BY JOHN DAVIDSON
The RFL has pressed Whitehaven RLFC for an explanation after it was revealed the club’s players have refused to play the rest of their games this season.
It has been a nightmare year for Whitehaven with financial issues, player scandals and off-field trouble.
Head coach Jonty Gorley quit on Sunday and was followed by the team manager and his support staff. On Tuesday evening it was reported by new head coach Kyle Amour that the players would not fulfill the rest of their league fixtures in 2024 unless things changed.
An RFL spokesperson said: “Having become aware of the latest developments at Whitehaven through the media on Tuesday evening, the RFL has contacted relevant officials seeking an explanation, and impressed on the club their obligation to fulfill fixtures – and the severe sanctions for failing to do so.
“We expect to be kept updated today, and Rugby League Cares have been in contact with the playing group to offer their support.”
Under the RFL rules, if Whitehaven forfeited games then a 48-0 result would be given to their opponent and the club could also face a charge of bringing the sport into disrepute.
On Tuesday Amor said in an interview posted on the club’s Facebook page: “I’ve arrived and as I was driving up, things have materialised over the last 24 hours that have made a lot of the current people unable to work with the board here at Whitehaven Rugby League.
“Unfortunately, by the time I got here, I’ve landed with no performance staff, team managers and I’ve had a conversation with a group of players who are fully united in that they will not play any remaining fixtures in this season for Whitehaven Rugby League unless some drastic measures and conversations can happen between them and the board.
“It’s been well documented over the last couple of years the troubles the club has had. This is just another season and another piece of evidence where the organisation at board level down to the playing staff is broken.
“A lack of trust there between them all, and unfortunately without one you can’t have the other. That’s where we’re at right now.”
Whitehaven are in a relegation battle and currently sit in 13th spot, second from bottom above last-placed Dewsbury. They are scheduled to face the Rams this Sunday.
Haven have six games left in the season and after Dewsbury face York at home, Wakefield away, Barrow away, Batley away and Halifax at home.
