Cabramatta Leagues Club has made the surprising decision to withdraw their teams from both the Ron Massey and Sydney Shield competitions after only two rounds of play. The Two Blues, who had just returned to the Ron Massey competition following a multi-year hiatus, were performing well, remaining unbeaten in both competitions. However, financial challenges have forced the club to pull its teams from competition.
This decision has left many young players devastated, as they are likely unable to find new clubs and may face a year off without the chance to play in the upcoming 2025 season. An upset parent voiced their frustration, questioning how such a situation could be allowed to occur when these young athletes had dedicated their summer to training and started the season on a high note.
In a statement released on social media, the club explained that the decision to enter the competitions was contingent upon securing adequate funding through sponsorships. It had been previously determined back in August 2024 that both teams would only compete if they had full financial backing. Unfortunately, the sponsorship deals did not materialise as anticipated, leading to unapproved agreements being signed and teams being put into competition.
As a result, after two matches, the board decided the risks associated with continued participation were too great, prompting the withdrawal to avoid jeopardising the club’s financial stability. This has sparked discussions about the role of the NRL or potential sponsors stepping in to provide the necessary support to prevent such situations from recurring. The loss has significantly impacted the local community, as the club has deep roots and the players are part of a larger family of supporters and fans.