The Macleay Valley Mustangs’ committee members and coaches had a meeting to examine the club’s immediate future in the Group Three Rugby League competition on Tuesday night.
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At the conclusion of the discussions, Mustangs’ president Tim Moorehead recognised it wasn’t time to push the emergency button.
Despite losing players to rival clubs, injuries and various work commitments, the Mustangs still have enough players on their books to compete in all four grades.
However, Moorehead admits the longevity of the senior sides this year rests on the shoulders of the players.
“We are relying on player commitment to be able to remain in all grades this year,” Moorehead told the Argus.
“We need players to be turning up to training and on game day.
“We will play all four grades this Sunday and reassess the situation next week.”
The Mustangs’ crisis meeting came three days after they fielded only 12 players in reserve grade and 13 in first grade on the road against the Wingham Tigers.
The first grade game was called off at half-time, with the Mustangs trailing 62-0.
The Tigers don’t have an Under-18s side in 2018 and therefore no junior Mustangs players were available to back up in the senior grade.
“It didn’t help not having the Under-18s there but we don’t want to rely on them to back up and play in the senior grades,” Moorehead said.
“There is definitely some players who are good enough and will benefit from playing up but we don’t want to be desperate for numbers.”
The Mustangs’ backs will be against the wall this Sunday when they face the two-time defending premiers the Port City Breakers in a grand final rematch.
Moorehead is hoping the community will turn up to support its local club.
If you can’t make it to the game, it will be streamed live on BarTV.
