Gang violence fears could see Sydney junior rugby games cancelled

Penrith and Districts Junior Rugby League Club has sent a letter its members advising police “will be cancelling matches across the state from this weekend where intelligence suggests everyone’s safety is compromised”.

The letter from Panthers Juniors general manager Nathan Mairleitner, seen by 9news.com.au, advises police are carrying out investigations around the Rugby League fraternity across Sydney.

It says police will be contacting sporting clubs to identify players “making threats and/or plans to instigate violence on fields, this includes correspondence on players being joined in by spectators being armed with weapons”.

“Most importantly, Detective Chief Inspector (Darren) Newman wants clubs to understand when clubs know about conversations or group chats in and around playing groups, they must report in to the PDJRL and police,” the letter continues.

Mairleitner’s “open letter” strongly suggests it be shared with all players, coaches, parents and spectators, and warns that players and teams will be removed from the competition if they are found to be involved in organising violence on or off the playing field.

9News understands police cancelled one match last weekend after being warned about probable violence.