SECRETARY of Group 3 rugby league, Barrie Smith is happy to see the back end of the 2014 competition.
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He told the Port News earlier this week while there were a few highlights, the year was ruled mostly by controversy.
"This year has been very difficult," he said.
"It's been one of the hardest years I've been involved with.
"There has been a constant tsunami of incidents we have had to react to."
But Smith said the icing on the cake came with the grand finals which were played at Wauchope on the weekend but even that came with its own set of problems.
It was the most attended Group 3 final in history.
"And all four games were cracking," Smith said.
"We weren't too sure what to expect because crowds had been bad for the rest of the finals series, almost non existent.
"And then we had the biggest grand final ever."
But, again issues arose with crowd and traffic movement.
"Getting in and out was hard for everyone," he said.
"We slowed the process down because we searched the boot of every car.
"Having all that security and police presence cost us about $2000 for every game that was played so that impacted on the prize money for the winning teams."
While Smith is hoping for an improved season next year he said a major issue is already threatening future games.
"We've already highlighted a major issue for next year and that's referee numbers," he said.
"The day we can't supply referees we'll have to stop altogether.
"The refs have done a wonderful job this year and it's been a very high standard but the abuse they cop is unacceptable and that's causing the problems.