PORT Macquarie Sharks legend Anthony Fenton has branded the Port City Breakers “cowards” after the Group 3 premiers pulled out of a proposed charity match to assist well-respected local rugby league mentor Greg Baggott.
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The game, which also had the backing of the Men of League foundation and ARL Hall of Fame recipient Harry Wells, was expected to come to fruition early next season at the Regional Sports Stadium.
Baggott, one of the area’s favourite sons, has been battling motor neurone disease for the past few years.
Last month, Mid North Coast Branch of the Men of League chairman Brian Atherton told the Port News the “inaugural” encounter between the rival organisations had “the potential to be bigger than a Group 2 or Group 3 grand final”.
“Someone mentioned Greg’s (Baggott) plight to us, and the group’s NSW governing body has agreed that he is a worthy recipient of their assistance.
“We’d like it to be an annual match.
“So, in the future, they (Sharks and Breakers) can raise money for local charities and the clubs themselves.”
But, the initial proposal has been rejected by the Breakers, a move which has angered Fenton, who guided the Sharks to numerous titles during his reign.
“Apparently, their (Port City) executive wasn’t in favour of it,” he said.
“I spoke to the Breakers’ coach Daniel Dumas and committee man Dudley Millard, who indicated they were keen, but president Peter Hesse said he didn’t see any benefit to the showdown.
“He also made the claim that some members of their club didn’t even know Greg.
“That fact, in itself, is disappointing.
“There are not many guys who have done more for rugby league players in this town than Greg Baggott over the past 20-25 years.
“This is not about the Breakers or the Sharks, or Group 2 or Group 3.
“It’s about the game of rugby league – and the chance to help someone out.
“We were hoping to play the ‘local derby’ once a year, and assist a different charity on each occasion.
“I can’t believe they (Port City) would not jump at it.
“They’re cowards as far as I’m concerned.”
Hesse strongly defended the claims that the Breakers had reneged on a deal.
“There has been no correspondence between the two clubs, until I spoke to Steve Manton (Sharks president) on Tuesday,” he explained.
“Since then, I’ve discussed the situation with the Men of League, Tony Pascoe and Anthony Fenton.
“And, like I told them, our committee will sit down and talk in early January, however, the coaching staff is not too eager to commit at this stage.
“So, I respect what they have to say.
“As far as I’m aware, we don’t have an agreement with anyone – only presumptions the game would go ahead.”
