Thirty players and officials from the Group Four rugby league competition have officially announced their withdrawal from all matches, following the failure to resolve the ongoing suspension of Mathew Nean. This decision was made after a meeting where Nean’s case was discussed but no formal resolution was reached. The players, having previously warned of potential action, have now taken a definitive stance.
Prominent among the strikers is Chris Vidler, an Indigenous player who expressed the group’s frustration. He stated, “We said last week we weren’t bluffing. This isn’t about headlines. This is about standing up when something isn’t right.” Vidler highlighted the personal toll on Nean, noting that he has already lost nearly a decade of his life in the sport due to the suspension. “We’ve watched him be locked out of grounds, unable to coach, unable to even support his kids properly on the sideline,” he remarked.
The players articulated that their protest revolves around a fundamental question of fairness within the community. According to Vidler, “When compassion disappears, people in the community start asking whether the system treats everyone the same.” The group’s position remains firm: they will continue their withdrawal from competition until Nean’s suspension is either formally lifted or pardoned.
Nean was suspended in 2016 after being accused of deliberately making contact with a referee, a claim he has consistently denied. Supporters of Nean argue that video evidence from the incident shows only incidental contact, a detail that was not considered during the initial tribunal process. Since the ban, Nean’s case has been subject to various administrative changes under the authority of the NSW Rugby League.
“This isn’t a protest for protest’s sake,” Vidler emphasized. “This is about whether community footy still understands fairness.” The players’ action reflects a broader concern regarding the treatment of individuals within the sport and the integrity of the governing bodies.
The group of players and officials includes notable figures from various clubs, such as:
– Chris Vidler – Moree Boars
– Chris Hunt (Coach) – North Tamworth Bears
– Michael Watton (Captain/Coach) – Moree Boars
– Mathew Wilson (Captain/Coach) – Dungowan Cowboys
– Steve Donovan – Dungowan Cowboys
– Malakai Johnson – Dungowan Cowboys
Others involved in the strike span multiple teams, including the Narrabri Blues, Werris Creek Magpies, and various players from the Kootingal Roosters. Their collective action underscores a significant moment in the Group Four competition, as they call for a reevaluation of Nean’s ban and a commitment to fairness in the sport.
As the strike unfolds, its impact on the upcoming matches and the overall dynamics of the Group Four competition remains to be seen. The players’ determination reflects a deep-seated commitment to what they believe is right and just within their sporting community.
