GUNDAGAI’S loss of points on the Sullivan Cup table will not stop Brothers from playing the Tigers in their scheduled under-16 game at Equex Centre on Saturday.
In a breakthrough decision, Brothers secretary Bob Hay has revealed the Brethren will fulfil their commitment against Gundagai.
“Brothers under 16s are definitely playing Gundagai, and are happy to do so with or without the under-15 players from Cootamundra,” Hay said. “Brothers are in full support of Gundagai under 16s remaining in the competition, and retaining the points they have earned from the games they have played this season.”
Hay’s announcement comes at a time when Gundagai’s position in the Sullivan Cup competition is at the centre of debate.
The Gundagai team has been effectively stripped of premiership points as a result of a deal made earlier in the season to allow two Cootamundra players to bolster the Tigers numbers.
Hay said Brothers understood there were “some grey areas” regarding the arrangement.
“We firmly believe that the under-15 Cootamundra players should have been granted the portability permits to play with Gundagai 16s, but understand that there is some grey areas around the rulings on these,” Hay said.
It is understood the Group Nine board discussed Gundagai’s under-16 situation at a meeting on Tuesday.
The Tigers had been entrenched in the top five of the Sullivan Cup competition but are now listed on the table in last place with no points.
