Roosters explain decision to forfeit Wyong game
The Woy Woy Roosters has explained its decision to forfeit its first grade round 18 rugby league game against Wyong on Sunday, August 25.
The club said in a "club statement" it had no choice but to forfeit the game due to the numbers of "concerning injuries" its players were carrying.
"We have no less than 25 listed players carrying severe injuries," the statement said.
"Our qualified sports training staff acknowledged the extent of our injuries.
"Multiple are season-ending, yet we tried our best to get teams on the park each week.
"Our duty of care for our players has been stretched this season but full credit goes to our players for wanting to do this for our club.
"Our training staff have also done an amazing job to get a lot of these players on the field."
The club stated: "Unfortunately we don't have the luxury of having four grades to call on to help out when needed.
"In multiple games this season, our first grade players have played reserve grade then backed up to play first grade so we don't forfeit.
"Our reserves (have also been) playing full games in reserves then backing up for first grade.
"Our women's team also has struggled with injuries and work commitments and most weeks have only ever had the bare minimum available.
"This was highlighted with a courageous win last week with only nine girls left standing and one of those played on with a broken nose.
"The last thing we wanted to do as a club was to throw our young guys into what would have been a hostile situation at Wyong given the incident that occurred earlier in the season.
"We wish to move on and prepare a team that will be competitive in next Saturday's semi-final clash against The Entrance."
Woy Woy won the minor semi-final against The Entrance 26-12.
SOURCE:
Social media, 27 Aug 2024
Woy Woy Roosters RLFC