Thirty players and officials from the Group Four Rugby League competition have announced their withdrawal from the league in reaction to the unresolved suspension of Mathew Nean. This decision comes after a meeting that failed to produce a resolution regarding Nean’s 20-year ban, which was imposed in 2016 for alleged deliberate contact with a referee—an accusation he has consistently denied.
The meeting intended to address Nean’s situation did not yield any formal outcomes. As a result, the players who had previously hinted at taking action have now made their stance public. Chris Vidler, a prominent Indigenous player involved in the strike, expressed the frustration felt by the group. “We said last week we weren’t bluffing,” Vidler stated. “This isn’t about headlines. This is about standing up when something isn’t right.”
Vidler highlighted the personal toll Nean’s suspension has taken. “Matt has already lost nearly ten years of his life in the game. We’ve watched him be locked out of grounds, unable to coach, unable to even support his kids properly on the sideline,” he said. The players had hoped for a resolution during the recent meeting, but that hope was dashed.
The players’ position is clear: they will continue their strike until Nean’s suspension is formally lifted or pardoned. The original incident that led to Nean’s ban has been a point of contention. Supporters argue that the video evidence shows only incidental contact, a claim that was not adequately considered during the original tribunal process. This has raised questions about the fairness of the disciplinary actions taken under the authority of the NSW Rugby League.
“This isn’t a protest for protest’s sake,” Vidler added. “This is about whether community footy still understands fairness.” The players who have joined the strike include representatives from various clubs, demonstrating a unified front in their demand for change.
Among the players who have confirmed their participation in the strike are:
– 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
– Farren Lamb, Narrabri Blues
– Billy Nean, Boggabri Kangaroos
Others include players and officials from Kootingal Roosters, Werris Creek Magpies, and various other teams, underlining the widespread support within the community for Nean’s cause.
The players have expressed a commitment to maintaining their action until they see significant progress in the handling of Nean’s case. As they stand together, they emphasize the importance of compassion and fairness in the sport, urging the community to reflect on how the system treats its members.
