL committee made an unanimous vote earlier this week.

“We have had a number of meetings and there has been a lot of deliberation around it and we explored every possible avenue,” Hannant said.

“We met with a representative of the club on Saturday hoping for some assurances and answers around their plans on and off the field for 2025.

“Unfortunately we were not satisfied with the outcomes there.

“It was not an easy decision.

“We were very reluctant but ultimately it’s for the health of the entire competition and the 11 others clubs we have to consider.”

TRL announced its decision early Wednesday morning but warning signs pointing to Newtown’s demise have been present since midway through the season.

Lions started this season with A and Reserve Grade men’s squads and a women’s team.

The A-grade side struggled early before dropping out of the competition midway through the season.

As the year progressed the Reserve grade team started to waiver and struggled for numbers at times.

“If you look at the season things capitulated pretty badly,” Hannant said.

“They started with two men’s teams before their A-grade team forfeited at about the halfway point and there times when the Reserves struggled as well.

“The club’s financial stability has also been a concern for us.

“We met with the club halfway through the season and raised our concerns … it’s been long process since then.”

TRL’s decision means Newtown will not be able to field any senior men’s or women’s teams in 2025.

Hannant however said the door is not shut on any future return.

He believes it could be an opportunity for the club to strengthen and return better in the future.

“The door is definitely not shut for Newtown,” he said.

“We are 100 per cent willing to work with any current or new committee to help reinvigorate the club.

“Sometimes these decisions need to made to get the right people aware of a situation and the right people into clubs.

THE STATEMENT RELEASED TO THIS MASTHEAD

The Toowoomba Rugby League (TRL) today announced it has terminated the Newtown Lions Football Club’s membership, effective immediately.

TRL Chairman Joe Hannant stated that this decision follows a thorough review of Newtown’s 2024 season performance and its ongoing capacity to meet competition requirements.

“After a review, which included a discussion with a Newtown representative, we decided to terminate Newtown’s membership with the TRL,” Hannant said.

“We thank Newtown for their recent participation and wish them well in the future.”