THE fallout from last week’s Group 3 meeting took another twist yesterday as representatives from the Mustangs Rugby League Club flew to Sydney to meet with Country Rugby League (CRL) CEO Terry Quinn.
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A contingent including president Dave Fernando made the trip to discuss whether they would be allowed to play in the 2015 competition.
Speaking to the Argus yesterday afternoon, Fernando said the talks had been productive.
“There is still some work to do but we are happy with the progress that has been made,” he said.
“We will present a case at the Group 3 AGM along with the other clubs as to why we should be allowed back in the competition and go from there. No one is guaranteed a spot in next year’s competition and we are no different.”
The Mustangs were crowned the Group 3 premiers in what was their debut season with in the competition after a golden point victory against Wauchope in September’s grand final.
Last week, their fairytale turned into a nightmare when the Group 3 Board of Management announced that it was going to permanently suspend the Mustangs from the competition as a result of posts made by members of the club on social media.
The board cited ongoing breaches of the National Code of Conduct as the reason for their decision.
It caused a stir in the local community with many left wondering why the whole team was forced to bear the brunt of individual indiscretions.
Less than two days after Group Three sent out a media release regarding their decision, the Mustangs contacted the CRL to arrange the meeting.
Fernando said he hopes the community can get behind the club in the lead up to the Group 3 AGM.
“It would be great if people like Mayor Liz Campbell and former players could support the club in presenting its case,” he said.
The Mustangs will also lodge an appeal regarding Nigel Hookey’s suspension.
