Multiple suspensions after all-in brawl

A total of 11 under-17 rugby league players from Umina and Kincumber have been suspended for between five weeks to three and a half years after an all-in brawl broke out between the teams at MacKillop Oval, Kincumber, on Sunday, May 29.

Eight of the players are believed to be from Umina and there doubts whether the club will be able to continue to field an under-17 side.

Players faced the judiciary last week with one player failing to attend. He has been suspended indefinitely.

Both Central Coast Rugby League and the Umina Rugby League Football Club have been tightlipped about the incident.

Central Hunter regional manager with Country Rugby League Mr Geoff Todd was reluctant to give details of the suspensions and was unwilling to confirm the number of Umina players suspended.

Umina secretary Mr Ian Sonter refused to comment until an inquiry has been completed.

Club treasurer Mr Kevin Hulls said: "The incident on Sunday is under investigation by the Umina Beach Rugby League Football Club and Central Coast Division of Rugby League and no comment will be made until that investigation is complete.

"No Under-17s player in 2011, prior to last weekend has been sent off or cited to appear before the Central Coast Division of Rugby League Judiciary," he said.

"No player at Umina Beach RLFC in 2011 has been suspended or found guilty of any striking, fighting or foul play charges.

"No senior player from Umina Beach RLFC has been suspended for any reason in almost three years.

"These statistics are fact and furthermore are testament to the character of our club and our players.

"For any club on the Central Coast, NSW or in fact Australia, in any football code to field three senior sides, over 50 senior players every week for almost three years and not have a player suspended for any reason is a credit to that club," he said.

"The Umina Beach RLFC, its players, supporters and sponsors are extremely proud of these facts, facts that would be the envy of most clubs around the country."

Kaitlin Watts, 23 Jun 2011 Interviewee: Geoff Todd Media Release, 5 Jun 2011 Kevin Hulls, Umina Beach RLFC