Media threats, security guards, forced apologies: Strong-arm tactics leave infamous bush footy club on brink of extinction

The club claims there have also been unfounded accusations of violence and racism.

The well-known Dora Creek Swampies claim it was unaware of a by-law which resulted in their shock week one omission from the finals series of the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League (NHRL) competition.

The rule introduced earlier this year by the NHRL stated that any club who forfeited a game over the final three rounds will be booted from the finals.

With only 12 fit players, Dora Creek forfeited a game against Lakes United last week due to 19 players being unavailable, which was conveyed to the NHRL via a detailed email listing every player’s injury.

Dora Creek was furious at being ejected for the rest of this season - they ran fifth in an eight-team competition - but that anger heightened when told their replacement in the finals was West Wallsend Magpies, who also forfeited a game inside the final three rounds.

Despite extensive and emotional attempts, Dora Creek – who was due to play Cardiff in the finals this Saturday - has been unable to glean any reason for their demise from the NHRL.

With Dora Creek having been reduced to one senior team in recent seasons, there are now fears the club - which reached five successive grand finals, winning four, between 2019 and 2023 - will collapse.

In an August 15 email to the NHRL, Dora Creek assistant secretary Adam Bryant vehemently protested his side’s omission from the finals, writing: “Who benefits from this? The success Dora Creek had between 2019 and 2023 had never been seen before and likely to never be seen again in the Newcastle and Hunter competition.

“Five losses, 11 forfeits and 49 wins in five seasons had us hated. Despised. People didn’t like to see the small town at the end of the lake sticking it to the big clubs.

“Teams couldn’t beat us on the field so they started resorting to desperate measures. Violence and accusations of racism were thrown at the club most weeks, and unfairly we were always guilty before given the chance to defend ourselves.”

Dora Creek president Harley Farrugia - who tips in $100,000 a season through sponsorship - claimed his club was “spewing” at the NHRL’s decision.

“It’s piss poor,” Farrugia said. “We haven’t got any answers. No calls have been returned, emails. That by-law was sent in a ‘request for submission’ email to clubs in December but we didn’t actually get our request. We’ve been kicked out through an email we knew nothing about. We just want some answers. We feel like we’ve been knifed.

“We legitimately only had 12 players available for our game. We had 19 players out through injuries or work commitments. This has put a sour taste in my mouth. It’s dubious as to whether we will field a team next year. It’s going to be very hard from here, as sad as that is.”

Farrugia said the NHRL refused to “specify” why West Wallsend have been granted entry into the finals, despite failing the criteria.

“How the hell does West Wallsend, who forfeited twice in the normal season and once inside the final three rounds, come in? How can this team take our spot when they’re in the exact same situation. We just want answers,” he said.

It can now be revealed how Dora Creek was treated by the NHRL after the club returned to Newcastle competition this season playing a year in The Central Coast premiership. In a March 4 condition of entry email to the club, the NHRL made several requests, which included:

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The NHRL sought medical certificates for all 19 players less than 24 hours before the Swampies were kicked out.

David Hoban, who coached Dora Creek to the club’s four straight premierships, added: “I retired from coaching after 2024 because I couldn’t continue working with (the NHRL). The NSWRL must complete a full review into how the NHRL is administered.”

A senior figure from the NHRL refused to answer questions when contacted by this masthead, only saying: “I’m not going to explain it to you. We don’t have to comment on what our decisions are. I’ve got to go, thank you.”