Aug 27th, 2017

Aug 27th, 2017

There were remarkable scenes in Adelaide yesterday when a team boycotted the South Australian grand final and police were called to disperse the crowd.

Several hundred fans turned up to watch the game and were left bitterly disappointed when players from the South Adelaide club - the reigning premiers - went down on one knee in a silent protest as the game was about to start.

The referee had no choice other than to call the game off and award the game to the opposition, the Central Roosters.

South Adelaide assistant coach Adam Parkinson told Wide World of Sports the club decided on the drastic course of action to highlight their anger at the way the South Australian Rugby League is run.

“We find the way the game is conducted in this state to be disgraceful,” the source said.

“Clubs are left in the dark by the SARL, there are secret meetings held, we don’t get told where funds go and often don’t even know what games we are playing.

“The game in this state is dying and we felt we had to do this for the NRL to take notice.”

The Roosters were stunned by South Adelaide's stance.

“We heard rumours of a boycott during the week but ran out onto the field expecting to play a tough grand final,” coach Howard Burke said.

“We understand their stance but frankly it is immature in my opinion and what they did was an insult to the game.

“I woke up this morning with the grand final trophy on my kitchen table but frankly it is a very hollow feeling.”

The South Australian RL put out a one paragraph statement after the embarrassing events.

“The ISC Cup Grand Final has been cancelled due to misconduct by the South Adelaide Club. The game has been awarded to the Central Roosters.”

South Adelaide are now set to get their wish - with the NRL certain to investigate the incident.